Lilly and Zach: Trip to Gyeongju

We took a short weekend trip with our friends Terry and Soonim to Gyeongju, which is the same place we went for the Cherry Blossoms. We didn't realize that this area is a very big tourist area and is known as the museum without walls. It was so nice to travel with people who have lived in Korea for years and speak the language. Soonim arranged all our meals and our activities, so we basically just enjoyed our tours!

We enjoyed a peaceful car ride while Lilly slept!

Toll roads are common in Korea, the toll gate's architecture is keeping with the old culture of the city.

Sitting on the floor (traditional) for lunch. It was an all vegetarian meal and was very delicious!

Lilly and Helen trying to sneak Zach some food.

After lunch we went to a famous temple called Bulguksa. Many of these places were destroyed when the Japanese took over, but most of the items within this area remained untouched.

Inside the building are carved statues, which guard the grounds/temples.

We were told this is the most photographed and popular area of the temple, where you can see all the various structures of the building.

I don't remember what this is...

That is Buddha

One of Soonim and Terry's friend met up with us and he took the kids on a little walk.

Dinner! Traditional Korean meal where you cook it yourself. We cooked pork and wrapped it in lettuce with other vegetables and sauces.

Ramon was excited to eat meat. Lilly was passed out on the floor behind him.

Terry was excited too, until he found out their burner wasn't on.

These "hills" are all over the city. They are tombs which house monarchs and family members along with their treasures. It's hard to say if these were looted by the Japanese and are just a pile of dirt now. Ramon and Lilly climbed to the top and had a nice view of the city.