Korea 2023 8/16 : First Time in Gyeongju and I Love it!

"One day, life might get so tough that you feel like you can’t go on. Don’t just lie still, struggle with all your might. Tell yourself you won’t die and must survive, no matter what. You’ll be able to breathe again." - When Life Gives You Tangerines

Day 8 - Monday, May 1, 2023

Today I am heading to Gyeongju, I supposed to be already in Daegu and stayed there today but I cancelled last minute since I bought a concert ticket for April 30 and need to stay for another day in Seoul instead. I couldn't extend my stay at Calistar Hotel (it was fully booked), therefore I searched another hotel and stayed at Philstay eventually for  one night. I checked out today in early morning and went to Seoul Station because I'm going to Gyeongju via KTX. I bought Korea Rail Pass for 2 Days (flexible days) via Klook Rp 1,288,787 so I decided to use it today. Gyeongju was a city that recommended by a friend of mine and I want to check it.

inside the Seoul Station

This Korea Rail Pass, you can use it for unlimited train rides throughout South Korea like KTX, Mugunghwa or ITX. I bought the 2 Days (flexible days) so this pass valid for 2 days within 10 days. I choose the flexible since I want it to be convenience following my changes of itinerary if any. And it happened though.

let's ride KTX to Gyeongju

I took KTX from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station, there was no Gyeongju Station so I need to take another bus to Gyeongju from Singyeongju. (update 2024 : Singyeongju Station change name to Gyeongju Station, you can search Gyeongju if you want to take KTX). The journey took around 2 hours.  My hostel is located in the center, Blue Boat Hostel, I took the 4-Bed Dormitory Female Only. I went directly to the hostel to check in, KRW 27,000/night. My room wasn't ready so I only put my luggage there, get ready and start to explore Gyeongju. I only stay for one night in Gyeongju.

arrived at Singyeongju Station

awww pretty daisy!

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

I took the bus to go here and started to explore around. There you also can rent Hanbok (Korean Traditional Clothes) I didn't try it so I don't know how much is it. The area was quite nice and lovely, you will see many traditional buildings, living exhibits, etc. I found a restaurant there and the Jjajjangmyeon (KRW 6,500) caught my attention so I ordered it for my lunch. At the Front Yard of the restaurant, I could spotted some Traditional games that looks interesting to try.

wandering around Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Woljeonggyo Bridge

Not far from the Traditional Village, I walked to see Woljeonggyo Bridge. I heard it's beautiful at night but I don't think I will have time to go back and check again. You can cross and walk along the river. It's free and it's beautiful to pass the bridge.

Woljeonggyo Bridge, located in Gyo-dong, Gyeongju, was originally constructed during the Unified Silla period (AD 676-935) but was destroyed during the Joseon dynasty. It was rebuilt in April 2018 as Korea's largest wooden bridge, following extensive historical research conducted from 1984 to 1986. According to the Samguk Sagi, the bridge was built in AD 760 during King Gyeongdeok’s reign, connecting Wolseong and Namsan. The initial reconstruction took place from 2008 to 2013, with final touches added between April 2016 and April 2018. This project has provided valuable insights for the restoration of other historical buildings. (source : VisitKorea)

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Next location is Cheomseongdae Observatory, this Observatory is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Apparently around this area was sooo pretty with so many different kind of flowers. Ohhh there was also Daisy flowers too, I loveee Daisy flower. Luckily the sky was so bright, the weather wasn't too cold so I don't have to dress too warm. For this trip I actually bought a small tripod and want to try to use it, I still didn't get used to and it was difficult for me haha, maybe later I will become more expert. I actually use this for the first time at Mr Sunshine Studio in Nonsan. 

It was hot by the way so I decided to stop by at a Cafe for coffee and cake. I had coffee with a sweet croffle (KRW 9,000)

I loveee this areaaa there were so many kind of flowers

loveeeee

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

I just walked to this place since the distance was still okay. This Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond is Palace complex & manmade pond with 3 islets, dating to circa 674 CE & filled with lotus in summer (source : Google).  Apparently, this area was quite huge to explore. Entrance Fee is KRW 3,000.  I spent some time there, I also took a rest and napping for a bit. Because the weather and ambience was just feels right and I love that.

Hwangnidan-gil

Well, I love this kind of area where you can see  lot of things, accessories, food, so many stores and this street also pretty crowded at that time. I love the vibes in this area. I tried Gyeongju Bread KRW 4,500 for 5 pcs, nice snacks. It's like small bread with red bean paste inside. There are so many cute cafes too in this street.

This restaurant was kind of intriguing me so I decided to get in and have some dinner before going back to the hotel. Naengmyeon KRW 9,000. The owner was really nice to let me know how to eat Naengmyeon so it will taste more delicious. It's such a heartwarming moment for me.

After good meal I decided to go back to the hotel because I was tired from walking a lot on that day. Anyway there was something interesting in the hostel that I just saw it for the first time ever in the hostel I ever encountered. There was a  foot massager in the lounge, everyone feel free to use it and it's free. Ohhh what a hospitality! Love that! I also love the ambience in this hostel, I met new friends there and turned out we had a same plan to visit Bulguksa Temple and go to Busan as well tomorrow. So yeah we will go together.

Tomorrow I'm planning to go to Bulguksa Temple and then go to Busan. So exciting! Thank you for reading my travel diaries. Ahh below the sneak peek of my hostel in Gyeongju. That massage machine was a plus point for this hostel, even though everything are great so far.

Take care,

MJ