gyeongju day tour from busan

Busan to Gyeongju day trip: easy itinerary

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Ingrid & Alex

I always dreamt of traveling in time and seeing places of old at the height of their existence. However, since time travel is still not possible, the closest I got to fulfilling my fantasy was in September 2021, visiting the city of Gyeongju on a day trip from Busan.

It was a rainy autumn morning during one of the non-working days of the Korean Thanksgiving Holiday. We left the car in the fortunately empty Gyeongju National Museum’s parking lot. Then, we decide to walk to the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village , basically the old part of the ancient Silla Kingdom’s capital.

We took a trail running through the hilly Gyerim Forest (The Rooster’s Forest). Everything was quiet and peaceful, the valley below devoid of traffic due to the holidays. The only sound breaking the eery silence was the faint murmur of the falling rain. I am not inclined towards mystical experiences, but I’ll never forget that other-worldly feeling of careless content.

We sat on a bench at the forest’s edge, taking in the view below us. A lazy river snaked in the misty valley, passing below a beautiful roofed wooden bridge. Beyond the river and the empty road, we could see a patch of rice paddies and wooded hills. While on our side of the flowing water, we saw a path leading from the bridge to the historic town. It was like admiring a painting that came to life.

Table of Contents

Gyeongju – a short history, what to do and see in gyeongju on a day trip from busan, gyeongju main attractions map, how to get from busan to gyeongju for a day trip, gyeongju the old capital of korea one day tour from busan, full day private gyeongju unesco heritage tour : a glimpse into silla, other busan travel resources.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our  disclosure page here .

As the capital of the Kingdom of Silla, Gyeongju became the center of Korean political and cultural life by 668 A.D. Records of Samguk Yusa, a medieval collection of historical accounts, legends, and folk tales, puts Gyeongju’s population at over 178.000 households, circa half a million inhabitants.

The city was relegated to a secondary position after the formation of the Kingdom of Goryeo (935 – 1392); the new dynasty moved the capital to Kaesong (now in North Korea).

During the Joseon period (1392 – 1910), Gyeongju further declined, eventually being replaced by Daegu as the provincial capital in 1601. The city witnessed destruction during the 13 th -century Mongolian attacks, while the entire area became a heated battlefield during the Japanese invasion of 1592 – 1598. However, foreign invaders were not the only ones damaging the ancient city. Joseon’s enforcement of Neo-Confucianism encouraged their radical supporters to mutilate valuable Buddhist sculptures and destroy religious artifacts.

Today Gyeongju is a major tourist spot, attracting 8-9 million visitors a year, including close to 1 million foreigners. The main points of attraction are related to the invaluable historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the Silla period.

The old town’s traditional buildings host several restaurants. We had the chance to enjoy delicious cuisine worldwide over the years, but one of the best meals was in Gyeongju.

It was a treat fitting the kings who ruled Korea from Gyeongju, enjoyed in the appropriate setting; the picturesque wooden building, with its traditional courtyard, was probably a nobleman’s house during the Silla dynasty. And the price was well within the budget of a less aristocratic pocket such as ours – the menu containing seventeen different dishes for two persons was around 50 dollars in total.

Speaking of aristocrats, you should drop by Richman Choi’s House ; it is a historic building complex that served as a residence for a wealthy Gyeongju family hundreds of years earlier.

Another place I wouldn’t miss is the Gyeongju Hyanggyo , a historic government-run school. The site was originally the national academy of the Silla Kingdom, the so-called Gukhak, founded in 682 AD; South Koreans’ penchant for education goes back a long time. Later, the complex became a hyanggyo, a kind of high school, during the Goryeo and Joseon Kingdoms.

Nearby the old town proper, you could admire the monumental tombs of the ancient kings . Each grave is a pyramid-like earthen mound covered in green grass; it is not a bad place to rest, surrounded by nature, with clear ponds and wooded hills in the background, the picturesque traditional village in sight.

Before you leave this part of Gyeongju, stopping for a coffee might be worth your time. So we dropped by Café Sabaha . The coffee shop has an interesting design, its several rooms being furnished in different styles, from pretend-Victorian England-feel to modern coffee-shop style. However, we mostly enjoyed the floor-to-ceiling windows that afforded a view of its nice, tree-surrounded traditional courtyard.

I mentioned the roofed bridge we saw from the hill – Woljeonggyo Bridge ; you have to walk through it! The painted and decorated roof rests on numerous pillars, making the whole thing look like a royal throne hall rather than a structure designed for crossing a river; in those days, the style seemed to be as important as the functionality. Have your smartphones and cameras on hand; the bridge is definitely an instagramable place.

