Today we head out of Seoul for a 5-hour trip by van to Gyeongju on the south-eastern coast of the peninsula. Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC - 935 AD) which ruled most of the Korean Peninsula between the 7th and the 9th centuries. The picture to the left is of Bulguksa, a temple complex from the 8th century. Inside this building is a large golden Buddha. Although we were sent by the Korean Tourist Organisation to film this sites, the local authorities didn't allow us to film the Buddha, so you'll just have to believe me that he is in there. We never found out why they wouldn't let us because normally it is just not allowed to use a flash, but you can film. Maybe it is something to do with cultural sensitivity or respect or maybe Buddha is just camera shy.
In the area, there are many earthen mounds. These are burial sites for kings and royalty. They put down the casket, built a room around it and then covered it with dirt. You can go inside one that has been excavated and see the jewellery and treasures with which they were buried.
The Kindom of Silla was also into Astrology and built this tower to observe the stars.
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