The hike up the Museum

A not to be missed place in South Korea is Gyeongju which is located at the South Eastern part of Korea. It is the ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty- which successfully ruled and defended Korea to prosperity. Gyeongju is a very popular destination during all seasons and can be reached in 5hrs from Seoul by buses and by regular trains by 4 hrs. The express trains with their speed of 333kmph and on the dot accuracy, reach the city in 2 hours flat.

It was a cool, ear popping journey through tunnels after tunnels into the mountains to Gyeongju. We decided to tackle the Open Air Museum of Mount Namsan to start our exploration of this beautiful city. The mountain itself is a historical relic owing to the number of Buddha statues and carvings on it and is a wonderful but rugged climb.

The base of the mountain is filled with fruit trees laden with ripe fruits which was so pleasant for the eye and the nose! Sweet red and orange persimmons were just strutting their stuff and alluring us with their looks but incidentally, there seemed to be nobody else even interested in those yummy fruits and most of it were lying on the ground squashed!

Persimmon tree

Juicy, golden, yellow Persimmon fruit

Apple trees laden with fruit

 The other trees at the base of the mountain were kind of weird and were growing crooked competing for sunlight but formed a good subject for a snap.

Pine trees growing crooked looking eerie and weird

Trees grow crooked competing for sunlight

Tomb mounds of Royalty

We had just walked around the base to the trail leading to the top when my elder one was phasing out into his iphone and i had to start my lecture on how this family time was important and how we should all be a part of it and enjoy it. His answer was straight forward and instant. "I get bored when I don't have an aim. Tell me what we are aiming for and i will not be distracted". Mmmmpf. Kids these days are far too goal oriented and extremely articulate. Ahha! Jumps the fitness freak of a husband  and they set the Hermitage 2.25km from the bottom as the target, much to my chagrin. Me and my big mouth!

But the day was just perfect and we had all the supplies we needed for a good hike and i had no excuses left but to try it out. I am so glad to have tried it out, though the trail was very tough and rocky, the small, dwindling stream bubbling along kept us company and the surroundings were just too delightful and serene.

Headless Buddha Statue

Carving of Buddha on rock

Three Buddha Carvings

The trickling stream which kept us company almost until the top.

Tough climb even for the panther

Capturing the sounds of water on the iphone to be used later for relaxation purposes (*rolling eyes*)

Tranquil Buddha seated on the Lotus, my absolute favorite of all.

Few places where the trail was visible

The first view of the Hermitage

Glorious Golden Buddha inside the Hermitage on Chuseok Day

Pacific view of the Valley below

Rays breaking the cloud cover

Skywatch Friday
Color Connection
ABC Wednesday -M for Museum Mountain