Gyeongju-si, South Korea – 2026 – Part 2

Next stop, The World Heritage Historic village of Korea’s Yangdong which is Korea’s largest traditional village, illustrating the traditional culture of the Joseon dynasty. The thatched roof cottages are over 500 years old and there are about 160 old houses as well. 54 of the old houses are over 200 years old. I think it’s wonderful that they have preserved these buildings so we can all see and enjoy the traditions. And yes, people live here although we didn’t see very many people.

We went to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, constructed during Queen Seondeok’s reign in r. 632-647 making it the oldest existing astronomical observatory in all of East Asia. The observatory was built in a cylinder shape using 365 stones, symbolizing the number of days in a year. It fascinate me to think of this type of structure being that old and still standing, not getting touched by the environment or war or the ravages of time.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a Royal Tomb that was excavated in 1973 where they found over 11,500 artifacts. You are not allowed to climb this hill! Prison time or a large fine would be your reward.

We went to a Korean BBQ restaurant later that day and later that evening we went to Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond to see all the buildings and forest lit up.

The Korean BBQ place was very cool, we cooked our own food and then you ate it in big lettuce leaves, adding sauces or other items. I forget the name of the restaurant but it was a nice spot. It was delicious. It would be much the same as doing a raclette which is particularly popular in Quebec.

Next stop Busan !