Visiting the Gyeongju Musem might be a good idea; unfortunately, it was closed during our visit due to holidays, so we are not speaking from personal experience.

If you are not in a hurry, we strongly recommend visiting Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto . Albeit it is not in Gyeongju city, it is just a few kilometers away. Moreover, the Buddhist complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing several amazing architectural wonders.

Other activities worth trying in Gyeongju :

Traditional Soju Making Experience – you don’t have to be a huge soju fan to learn how to make it. After all, this is the main drink in Korean culture, and it is always interesting to learn about local traditions. See more about the experience here!

Paint Traditional Folk Illustrations on Folding Fans – this is an experience worth trying when you would like to paint your own fan with traditional symbols. Learn about Korean traditional folk painting, and bring home a souvenir you have worked for. See more here!

Want to learn how to make some of your favorite Korean dishes? Take a cooking class in the charming setting of Gyeongju! Start at the local traditional market, choose the best ingredients, then learn to cook 3 to 4 traditional dishes. The best part? You get to eat it all at the end! See more here!

If you are considering renting a hanbok during your stay in South Korea, the Palaces in Seoul and Gyeongju offer the best setting for unforgettable pictures. Read everything you need to know from our experience and book your hanbok here !

A great option is to link your visit to Gyeongju with a stay in nearby Busan , one of our favorite cities in South Korea due to its long beaches, party atmosphere, high-rise skyline, and cosmopolitan feel – it was our go-to place when Hong Kong nostalgia overwhelmed us.

Getting there by car

The distance between the 2 cities is less than 100 kilometers (between 86 and 96 depending on the route), and you can easily drive there in a little over one hour .

If you don’t have a car, the best available option for tourists in South Korea is Hertz . They have desks in almost all major cities (including Busan), and most importantly, accept international credit cards.

Another option would be Rentalcars.com – you get big brands for massive savings. You can book from anywhere in the world and pay with your credit card. See more here!

While renting a car and driving from Busan to Gyeongju would be the most flexible option, there are also other options to get there.

Getting there by train (KTX)

KTX train will take you to Singyeongju Station from Busan Station in roughly 35 minutes .

There are many train options throughout the day, and the only downside is that you will have to take public transportation to get to the tourist area in town.

The train ticket is very affordable, and you won’t have to worry about finding a parking space.

Another great option for when you are planning to take more train rides, want to book on an international site, and use your card, is Klook.

They offer  Korea Rail Passes for 2/3/4/5 days  – the days don’t have to be consecutive, you can use KTX and KTX-Sancheon High-Speed Trains, along with other types of trains.

Getting there by bus

With only a few bus options throughout the day, this might be the cheapest option for getting from Busan to Gyeongju.

Go on Kobus.co.kr and search for the date you will like to plan your trip.

As you can see from my simulation, for the date I have searched there are only 3 buses. The prices range from 4 to 5 USD for a one-way ticket, and the time estimation for the ride is of 50 minutes.

Getting there by organized tour

A great option when you don’t want to worry about timetables, having to think about itineraries and top attractions, or anything in between.

Ideal for people visiting the city for the first time, and for those who are not so familiar with South Korea.

A guide will join you on a 9-hour journey to Gyeongju and its most important attractions: Bulguksa Temple, Wolji Pond, and Cheomseongdae Observatory.

Make sure to book in advance, because this is a popular day trip from Busan.

Choose the Best Gyeongju Tours

There are plenty of Gyeongju tours from Busan available on the market, and choosing the right one might prove to be challenging.

However, most tours will include more or less the same itinerary. Here are a few of the ones worth considering.

We chose 1 tour that includes transfers from and to Busan, and one tour that doesn’t – just in case you want to make the plan yourself.

Frequency : Once a day

Duration : Full Day (9.30 a.m. – 8:50 p.m.)

