Japan - 9 - Gyeongju, South Korea

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Gyeongju has several UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is close enough to Japan to include on a cruise in the Sea of Japan.

We docked in Ulsan, the closest port capable of hosting cruise ship. It was still a 2-hour drive to Gyeongju. We had to go through the whole immigration and customs process of crossing a national border - and this port is nor really used to dealing with cruise ships. I'm glad we were on a small ship (160 passengers).

The bus was clearly set up as a party bus, with a ceiling that changed colors as we drove.

The window shades were more elegant.

Burial Mounds and the Flying Horse Tomb

There are many burial mounds scattered throughout the area, ranging in size from small to huge.

Lotus flower in pond.

One of the large mounds has been turned into a museum for the Flying Horse Tomb. This is the reconstructed burial site that was covered to make the mound.

Flying Horse mud guard.

Gold ornaments from the tomb - crown, necklace, belt, and shoes.

Weaponized shoes.

Gyeongju National Museum

Divine bell.

Buddhas - stone and bronze.

During lunch at a nearby hotel, we had a program featuring traditional dances.

Bulguska Temple

The temple was preparing for a major festival - the Buddha's birthday. (The Buddha seems to have a different birthday at different temples.)

Each lantern has a sponsor.

More lanterns.

Temple woodwork.

Small cairns/stupas filled an area toward the back of the temple grounds.

Ulsan

We cruised back to Japan overnight. Passing through the Ulsan harbor, it was clear that this is a major industrial city and port.

The lighthouse as we leave Ulsan.