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Adventure is out there
  • Andrea and Luke French
  • Luke French
  • Andrea and Luke French
  • Luke French

Adventure is out there

Our travels, to see where the world takes us Read more
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  • Adventure is out there

    Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Gyeongju

    June 13, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We were genuinely surprised when we arrived in Gyeongju and walked out of our hostel to find huge burial mounds in the city centre. The mounds were way bigger than we expected, giving me small scale Chocolate Mountain vibes (from Phillipines).

    There were some of the mounds which you could also enter, and see how the burials would have been laid out which was really interesting. Inside the one we went to there was also a video showing how the intricate crown had been made. As some of the burial mounds have yet to be explored it was also fun to imagine all the treasures which could still be within!

    We wandered through this area many times, and enjoyed spotting woodpeckers within the woods too.

    A magical area we were so happy to be staying close to so we could explore lots.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju

    June 13, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Possibly the oldest observatory in East Asia, it was smaller than we thought but still impressive for its age. Beautifully set against the mountains, and lit up atmospherically at night, this was one place we returned to about three times to admire.Read more

  • Adventure is out there
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    Gyeongju National Musuem, Gyeongju

    June 13, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Really interesting musuem to wander around, there was lots of items here which had been found within the burial mounds nearby.

    We watched a video showing how clay decorative horses would have been made, and saw many of the intricately made crowns on display.

    Outside the musuem there was also a large bell, and brick pagoda to see.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Wolji Pond, Gyeongju, South Korea

    June 14, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We wandered over to here through Gyeongju enjoying the sights, and when we arrived it must have been a break as the ladies selling tickets were surprised to see us! We watched a video about Donggung Palace, in blissful air-conditioning, before wandering around the site.

    Unfortunately nothing of the Palace is still there but the pond was beautifully serene.

    We wondered there wasn't more people also visiting, but we passed the next day in the evening and barely recognised it! Lots of tourists milling around the area, plus food trucks, so definitely more of an evening spot.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Woljeonggyo Bridge, Gyeongju,South Korea

    June 14, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Beautiful area of Gyeongju, with the rebuilt bridge surrounded by magnificent mountains and a traditional village on the edge of the river.

    We timed it perfectly to get here as the sun went down and the lights went on, and we were surprised to find a band playing to a small audience too!Read more

  • Adventure is out there
    1

    Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju, South Korea

    June 16, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    A large temple complex out of the city centre, we originally thought this would take us hours to get to but in reality it was half an hour on the bus!

    Still very hot but cooler than previous days we ventured out, and I'm really happy we got to see this as the area was lovely. The lanterns looked fantastic, and there was loads of stacked rocks around too.

    It was busy, but it was a big enough place that it never really felt it thankfully.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Bunhwangsa Temple, Gyeongju, South Korea

    June 16, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We originally came to see this three story brick pagoda in the evening, without realising it would be closed with prayers going on.

    On our return the next day we enjoyed seeing it in its full glory, imagining what it would have been like with the additional stories on. It was impressive anyway, with the carvings and statues giving away just how old the structure is.Read more

  • Adventure is out there
    1

    Hwangnyongsa Museum,Gyeongju,South Korea

    June 16, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Our first initial visit to this temple site was in the evening, just as the musuem was closing unfortunately. The weather was a bit rocky too, with storms due. We decided to visit again the next day as being able to see the replica Pagoda from the outside was too tempting!

    When we visited the next day it was still very hot though, so we didn't wander around the temple site but went straight to the musuem.

    It was very well done, with the pagoda being the main draw but the rest of the exhibits were really interesting, trying to give an understanding to what the area would have looked like along with information about the history of Gyeongju as a whole.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    7-story Brick Pagoda, Andong,South Korea

    June 18, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We were hoping to visit this pagoda on the way back from the bridge/park, but ended up here first thing! This was interesting to see as it was smaller than the three story pagoda we had seen in Gyeongju, but obviously far taller. The age was apparent from the carvings, and the remnants of tiles left, but other than that it was in amazing condition.

