Today I ventured away from Ulsan all by my lonesome and visited Gyeongju. Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that ruled during the 7th through 9th centuries. There are many historical sites in this area. A modern "touristy" city has been built in this area but the beautiful history has been preserved as mush as possible. The bus ride from Ulsan to Gyeongju is about 50 minutes and it costs 4600 won which is about 4 dollars, so very inexpensive transportation. The following pictures are from the Daeneungwon Royal Tombs, which includes 23 tombs that stand close together.
Pretty landscaping
This is the tomb of Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb).
More tombs...
This is the Royal Tomb of King Michu of Silla. The tomb is under a heap of earth behind the red doors.
More tombs
Gyerim Forest: this place bears the birth legend of Kim Al-ji, the progenitor of the Kim clan of Gyeongju. The legend goes that people who head a rooster crowling in the woods went in to theck and found a golden box hanging on a branch where he was discovered.
The stele was erected in 1803 and the story of Gim Al-ji's birth is inscribed on it.
The following pictures are from Imhaejeon site (Anapji Pong). This place has Donggung, the palace for the Crown Prince, built in the King Munmu's reign to hold banquets. Samguksagi records that in the 14th year of the King Munmu's reign a pond and mounds were created, and plants and rare animals grown in the palace.
There were pretty birds in the trees (shown below) and there were giant coi (koi) and turtles swimming in the pond.
more pictures...
After hours of walking around I decided it was time to head back. I was walking down the streets and found these beautiful statues of Buddha. I also found this amazing antique type store where I bought an amazing book. It looks like someones journal and it has these beautiful water color paintings in it. The paintings are original (not copies). Its absolutely beautiful. 
This type of chili is use in almost all Korean dishes it seems :) I often see it being dried like this on the side of the road.
Overall I had a great trip to Gyeongju. I tried some of their famous barley bread which is delicious. It was a very peaceful place. It was nice walking through Buddhist areas of study (no pictures, didn't know if I was allowed :) ). I could definitely spend much more time there but time is something I do not have a lot of these days. Work is keeping me very busy. Maybe I'll get to go back another time, there is much much more I want to see.
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