Hello! This is Rara. ^^
Winter has finally faded away, and the warm breeze of spring has arrived!
When spring comes, I always feel the urge to travel and see the beautiful blossoms. This time, I decided to visit Gyeongju, a city where Korea's ancient history is preserved like a "museum without walls."
I spent a wonderful 1 night and 2 days there with my loved ones. Gyeongju is not just a place with old ruins; it’s a place where you can truly feel the spirit of Korea’s past. Walking through the historical sites and sharing laughter made this trip a perfect healing experience.
Now, let me share the stories and photos from my memorable journey to Gyeongju!
The photo above is Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. It's a representative landmark of Gyeongju, built over 1,300 years ago. I was amazed by how the ancient stone structure still stands so beautifully against the blue sky.
Gyeongju is often called a "museum without walls" because you can find historic sites and beautiful traditional architecture everywhere you walk. Exploring these places with my loved ones felt like a true healing journey. Sharing these moments made every second of this trip so precious and happy.
Now, let me share more of my memorable spring journey to Gyeongju!
Since it was spring, there were so many beautiful flowers everywhere in Gyeongju!
The red flowers were especially striking, so I couldn't resist taking a picture of my lovely niece standing in front of them. The vibrant colors of the flowers and my niece's bright smile made me so incredibly happy.
Seeing her full of joy in this beautiful scenery was the most precious healing moment for me.
This vast green hill is actually an ancient royal tomb from the Silla Dynasty. Gyeongju is filled with these massive mounds, creating a landscape unlike any other city in the world. Walking among these giant tombs feels like stepping back 1,500 years in time.
This specific mound is Cheonmachong, one of the most famous royal tombs. Unlike others, visitors can actually step inside this one. It was a unique and slightly mystical experience to enter the final resting place of an ancient king.
Inside, I could see where the king was laid to rest and marvel at the magnificent gold crowns and other royal treasures discovered here (the items displayed inside are replicas, but the originals are nearby in the museum). It was truly an unforgettable encounter with history.
For lunch, we had a delicious bowl of Naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles). We ordered both Mul-naengmyeon (noodles in cold broth) and Bibim-naengmyeon (spicy mixed noodles).
Since Gyeongju is famous for its traditional food, the noodles were topped with savory beef pancakes, which made the taste even more special. The cool broth and spicy sauce were the perfect way to recharge our energy during our spring trip. It was a truly refreshing and satisfying meal!
After a satisfying lunch, we headed to Hwangridan-gil, the trendiest street in Gyeongju. This street is famous for its beautiful harmony of traditional Hanok buildings and modern cafes.
The highlight of our walk was trying the famous "Hwangnam Jjon-deugi" (chewy Korean snack). It’s a nostalgic snack reimagined with a spicy and salty seasoning—it’s so addictive! Waiting in line with my nephew to get this warm, freshly made snack was such a fun little moment. It was the perfect dessert for our spring stroll.
On the morning of the second day, while taking a peaceful walk around the lake near our pension, we spotted the hottest attraction at Gyeongju World! The sight of that massive roller coaster against the morning sky was breathtaking.
We momentarily thought about changing our plans just to try that ride. However, after checking the ticket prices, we decided they were a bit too expensive for a quick visit. Instead of feeling disappointed, we chose to head to the beautiful East Sea! Sometimes, the best part of a trip is making spontaneous decisions and following the road wherever it leads.
Instead of the amusement park, we chose to drive to the East Sea! When we arrived at the beach in the morning, the sky was overcast, and it looked like it might rain at any moment. However, the moody, grey sky and the sound of the crashing waves had their own unique charm. Even without the bright sun, the cool sea breeze and the vast horizon provided a different kind of healing for our hearts.
Isn't it amazing?
After driving along the coastal road for a while, we stopped at a cafe with an ocean view. And look at the weather! It feels like a miracle, but the dark clouds have cleared away, and the sky is now brilliantly blue. ^^
Sitting by the large window and staring at the sparkling East Sea made all my worries disappear. The contrast between the morning's gloomy sky and this bright sunshine made the moment even more special. It was the perfect place to wrap up our 1-night, 2-day journey with a peaceful cup of coffee.
My beloved niece, isn't she just too beautiful?
With the cafe's kind understanding, we were able to change her diaper comfortably. While there, we also enjoyed some delicious drinks, took photos with the ocean view, and had a brief but perfect rest.
The warmth of Gyeongju's people, along with its historic scenery and the lovely presence of my family, made this trip truly special.
Lastly, I’ll end this travel story with a photo of us looking so happy!!!
Riding around Hwangridan-gil on a 4-seater electric cart was the perfect finale. We had such a blast taking photos, eating snacks, and visiting cute prop shops. It was a time filled with laughter and joy.
Thank you so much for reading my story until the end. If you ever visit Korea, you must come to Gyeongju! It’s a city that will give you unforgettable memories and healing.
Until next time, goodbye!