    Interesting to see, but oddly situated just next to a main road.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Woryeonggyo Bridge, Andong, South Korea

    June 18, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We had a mix up with buses, due to some trying to be helpful locals 🙈, so ended up doing a longer walk here than expected but this was still worth it.

    Possibly the furthest into the countryside (along with the park) that we got in South Korea, the views were spectacular and I loved the unique bridge which had been built across. On one side was a small traditional village, which we didn't explore too much unfortunately, and the other side a couple of modern convenience shops and coffee shops - we were very pleased to find the convenience shop as the weather was HOT and we managed to buy drinks and ice creams.

    The bridge was decorated with some unique looking lanterns, and there was some kind of water show for a few minutes - although, like most things in Korea, we didn't understand why or when this happened!

    The locals did seem to be giving us a few odd looks for being here, but I don't know why as they were there enjoying it too!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Waterfall Park, Andong, South Korea

    June 18, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    The walk from the bridge to here wasn't as bad as expected, it was actually along the river and mostly shaded so very enjoyable - although I still wish the weather hadn't been quite as hot!

    The park was smaller than I thought, although I don't think we fully explored it, but what we saw was beautiful. There was lots of shaded seating areas around so we decided to sit and eat our homemade sandwiches here. It was lovely to be somewhere so quiet, even though the park was relatively busy.

    I wasn't expecting a beetle to randomly land on me too, and I must have been comfy as I think the little guy or girl had a good clean, a nap, peed on me, and then flew away! Not sure why I was chosen for this, but I've seen a beetle so beautiful before so I wasn't mad.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Soju Museum, Andong, South Korea

    June 19, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    I didn't fair too well with the heat the previous day, so as this day was going to be even hotter we decided to take a rest and only do one thing which was indoors - we couldn't miss the soju musuem, could we?

    I don't know what I expected but this was actually lots of fun! There wasn't too much information on the soju making in English, but Luke filled in many of the gaps for me. There was a lady who came to show us round the museum, and upon learning we were English excitedly took us to the photo of the late Queen Elizabeth when she visited in 1999.

    There was lots of the display plastic food that we saw in Japan outside restaurants, but it was here to demonstrate the food which is eaten with each soju. The drink determines the food!

    We had a bit of a tasting (it was too strong for me, but I can see the appeal) and Luke treated himself to a small bottle as the musuem was free.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Gamsil Baseball Stadium, Seoul

    June 20, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Our first night in Seoul and we rushed to see a baseball game as we didn't know if we would get chance on a later day.

    After getting a pizza hut and some drinks to take in with us we made our way to our seats, and I was surprised we had such a good view as the tickets weren't expensive!

    The atmosphere was great within the stadium, and there was so much going on. Dancing cheerleaders, stats on the screen, and obviously the game itself. I found myself trying to keep an eye on the batter, the pitcher, and anyone on a base as well.

    It was entertaining throughout the 2 1/2 hours which surprised me, and the crowd was filled with families, friend groups (male and female), and couples as it was a fun evening activity. We never fully understood what was going, but the crowd went wild when the home team won!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Royal Tombs, Seoul, South Korea

    June 21, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    We were in the area near these royal tombs so decided to check them out, although we did expect them to be similar to the ones we had seen in Gyeongju. In fact, they were quite different, as there were statues and sculptures around the tombs, and you were able to see the 'Spirit roads' which led to the tombs as well.

    There was 2 Kings and one Queen buried here, although I was too tired to see the 2nd King (and I felt like I'd walked the entire park anyway!). Luke said it was pretty much identical to the other Kings tomb so didn't miss too much.

    Interested to see, although the royal tombs in Gyeongju still remain firmly favourite.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there
    1

    National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul

    June 22, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    After scorching sun one day, the next was rainy and miserable so we headed to a musuem! This had an interesting mix of exhibits; showcasing daily life for royals, korean paintings, as well as how the exhibits are stored. There was a lot of ceremonies for royal life, it seemed for every occasion there was a different ritual which had to be followed.

