Day 2 in Gyeongju

Outside the Grotto

Me, Adam and Jonathan outside the grotto
We stopped at an herb garden along the way. It had a green house filled with all kinds of wonderful smelling herbs and flowers.

Me and my sisters at the ocean

Lunch at the ocean

Today we started the day by going to Seokguram Grotto. Seokguram Grotto is a stone temple that was built byKim Daesung for his parents. It took 30 years to build the grotto. Inside the grotto is a huge Buddha statue. After the grotto, we went to Anapji Pond. The pond was the site of a palace that was destroyed by fire. Then we drove to the ocean to see King Munmu's Underwater Tomb. King Munmu wanted to be buried in the ocean so he could become a dragon in his afterlife and protect his land. It was very windy at the ocean. After the tomb, we had a traditional Korean sushi lunch at an amazing restaurant. The restaurant was right on the ocean and we have a private room on the 2nd floor. Then after we finished lunch, we drove around the Bomun Lake area. Bomun lake is an artifical lake that is surrounded by many resorts, an amusement park, shops and restaurants. After visiting Bomun lake, we went to the Gyeongju National Museum. The highlights at the museum were the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, the Geumgwanchong Gold Crown and a Horse-riding Soldier shaped pottery all are considered national treasures. It was a fun day of sightseeing.

For dinner tonight, they ordered Domino's at the hotel because they thought Jonathan was too tired. It was a lot of fun because we were able to talk in a more casual place. I am so happy we were able to come to Korea. My family here is amazing. They mentioned maybe of trying to come to the United States some time-I hope this is true. Adam and I have already started talking about when we will be able to come back.