Historical Bulguksa Temple

 I was looking for good place to see because I had extra days in South Korea.  Good thing I decided to go to Gyeongju which is about 3 hours by KTX express train from Seoul and 30 minutes from Busan.  Gyeongju has many varied historical, religious and scenic sights and makes for wonderful few days stay.

Among its many attractions is the Bulguksa Temple. This was constructed in 751 and served as the center of Stilla Buddhism and of prayer for protection against foreign invasion.  The temple was destroyed by Japanese invaders.  But was completely restored in the early 70s.

Its is a must see for anyone going to Gyeongju together with the nearby Seokgram Grotto.  The temple is accessible by commuter bus from the city centre.

Nami Island: Refreshing Day Trip from Seoul

Nami Island is a very popular shooting location for Korean telenovelas.  This is not surprising because it is scenic and a good place to relax being surrounded by water and trees.  There are a number of options to get here: by shuttle bus and by regular or express train.

I took the ITX express train and the trip from Central Seoul to Nami Island train station is only 45 minutes.  The place is good for  a day trip out of Seoul but if you truly like the place there are accommodations available for people who want to sleep on the island.

Seoraksan National Park: Into the Woods

A pleasant two hour bus ride from Seoul is the Seoraksan National Park.  This is a Unesco designated Biosphere Reserve.  The place has rocky landscape, jagged peaks, pine forests, and crystal clear streams and pools. I came at the start of autumn and the leaves were just beginning to change colors.  I guess the best time to come is mid autumn when the color of all the leaves have changed.

You can opt to stay a few days as there are lodging places in the area.  I decided to do a day trip and took the shortest easiest 2 hour mountain trail.  The park is a good place to go to relax after a few days spent going around urban modern Seoul.

Sungnyemum and Heunginjimun Gates: A Tale of Two Gates

Heunginjimun Gate

Heunginjeimun Gate

Sungnyemun Gate

Sungnyemun Gate

Seoul has eight gates but it is the Heunginjimun Gate and the Sungnyemum Gate which stands out.  The former is the eastern gate and the latter the southern gate.  Both were destroyed many years ago but have been faithfully restored.

I went out of my way to see the Sungnyemum Gate at night and it did not disappoint.  It was magnificently illuminated and was one of most picture pretty sights I saw in Seoul.