Browsing the archives for the tips for tourists tag
As one of the few architectural structures left standing from the Silla Dynasty, Bunhwangsa (분황사) Temple is one of the “must see” historical sites in Gyeongju. Built in 634 C.E. by order of the legendary Queen Seondeok (선덕여왕), Bunhwangsa is most famous for its three-tiered pagoda. Originally built as seven or nine tiers, the pagoda [...]
This is perhaps my first ever official retraction here on Gyeongjublog. In my last post I was complaining about the terrible selection of western restaurants here in Gyeongju. Although my criticisms regarding “craptapulous fast-food joints” and “so-called Italian restaurants downtown” still stand, I made these comments before being introduced to the fine dining of 11 [...]
“Christmas” and “Gyeongju” are probably mentioned in the same sentence about as often as “Nascar” and “feta cheese.” However, like any tourist destination with a thriving resort industry, Christmas does indeed come to Gyeongju, and it does so with its own unique style. Over the last decade Christmas in Korea has gone from being observed [...]
It’s been a while, or should I say long while, since I last posted. My apologies. I’ve been swamped with writing papers for my Masters degree, so I haven’t had much time for blogging I’m afraid. Still, this is something worth positing about, so I’m hoping to get the word out in time. My friend [...]
To be honest the Korean urban lifestyle doesn’t really do much for me. Sure, I sometimes miss the art and culture, the night clubs and the convenience. But after living in London, Berlin and Barcelona, there’s really not anything new that I get out of big cities in Korea. All it takes is a walk [...]
Unfortunately, this is another story that’s coming just a bit late for summer vacation, but then again I’m one of those odd folks who actually prefer going to the beach in autumn. Perhaps the subtle melancholy in the air suites my temperament more, or maybe I just don’t like crowded beaches in summer. Either way, [...]
The official start of fall is less than a week away, meaning it’s time again for some of the best weather in Korea and its accompanying frenzy of festivals. Here in Gyeongju we can look forward to a few old favorites plus some changes and special events. First off, both vegetarians and Buddhist culture aficionados [...]
My apologies for being a bit slow in getting caught up from our vacation. As always, there have been some cool things happening in Gyeongju this summer, so here’s a belated rundown of some of the highlights: The time has come around again for the triennial Gyeongju World Culture ExpoZ. The fun kicked off on [...]
As part of another project I’ve got in the works at the moment, I put together a brief timeline of the history of Gyeongju which I’m posting it here with some photos. I hope that clearly and concisely portrays the dramatic thousand year rise and fall of the Shilla Dynasty and is subsequent rediscovery and [...]
The 19th century was a dark time for Korea (and sadly just a prelude to the horrors to come in the 20th century to come). Korea was still a feudal agrarian society and the nobility of the Joseon Dynasty had become bloated and corrupt, exacting heavy taxes and conscripting forced labor from the peasantry. Foreign [...]
