Banwolseong 반월성 in Gyeoungju 경주, the 1000-year old capital of Shilla Kingdom, used to be a fortress and palace whose ruins can be visited. The name, Banwol-Seong comes from its outline which was shaped like a crescent moon. Banwol means half moon and Seong fortress.
A tower of stone blocks, Cheomseongdae 첨성대, is located to the north of Banwolseong. Even if the purpose of the tower built in the 7th century still remains disputable, many historians agree with the conclusion that it was used as an observatory. Cheomseongdae was built in the reign of Queen Seonduk 선덕. A rapeseed field is located between the tower and Banwolseong.
It was very cold last Sunday. The cold wind blew across the rapeseed field. The vivid yellow of the rapeseed flowers couldn't be seen. The dried lush green leaves remind frequent visitors of the rapeseed flowers in full bloom last spring instead.
