South Korea’s no3 tourist destination. Over 1million visitors to swell the 250000 population, though not all at once. The main attraction are the burial humps. Lots of them. Amongst the visitors are the most non Koreans we’ve seen so far.
A longtime ago South Korea was divided into 3 kingdoms. The Silla area had a dynasty lasting from (circa) 70bc to 950ad. For some reason they started burying their kings in large mounds. These lasted unraided for milllenia. The first to escavate – it is said – was by the occupying Japanese. Even then the treasures seemed to be a slow burner until the 1970s when they started to be promoted. One of them is opened up. Most of the treasures are in a museum.
They make for an interesting walk through some old woods. Leading to a fantastic bridge – built using essentially traditional methods about 15 years ago. It’s on the site of the original. Great craftsmanship.
Back to death. All the mounds reminded me I haven’t noticed any graveyards. Cue a search. With pressures on land, 90% of Koreans are cremated after a 3 day traditional ceremony.
The mounds also brought crazy golf for giants to mind, Given the fines and imprisonment threatened for going on them, I decided this will remain only a thought.
A good rest day.
Travelling reflections 