In the historic capital of Korea, GyeongJu, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were our third and fourth World Heritage sites on this journey. A steep hike up to the grotto revealed an amazing stone arc-shaped room, housing a magnificent Buddha looking out over the countryside, surrounded by figures in bas-relief.
The ever-present Korean street markets were a hub of activity, with parasols, kimchee pots, and roasted insects. My Japanese friend told me she ate them as a snack when she was a child.
Traditional Korean lunch and dinner.
The peaceful, green hilly landscape marked the resting places of former rulers. Twenty-three tall grassy mounds, natural looking tombs, blended into the landscape in Tumuli Park. The cicadas called so loudly in the morning that I almost listened for a melody. One tomb was intact and open for viewing. The kings of the Silla dynasty were buried with adornments and favored possessions intended to equip or comfort the dead, to ward off evil, or to carry to life in the next world.
Nearby Anapchi Pond was clogged with lotus plants.
Other posts in South Korea: The soul of Seoul, Icheon pottery, busy Busan.
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
I wonder how many cultures/nations include insects in their diets. Maybe quite a few.
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It’s more common in Asia and Africa. I have seen them in markets in southeast Asia and have read about central Africa.
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The observatory and the ice storage are interesting. The food looks good–minus the insects.
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They are unusual historic structures that speak more to the life of the people who lived there. I didn’t try the insects.
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I continue to marvel at how like and yet unlike South Korea is to the North. There’s much here that looks familiar – the food (including the insects), the history (although the DPRK has few ancient buildings left after the war) and even the cosmos flowers. I would love to visit the South and see the differences and similarities for myself one day.
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I enjoy learning about your perspective on the similarities and differences, Sarah. Hope you get there some time.
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Thanks Ruth – at the moment I hope I get anywhere!!
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I know, me too!
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Such beautiful pictures – love the lotus plants! And wow, a 30-dish dinner … that must be something special to experience. I know that they say you’ll eat anything when you’re hungry – but I think (for now at least), I’ll pass on the insects ☺️.
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I did pass on the insects too. It was fun trying all the different little dishes in the meal, some I loved and some not. Thank you!
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It’s so beautiful – the colours, the flowers, the food. Apart from the insects, I’ll give those a miss 🙂
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I skipped the insects as well. South Korea tickled all my senses.
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If you eat insects, do they count as a tummy bug? Ha Ha. Sorry, I can’t get past this yet. Beautiful photos of scenery and life in this part of the world Ruth. Thanks for taking us there. Allan
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I wonder how that joke would translate to Korean? 😀 Thank you, Allan
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So many beautiful photos and temples, Ruth. No wonder South Korea’s Bulguksa temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – just look at those beautiful gardens and pagodas. I also love your photo of cairns left by visitors – it’s said that if you can add a stone to the top of a stack without it toppling over, your wish will come true. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Aiva. I believe in some places the cairns are a way to show you were there and pay your respects.
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The 30-dish dinner looks amazing though I own that I’d be hesitant to taste much of it. (I’m such a bad traveller when it comes to trying the local food.) I watch a lot of Korean TV shows and have seen these multi-dish dinners served in what I assume are fairly normal homes. If I do ever get to Korea I think I’ll get a food guide for a day – or at least for a dinner! Definite no to chili and the insects though.
Alison
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A food guide, now there’s an interesting idea. I’ve taken a street food tour in a couple of places. I couldn’t go for the insects either. Thanks, Alison
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These are such beautiful pictures. I especially liked the ones of the lotus and grassy mounds.
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Thanks. That area of GyeongJu was the part I loved the best, quiet serene and lovely.
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Your photos are just sublime, Ruth. You captured the essence of Korea (or as I imagine it). The contrast of colors was beautiful particularly the lanterns and purple flowers.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Kerry. This was the stop in Korea that I found most moving and beautiful.
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