Itinerary :

Meet up in Busan → Bulguksa Temple (1h20m) → Gyochon Traditional Village -> Woljeong Bridge (1h) ->  Daereungwon & Cheonmachong (1h) → Hwangnidan-gil Road for dinner (1h30m) -> Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (40m) → Transfer back to Busan & Drop off

Pick Up Locations :

9:30 – Busan Station Exit 2

9:50 – Seomyeon Subway Station Exit 12

10 – Haeundae Subway Station Exit 7

Drop-off available for the same 3 locations, between 8:50 PM and 9:30 PM

Duration : Full Day (roughly 11 hours)

Hotel in Gyeongju Pick-up -> Bulguksa Temple (1h, ticket included) ->Seokguram Grotto (1h, ticket included) -> Shilla Arts and Science Museum (1h, ticket included) -> Daereungwon Tomb Complex (30m) -> Cheomseongdae Observatory -> Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village (1h) -> Gyeongju National Museum (1h) -> Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (1h)

Where to stay in Gyeongju

Staying overnight in the ancient city should be on your bucket list if you have the time. Not only you will have more time to explore the charming place, but you will also have the chance to stay in a traditional Korean house.

If you do have the time and choose to spend 2 days in Gyeongju, here are a few great accommodation options to have in mind:

Namuae is a guesthouse with authentic Korean rooms. Expect to sleep on the floor and eat some of the most delicious food in the world. The place has a charming garden and offers free parking.

Dorandoran Guesthouse is another great guesthouse option with great reviews, where you can choose a room with a mattress on the floor or a bed. Its location is perfect for sightseeing around Gyeongju.

Include Gyeongju on your 10-day South Korea Itinerary or visit it as a day trip from Busan.

One day in Busan ,  a weekend in Busan itinerary , or  3 days in Busan itinerary

What to do in Haeundae

Where to stay in Busan for first-time travelers

The complete list of  Instagrammble places in Busan

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Gyeongju Day Trip from Busan

Asia , Gyeongju , Korea

Best Gyeongju Tours to See Korea’s Ancient Capital in One Day

Is Gyeongju worth visiting? Can you make a day trip from Busan or Seoul to Gyeongju?

Gyeongju is the capital city of Silla for a thousand years with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and antiquities. While it is not ideal to see the “museum without walls” in haste, you can still get a taste of the razzle-dazzle city in a day with proper planning.

If you are on a time crunch, the best way to see the highlights of the thousand-year-worth history of Silla is to join Gyeongju day trip tours. This article will show how exactly you can do it.

First, I will share how I managed to do two Gyeongju city tours in one day (#1 & #2 below). I recommend these for anyone who understands Korean or budget travelers who only want easy transportation within Gyeongju. 

For all others, I highly recommend selecting one of many Gyeongju tours from Busan that offer a professional guide and convenient transportation (#3-7). Scrawl down for easy comparison chart.

>> Pssst!  If you are lucky to have more than a day, also check out my post with a more comprehensive list of 20 things to do in Gyeongju   and my 3-day Gyeongju itinerary . You can always make your own plan or mix it up with day tours. 

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Disclosure : This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you . Click here to read full disclaimer. 

​ Gyeongju Tour s are Best:

• To make an easy day trip from Busan or Seoul
• For foreign travelers or first-time visitors to explore Gyeongju
• To see the highlights of Gyeongju in the most efficient way
• To learn about the thousand-year history of Korea’s ancient capital city in a nutshell by a professional guide.
• To enjoy convenient transportation without the need to rent a car or navigate through the public transportation system.

#1 Gyeongju City Tour : World Heritage Tour

Frequency : Once a day (canceled if less than 15 people)

Duration : Full Day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Tour Fare : Adult: ₩25,000 | Youth (7-18 yo.):₩23,000

Admission :₩19,000 | 5-12 yo:₩8,500 | 13-18 yo:₩12,500 ( Price as of Jan. 1, 2022. )

Payment Options : Pay by credit card or cash. Admissions will be collected in sum (cash only) by the tour guide for the skip-the-line privilege.

Boarding → Royal Tomb of King Taejong Muyeol → Daereungwon & Cheonmachong → Bunhwangsa Temple → Lunch → Seokguram → Bulguksa Temple → Drop off

Pick Up Locations :

10:05 a.m. Gyeongju Train Station  (if you are coming on a regular train) 10:10 a.m. Gyeongju Bus Terminal  (if you are coming on an Express or Intercity Bus) 10:30 a.m. Singyeongju KTX Station  (if you are coming on KTX)

If you are staying in Gyeongju , the tour also offers a hotel pick-up and drop-off at select locations. Ask  Cheonma Tour (Korean only) for more locations and schedules. 

Note: Cheonma Tour is the official city tour company designated by the city of Gyeongju.   Neither am I affiliated with Cheonma Tour nor received any compensation to write this post.

Royal Tomb of King Taejong Muyeol ​

Once everyone is boarded, the tour bus travels to the outside of the city center to the first stop: Royal Tomb of King Taejong Muyeol ( 무열왕릉 ).

