GYEONGJU: CITY OF TOMBS

Two weekends ago I traveled to the city of Gyeongju for Fulbright's Fall Conference. The conference began Friday evening and ended with a closing dinner on Sunday night. Though the conference's main intent is for Fulbrighters to check in with cultural adjustment and share teaching trials and triumphs, its secondary role is to introduce us foreigners to the historical treasures of Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla dynasty. It is a city filled with giant hill-like tombs, ancient temples and palace grounds. The group spent all of Sunday on a bus tour of the city and saw less than half of its historical sites. Most impressive to me were the great tombs of kings and officials which sit beautifully preserved and alien-like around the city. Since my friend Sophia and I are not too far from Gyeongju we stayed later on Monday exploring the city center by bicycle (rented for only 10,000 Won for the day). It felt like the last beautiful day of fall, sunny and warm, but with an undeniable crispness on the breeze.

View of the lake outside our hotel. Gyeongju is one of those places most lovely in the fall.

Tombs of Gyeongju.

I found the simple tombs strangely beautiful and compelling.

Famous Hwangnam Bread Bakery, stumbled upon by mistake as we toured the city.

Piled stones at a temple. Reminded me of the stones piled on Jewish tombs in Poland.

The golden Buddha of Bulguksa Temple.

Entering Anapji Pond,  playground of the Silla kingdom.

Ready to bicycle, by Gyeongju's river.

Through city fields.

And such a beautiful sky.

Taken from the bicycle seat.