Woljeonggyo Bridge
Today we would be exploring some more of the sights around Gyeongju. We started by walking towards Woljeonggyo bridge.
Our walk took us past the Inwangdong ancient tombs…
And through Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village..
Before reaching the river and the Woljeonggyo bridge, a faithful reconstruction of the elaborate bridge that was originally built here in 760, but burnt down in the 1500s.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
After the bridge, we walked through the site of the fortress that used to be in the city towards Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The pond was built by the king in 674. Most people opt to visit when it’s illuminated at night, so had the whole place to ourselves!
Bulguksa Temple
From the palace we caught a bus to Bulguksa temple, also dating from the Silla kingdom. To reach the temple you first had to walk through some wooded paths up the hillside
The temple was still decorated with lanterns from the Lotus festival.
Dinner
After walking around the temple grounds, plus a stop for a cooling icecream, we took the bus back to Gyeongju and had a break at our accomodation.
For dinner we tried a small local Chimaek restaurant and had a fried chicken set meal, with their original soy and garlic dressing
Evening Illuminations
After dinner we headed back to the historic areas to see the evening illuminations.
We started at the observatory
And then revisted Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
