Gyeongju National Park
Visiting the area of Mount Namsan in Gyeongju National Park is a worthwhile day trip from the city. Several buses make the short forty-five minute journey to Samneung from the city centre, including the number 500.
I followed a comfortable three-hour hike from the Samneung Visitor’s Centre. There are are also longer hikes further into the Gyeongju National Park. The heat and humidity can be overpowering during the summer months, so go at a steady pace and take plenty of water.
The views in the Gyeongju National Park to distant mountains are breathtaking. Looking out, the haze from the humidity only adds to the atmosphere.
Stone-carved Buddha statues and pagodas are an added bonus to the hike. The stone-carved Buddha below has undergone careful restoration to bring it back to its original glory.
Streams on the way gave a welcome place to cool off and soak my feet. The trickling of the water is a welcome accompaniment.
Forest bathing is a wonderful and free luxury. The Gyeongju National Park offers the opportunity to enjoy an abundant variety of trees and shrubs, stunning mountain views, glorious statues, and regenerative streams. If you are lucky, you might even spot a dragonfly!
