▲ Left: The bamboo grove behind a royal tomb. Right: Flower beds around the Garden.On the morning of the 25th, I rose early, chose the most colorful outfit from my closet, and took the driver’s seat. I was heading to Gyeongju to take part in the 7th Gyeongju Urban Sketch Festa, held on the 27th and 28th. Dressing up for a festival is my way of expressing respect and excitement—it’s how I tune myself to its festive spirit, which always spreads from one person to another.I arrived late in the afternoon, sketched Bulguksa, the famous temple, and quickly went back to my lodging to rest.The next morning, I got up early and walked toward the city. Garden of the Royal Tombs, the burial site of Silla’s kings, is one of Gyeongju’s iconic landmarks. Silla was a millennium-old Korean kingdom. Within its grounds are 23 royal mounds.A history book tells us a story. When Silla was invaded, mysterious soldiers appeared suddenly with bamboo leaves tucked into their ears, helping Silla’s army drive out the enemy. When the battlefield was searched afterward, piles of bamboo leaves were found on King Michu’s tomb. To this day, a bamboo grove grows behind his burial mound. Even the flower beds around it are patterned with bamboo motifs—an amusing, meticulous detail that made me smile. ▲ Garden of the Great Royal Tombs. In the center, a happy family of three gathers together, while on the right, a lonely man stares at his phone.Garden of the Great Royal Tombs was crowded with tourists, foreign visitors, and school excursion groups. I opened my sketchbook near the mounds and began to draw. A tourist from France stopped by and asked to buy my sketch. I politely declined, since I had planned to submit the drawing for the Festa auction. Later, I regretted it—perhaps he was drawn to the immediacy of the work. To buy a sketch in the very place where it was drawn, amid ancient relics, is itself an experience tied to the spirit of urban sketching. Next time, I promised myself, I would say yes.▲ Left: Participating artists gathering for dinner. Right: Spontaneous sketches from the evening.That evening, the Festa organizers hosted a dinner for participating artists. One by one, people arrived. I was already familiar with the Korean artists, but many of the international sketchers I had only seen on Instagram—meeting them in person felt surprisingly warm. We exchanged introductions, shared sketchbooks, and enjoyed a lively night together. ▲ Top: Sketchers lining up to register. Bottom: The foreign artists are being interviewed. Rob Sketcherman was giving his greeting.On September 27th, the first day of the 7th Gyeongju Urban Sketch Festa finally began. Early in the morning, I loaded my car with books, teaching materials, and art supplies, and set off for Gyeongju City Hall. By the time I arrived, the venue was already bustling with sketchers.The Festa was held on the 5th floor of Big Hall at City Hall. From the entrance through the lobby and into the main hall, the festive mood was palpable. Art supply companies, Gyeongju-related organizations, and Urban Sketchers chapters displayed and sold sketching tools, books, and souvenirs. The place was packed, brimming with energy and excitement.At 9 a.m., the opening ceremony began. International and domestic artists were introduced, and various guests of honor gave greetings. I, too, stepped up during the Korean artists’ introduction to say hello.This year, I was invited to perform as a demo artist, and I held a live sketch demonstration inside the Big Hall. We often learn perspective by studying photographs, but perspective in a sketch made on-site is something else entirely. I spoke about this distinction during my demonstration. Several people told me afterward that it gave them a refreshing new way to approach drawing. The positive reactions and encouragement made me happy. ▲ My demo sketch—a quick view of the hall, with figures of people present that day.▲ Left: On stage during the demo. Right: Sketches by participants. ▲ Sketchers gathered for a raffle. The four people on the right side of the drawing are my companions who came with me to Gyeongju—two of them won prizes.The sketchers gathered once again in the Big Hall for the auction and raffle in the evening. The raffle dragged on a bit—there were so many prizes—but when your number was called, any boredom instantly vanished.Donated artworks were presented. My Garden of the Royal Tombs sketch auction buyer came forward to receive it, saying, “I’ve always liked your work, Andy.” Hearing those words, I felt glad I hadn’t sold it earlier but had saved it for the auction. Thus ended the first day of the Festa.▲ Sketch of the Gyeongju City Council. Ordinary at first glance, yet full of hidden beauty.On September 28th, after checking out of my lodging, I returned once again to City Hall. That day, artists were free to scatter around Gyeongju and sketch at different locations.For my part, I found myself drawn to the City Council building. Though not a famous landmark, its proportions, window details, and rooftop ornaments were strikingly beautiful. Buildings like these, carefully designed and well-maintained, bring me quiet joy.I set up and sketched the council building, keeping my lines crisp and using only ultramarine blue for shading. When finished, I brought the piece to Jasmine, one of the Festa organizers.“Jasmine, what do you think of this drawing of the council building?”“It’s wonderful.”“Shouldn’t the City Council be the one to buy this?”“Shall I take a photo and ask them?”“No, I’ll just donate it.”“Thank you. I’ll be sure to pass it along. The City Council is crucial—they decide the Festa budget.”Such an event has now been held seven times is remarkable. While the council provides financial support, the heart and hands of the Festa are the Gyeongju Urban Sketchers chapter. And none of it would be possible without the quiet dedication of the volunteers working behind the scenes.By 3 p.m., sketchers who had spread throughout the city returned, laying their drawings across the yard for a group photo. The long photo session was followed by lingering farewells—old friends reunited, new ones made, all promising to meet again next year.▲ Group photo at the close of the 7th Gyeongju Urban Sketch Festa. Joy radiates from every face. © Urban Sketchers Gyeongju▲ Urban sketching means drawing on location.AuthorAndy OhArtist's Websitehttps://www.Instagram.com/o_andy_artThe post K-Urban Sketchers’ Autumn Festival – The 7th Gyeongju Urban Sketch Festa appeared first on Urban Sketchers.