Exploring Gyeongju

A quick train ride got me from Andong to Gyeongju – UNESCO world heritage site and essentially an open museum with a bit of everything – from the graves of kings and a (massively commercialized) hanok area (we’d call it “old town” in the West) to several Buddhist temples and tons of Buddhist artifacts.

After arrival, dropping my stuff at the guesthouse and a quick lunch, I started out to explore the core town and the graves of kings. This being a long holiday weekend Monday it was CROWDED – way too many people for my taste. I made my way through the Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex (essentially a park with hilly mound graves) via the observatory (supposedly the oldest in Asia) and on to the National Museum. This one was packed as well, I eventually aborted my visit, as I was not even able to read through the explanations with people pushing behind me. I made my way back into town, moved into my room, to eventually find happiness in the local brew and food.

Back to the big City … on to Otaru and Sapporo

I spent the morning on a train, making all the way from Kushiro to Sapporo and then on to Otaru. This being Sunday and the start of Japanese Golden Week, the place was packed. My walk got me from the station to canal and then on to some other landmark buildings, the last bit through a tourist shopping street. It was too packed to enjoy, hence I made it back to Sapporo to check-in to my hotel and for some first exploration in Hokkaido’s biggest city.