    Unfortunately a couple of the really interesting exhibits were shut for renovation, but as a free museum we couldn't moan too much - especially as it kept us dry for an hour or so.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

    June 22, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    We waited for as long as possible for the rain to stop before heading into the Palace but it was still dreary when we got there!

    There was lots of people dressed in the traditional dress, hanbok, which can be rented out, so I was more disappointed for them with the weather. It did brighten up after a while though thankfully, so we were able to enjoy the pond (which was my favourite part).

    The Palace was huge, but a lot of similar looking buildings across the area. The misty skyline looked cool in the background, though I wish a camera could capture it better.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Jongmyo Shrine, Seoul, South Korea

    June 22, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    The largest shrine in Seoul but unfortunately undergoing renovation, we decided to visit anyway and it was a nice stroll. There was still some other buildings in the area, as well as a lovely pond.

    The main shrine was indeed huge, they seem to be doing lots of work to it too!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Ten-Storey Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa

    June 22, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Although relatively small, considering its 10 stories, this pagoda was so intricately made. It was very different from the other pagodas we have seen, and so delicate it's been encased in glass.

    Although the glass does distract from you being able to see the pagoda completely, it gives it a completely unique look - and preserves it for future generations to be able to enjoy as well.

    Set in a small park which locals were enjoying to relax in too.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park,South Korea

    June 23, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Our first stop of the DMZ Tour, and this was an odd place. It had the feeling of a theme park, but filled with statues and monuments.

    By the time we arrived the sun was getting very hot so we couldn't wander around too much unfortunately. We went to get a North Korean bank note (cos why not?), and then tried to track down some food (which is always harder than it seems) while waiting for the coach trip to continue.Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    The Third Tunnel, South Korea

    June 23, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    I hadn't done much research into the DMZ Tour, so I didn't expect to be lead to an underground tunnel which took you 2 mins walk away from the North Korea border!

    One of 4 tunnels built by North Korea (after the ceasefire) that have found, presumably many more have been built though. We were able to go down the steep tunnel that the South Korea's built to intercept the North's (which although very steep was reasonably sized) then walk along the South Korean tunnel which had been blocked off.

    The South's tunnel was far smaller, we had to wear a hard hat and even i crouched most of the time. Luke was hunched over trying to stand up straight whenever possible! The tunnel was surprisingly long, and although it was interesting to see the internal blockages and get very close to the border it wasn't exactly worth it - but we still would have been disappointed if we hadn't done it!

    No photos of the inside of the tunnel as strictly permitted.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Dora Observatory, South Korea

    June 23, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Looking out from the observatory you are able to see far into North Korea, and look back over South Korea too. Its a very odd feeling as there is lines of telescopes for you to get a closer look - like a surreal safari. You can see fake villages, the North Korean flag flying proudly, and even fleeting glimpses of North Korea people.Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Hwangudan Altar, Seoul, South Korea

    June 23, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We came across this shrine while wandering to a restaurant from where we got dropped off after the tour and both loved it!

    It was on the edge of a very posh hotel, which we had to walk past, but was very secluded and quiet. It felt so hidden away amongst the large buildings surrounding it.Read more

  • Adventure is out there
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    Suguksa Temple, Seoul, South Korea

    June 24, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Our last Asian temple, on our last day in Korea. We ventured out to the Golden temple, which I thought would be on the tourist route but there was only locals there really.

    Unfortunately under reconstruction so couldn't see it fully (very apt for Asia!), but it was very serene to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere. We were there for prayers too, as a coincidence, which made it all the better to enjoy.Read more

  • Adventure is out there
    1

    Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

    June 24, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Our goodbye to Asia, seeing the sun set behind the Seoul skyline on our final day, with a water light show on the bridge.

    A stunning sight, a lovely park area which tourists and locals were enjoying, and a fitting end to our Asian adventure.

    We'll definitely miss this, although currently focusing on our excitement for Europe!    Read more

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