West Namsam: The Outdoor Museum

South of the city in Gyeongju National Park there is an area of small mountains and long valleys that is an outdoor museum. Buddhism was established as the state religion in the 7th-century AD. Pagodas and Buddha images dot the landscape.

We rode the bus to Samneung on the western side of Namsan (South Mountain) and followed the trail that takes you by the Buddhist monuments and the peak of Mt Namsan and down to Yongjang Village. All very easy to do as there are bus stops at the beginning and end of the trail, plus good signage on the trail.

Bus #500 bus dropped us off at the trailhead in Samneung and after getting a very good map from the information kiosk we headed up through the pines.




Headless Buddha.


We had to cross this dry stream bed to get to the first rock carving.




Then climb up to the seated Buddha, one of the highlights.






Most of the Buddha images face the West with great views.


There's a small hermitage/temple near the top.


Mount Namsam bulges with rock outcrops, most with a great view.


Near the summit is this Post Office where we sent a free postcard to my father in the US. Wonder if he gets it. ;-)


The usual warning.


This Buddha image carved into the rock face is officially closed but it's known as a place to pray for a male child thus you can see the couple, one wearing an orange jacket, bowing to the image.




Sun-Ling at the summit of Mt Namsam at 468 meters.


Next a steep downhill on a very easy-to-walk trail with jute rugs and repurposed tires to Yongjangsaji temple area. All that is left of the temple is a 3-layer granite pagoda and a seated headless Buddha. Some roof tiles are in the National Museum.








And on down the mountain following a dry stream bed to the bus stop in Yongjang village.




Back to our guesthouse.

Gyeongju: First Impressions

Gyeongju is a "coastal city" according to Wikipedia; however, we were so busy we never made the 30 minute bus ride to recommended hiking courses there. Gyeongju is more famously known as the historical sight of the Kingdom of Silla which ruled Korea for almost 1000 years leaving behind hundreds of large burial mounds, a palace with a moat, and enough artifacts to fill several museums. No wonder there are many UNSESCO World Heritage sights here. The Kingdom of Silla also established Buddhism as the state religion thus stone Buddhist pagodas and statues dot the landscape in the mountains and valleys south of town.

We established ourselves in the Momojein Guesthouse, 5 minutes from the train station, local bus stops, and within walking distance of many UNESCO World Heritage sites. With included self-serve breakfast, shared kitchen, a big black dog named Momo, and decidedly laid back atmosphere it was a the perfect place for us. Not to mention that Top Mart and Home Plus supermarkets are nearby and a Daiso is just around the corner.

Arriving before noon by train from Busan meant we had long afternoon to explore and after a provisioning trip to Top Mart we set off walking towards the National Museum. The wind was howling and we wished we had worn our wool hats.

Our first experience with KORAIL worked out well as we bought tix online, picked them up at Bujeon Station, and then took the 9:45 train to Gyeongju Station.


View from the train. It seems that every road in South Korea is lined with cherry trees.


We walked past this fire station at least once a day while in Gyeongju - it's near the Top Mart supermarket.


This pavilion houses a replica of the famous Bell of King Seongdeok now in the site museum.


Beautiful bell.


The cherry trees are in full bloom and our fellow tourists visitors love it.






Visitors love to dress up in Korean costume and roam around taking photos of themselves.


The Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory dates from 7th century. It's constructed from 365 stones, representing the number of days in a year.


We ended up at the free Gyeongju National Museum where the actual Bell of King Seongdeok, the largest bell in Korea, is kept. It was cast in 771 A.D.


The main museum building.


One of the highlights of the museum is the display of items, including a gold crown and a gold belt, found in the North Mound of Hwangnamdaechong Tomb. A few days later we visited the tomb site; amazing. Stay tuned.


the museum has a building dedicated to he Palace and Wolji Pond. A few days later we visited the palace and pond at night. Stay tuned.


The reconstructed Woljeonggyo Bridge.


Pano by Sun-Ling.


Walking home through the burial mounds.

Busan: Coastal Walk Part Two

Back at the BEXCO Station where by chance we ended yesterday's walk not realizing it was a cherry blossom viewing hotspot. So I take another gazillion photos with the only difference being that it's early morning, not late afternoon. haha.










Back to following the ribbons of the Galmaet-gil (Seagull Path) walking course. Notice the stylized seagull wings on the left of the sign.




Busan Cinema Studio




For the next 6 hours the Gwangan (Diamond) Bridge will be our constant companion and landmark.






We arrive at Gwangalli Beach.








At the far end of the beach there was a shop selling powered surfboards i.e. Jet Surf. They were very noisy, but cool. Watching them in action was mesmerizing and I did not get a decent photo, ;-( But I'm sure you can find a video online! and check out this video I took after the 2 stills.






Video link here.

And of course there was another section of cherry trees in full bloom.


Walking next to the bike path.










This person works long hours without flagging ;-). And their arm goes up and down tirelessly.






And finally a 4.7 km section, the Igidae Coastal Walk, which is comprised of paths, bridges, stairs, and viewpoints, and ends at the Orykdo Skywalk.






In this view from the Igidae Walk you can see all the way north past the Diamond Bridge to the Zenith and Sharp Towers to Dalmaji Hill (far right) where we started yesterday. Wow!




Looking south.


Hmmmm. Is that the right icon for Los Angeles? or Rome?




A carpet of jute for walking uphill. Nice.


The Orykdo Skywalk is down below jutting out a few meters over the rocks and sea.




Great views north from the Skywalk...


...although the view down to the rocks and sea is underwhelming. Good thing the Skywalk is free IMO.




Back to Seomyeon Station on Bus No. 24 which leaves every 5 minutes; just tap your T-Money card when you get on and off.


We did not see much of central Busan except for the area around Seomyeon Station. We'll have to return to Busan.


Our apartment is up on the 11th floor.