King Taejong Muyeol (Kim Chun-chu) was the 29th ruler of Silla and the first king from Jingol (second social class). He was born as a noble-class man, served the Queens Seondeok, and Jindeok as a shrewd diplomat, married to General Kim Yu-shin’s younger sister, and finally rose to the throne when only Seongol (royals born in the first social class) can be a King. He was instrumental in forging an alliance with the ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty and laid the foundation of the unification of Korea’s Three Kingdoms , which led to Silla’s glorious days.

His tomb is an important historical site. The majority of the Silla tombs are left without much information about the owners.  The Royal Tomb of King Taejong Muyeol is one of a few that confirm the person buried underneath with the tombstone . Its remnants are the tortoise-shaped pedestal and the capstone carved with dragons. The tortoise is moving forward, which symbolizes the progressive spirit of Silla. 

Do you think it’s creepy to stroll around the tombs and snap a shot? Then, wait until you visit the graveyard on the next stop because you will be even entering one.  ​

Daereungwon & Cheongmachong Tomb

Daereungwon ( 대릉원 ) is an area with 23 ancient tombs including the Tomb of King Michu, the Hwangnamdaechong Tomb ( 황남대총 ), and the Cheonmachong Tomb ( 천마총 ). This tumuli park is the place where you can see massive and extravagant tombs before Silla changed the burial culture to be more modest with the influence of Buddhism.

As I said earlier, Silla tumuli don’t specify the owners. The archeologists can only guess based on the size and grave goods. So they assumed that the Hwagnamdaechong Tomb by its massive scale would be the most important. 

When the Korean government first decided to excavate these tumuli in the 70s with no previous experience or proper technology, they “practiced” digging small Cheonmachong before moving onto presumably more significant Hwangnamdaechong. It was only after they completed excavating both tombs that they realized Cheonmachong proved to have more valuable relics. 

The  Hwangnamdaechong Tomb  dates to the 5-7th century. This most massive Silla tomb measures 80m x 120m x 23m. It is actually composed of two mounds containing an unknown high-class noble couple .

Whereas, the  Cheonmachong Tomb  (The Heavenly Horse Tomb) is an excellent example of Silla tumuli . It is one of few Silla tombs you are allowed to enter, so do not miss it even if the idea of walking into a tomb might give you chill. 

Once inside, you can see the Silla burial mechanism through a cutout wall behind the protective glass. To protect precious contents from grave robbers, the burial pits of the tombs were first covered in earth, sealed with clay, then further pressed with a large pile of stones, and finally covered in a mound of earth.  

Cheonmachong contained a total of 11,500 artifacts. Many of which are Korea’s national treasures, including the famous Heavenly Horse painting. If you love anything glittery and sparkly, like me, you will be mesmerized with the magnificent gold crowns, jewelry, caps, girdle, plates, and all things gold . Don’t be too tempted with them, though. The displayed are replica. The authentic enshrining items are exhibited in the Gyeongju National Museum and the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. 

The tour doesn’t allow enough time to walk the entire sizable ground. However, I had enough time to take photos with gorgeous fall foliage and grave mounds as a backdrop. It is strange to say this, but this ancient tomb park has a beautiful landscape!  

Bunhwangsa Temple

Bunhwangsa Temple (“Fragrant Imperial Temple”) or Bunhwangsaji is a Buddhist temple built in 634 under the auspices of Queen Seondeok. The temple was passed through by high Buddhist priests, such as Wonhyo and Jajang.

Bunhwangsa Temple is one of many temples Queen Seondeok built to propagate Buddhism. She was the first woman to sit on the throne. And she needed to adopt Buddhism as a way to strengthen her leadership under one religion.

Also, many neighboring countries such as China’s Tang Dynasty looked down on the country ruled by a queen and frequently find an excuse to invade. Taejong, the Tang Emperor, sent her a painting of peonies and unfragranced seeds to take the mockery of her unattractiveness as a woman. She responded to Tang’s harassment by naming the temple as “Fragrant Imperial Temple.”

The Stone Pagoda of Bunhwangsa (National Treasure No. 30) was the first of its kind during the Silla period. The original is believed to be a 9-story pagoda; however, only three stories are remaining today.

The tour stops at Bulguksa Temple parking lot. Across the street, a tourist complex offers many restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. 

Lunch is not included in the tour. You can select any restaurant you would like during the one-hour lunch break. We managed to get a delicious meal and coffee. 

