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Monday, April 21, 2008
Korea with Jeju (4-10 April 2008): Day 3
Sunday, 6 April 2008 @ Gyeongju (Day) and Jeju (Night)
Bulguksa - a world cultural asset by UNESCO
Headed for Bulguksa Temple after breakfast. It is in Gyeongu, an hour drive from Daegu. Many locals will drive to Gyeongu just to view the lovely cherry blossom trees.
When we were at Incheon, the trees were still barren, almost like winter. Colder too. And no sign of any flowers blooming. At Daegu, not much too but we do see some cherry blossom trees. However, on our way to Gyeongju, the view was spectacular, with many cherry blossom trees along the roadside.
 Side entrance of Bulguksa Temple (怫国寺).
 Both of us inside the temple.
 Jane inside Bulguksa Temple.
 Beside main stairway which leads up to main hall of temple.
 Roy beside main stairway.
 Main shrine within Bulguksa Temple.
 Ancient Tower inside Bulguksa Temple.
Is said to have treasure beneath and was dug up and placed in some museum.
 Jane in front of Ancient Tower.
 Roy in front of Ancient Tower.
 Buddha Tower inside Bulguksa Temple.
 Both of us in front of Buddha Tower.
 Square hole where one can view the head of Buddha.
Can you see?
 Within Bulguksa Temple.
 Close up of the structure.
Cherry Blossom Park
We then proceeded to the park just outside the temple and really had our fill of cherry blossoms.
 Cherry Blossom Park - 1
 Cherry Blossom Park - 2
 Cherry Blossom Park - 3
 Upon arriving at the park.
 Roy admiring cherry blossom.
 Close up of Cherry Blossoms.
 More Cherry Blossoms.
 Jane in Cherry Blossom Park.
 Roy under Cherry Blossom Tree.
 Roy so relaxed with Cherry blossom.
 Jane all happy with Cherry Blossoms.
 Roy with much cherry blossom above.
 Jane with much cherry blossom above.
 Carpark at Bulguksa.
 Another close up of cherry blossom before departing.
Cheomseongdae
Headed for lunch next and took a stroll to Cheomseongdae, oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.
 Beautiful sight during our walk to Cheomseongdae.
 People flying kites nearby.
 Cheomseongdae - Oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.
 Readings on Cheomseongdae.
 Both of us in front of Cheomseongdae.
Outside Cheomseongdae, the view was breathtaking and we went out to take some pictures.
 Both of us near Cheomseongdae.
 Jane near Cheomseongdae.
 Roy near Cheomseongdae.
 Jane on You Cai Hua field with cherry blossom tree far behind.
 Roy on You Cai Hua field with cherry blossom tree far behind.
 Jane on windy You Cai Hua field.
Bomun Lake
We were supposed to head for Bomun Lake to see more cherry blossom trees but because the traffic jam was really bad, our tour guide decided to show us where that is from the coach. It was a real pity we could not get down but well, the jam was really horrid.
 View of Bomun Lake from our coach.
 Another view of Bomun Lake showing the busy roadside.
 There was a theme park with roller coaster near Bomun Lake.
The journey back from Gyeongju back to Daegu to catch our domestic flight to Jeju should take an hour. However, due to the massive traffic jam, we took 2.5 hours. We almost missed our flight and both tour guides and bus driver were so worried.
This period was peak for people going Jeju and almost every flight was fully booked. So if we missed this flight, we would have to cancel Jeju for our trip already. Anyway, we made it. Thank goodness.
Jeju Island
We arrived at Jeju island, also known as Honeymoon island, about 8pm and were famished. Immediately, our guide buzzed us up the coach waiting for us and in less than five minutes, was at the restaurant where we were supposed to have our Ginseng Chicken.
Ginseng Chicken @ Jeju
 Ginseng Chicken Restaurant.
 Ginseng Chicken in Hot Stone Pot.
 Ginseng Chicken with noodles.
 Ginseng Display inside restaurant.
 Jane with Ginseng Display.
After dinner, we checked into Jeju Kal Hotel. Had wanted to take pictures of the hotel room but simply too exhausted. We got to know from tour guide that there is a casino in the hotel but closes pretty early about midnight but we did not go. Oh by the way, they only allow foreigners to enter the casino but not local Koreans. So if not many tourist/foreigner, they may close even before midnight.
Anyway, next day would be a full day of fun at Jeju island, so we decided to rest in our hotel room. And for once, we need not unpack our luggage and re-pack again as we were staying in this hotel for two nights.
Labels: Korea, Travel, Vacation
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My Wedding
by Glittering Angel @ 6:56 pm ||