If you are not sure about which one to choose, go to Gyeongchunjae on the corner on the front row of restaurants. This restaurant serves delicious, reasonably-priced Korean food. We enjoyed a grilled mackerel and clam bibimbap. 

Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto (National Treasure no. 24,  UNESCO World Heritage Site ) is  an artificial cave temple in Mt. Tohamsan that contains the most famous Buddhist hermitage in Korea . 

Prime Minister Kim Daeseong in the 8th century during the reign of Queen Gyeongdeok has built Seokguram for his parents in his previous life and nearby Bulguksa Temple for his parents in his current life.

A white granite Buddha at Seokguram Grotto (Image credit: Richardfabi, CC, Wikipedia)

A granite statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha sits inside  the granite chamber with a domed roof. It is 3.26 meters in height and sits on a 1.58-meter pedestal. The Buddha statue is carved so smoothly that it is hard to believe it was done on hard granite. The walls of the cave feature 41 Buddhist figures. 

It is short hiking up the mountain (from the parking lot) to Seokgruam Grotto. Although the hiking with stunning scenery is worthwhile, the encounter of the Sakyamuni Buddha seems too brief. (I lined up again to see the Buddha twice.) It is currently protected with a wooden antechamber and glass walls. No photography or videography allowed.

Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple ( UNESCO World Heritage Site ) on the slope of Mt. Tohamsan is also known as the “Temple of the Buddha Land.” 

The temple complex is so vast and built with mathematical and geometrical precisions that it took almost 40 years to build. The wooden buildings of Bulguksa are restored from the originals destroyed by fire.

The head temple of Korean Buddhism encompasses seven national treasures of South Korea.

Dabotap Pagoda  (National Treasure no. 20) and  Seokgatap Pagoda  (National Treasure no. 21 – also known as the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple) are the two most essential pagodas in Korea. The two pagodas were built at the same site to represent Dabo Buddha (Buddha of the past) and Sakyamuni “Seokga” Buddha (Buddha of the present), respectively. 

During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese dismantled and reassembled Dabotap Pagoda in 1925. In the process, all reliquaries and artifacts inside the pagoda disappeared. Three of the four lions on each corner of the stone staircases also went missing. They are nowhere to be found, except one currently displayed in the British Museum. 

Interestingly, Seokgatap Pagoda was preserved in perfect condition for centuries until 1966 when the robbers attempted to steal (but failed) treasures inside the pagoda. This incident led to the discovery of a secret chamber containing various artifacts and reliquaries, including the  Spotless Pure Light Dharani Sutra  and the sarira of Buddha inside the  Sarira Box  (National Treasure no. 126). While these two national treasures are displayed in the National Museum, you can see  the sarira of Buddha inside the shrine hall  (make sure to see this!).

At Bulguksa, you can also see two of the three most celebrated gilt-bronze Buddhist statues of the Unified Silla Period. The  Golden Bronze Vairocana Buddha Sitting Statue  ( 금동비로자나불좌상 ; National Treasure no. 26) is to pray for your current life and the  Gilt-bronze Seated Amitabha Buddha  of Bulguksa Temple ( 금동아미타여래좌상 ; National Treasure no. 27) for after this life in paradise.

However,  the Golden Pig statue seems to win the heart of the most tourists visiting Bulguksa Temple. The year of Golden Pig in 2019 unveiled an unofficial treasure of the golden pig that has been hidden behind the hanging board of Daeungjeon Hall all these years! Why is it so popular? Because golden pig brings you fortune in Asian culture! There is a replica in front of the hall with a line of people taking a photo (do you see it in the photo above?). But it takes quite an effort to spot the original one! 

Gyeongju City Tour by Cheonma Tour offers various drop-off locations, including Shingyeongju KTX station, Gyeongju Bus Terminal, and select hotels. 

The tour ends around 5 p.m. at Bulguksa Temple. If you plan to go back to Busan or Seoul right after the tour, be sure to reserve tickets for departure after 6:30 p.m. You may also want to ask the tour guide in advance in case of traffic or other concerns. 

We asked to be dropped off at Bukgun-dong. I believe we arrived at around 5:20 p.m. We had dinner and coffee before the Night City Tour (see #2 below) bus came to scoop us up at the same spot around 7:20 p.m.

READ MORE | Travel Busan Like a Local! Your Busan Itinerary for 3, 4 & 5 Days here >> 

#2 Gyeongju Tour : City Night Tour

Duration : 2 hours (7:30 p.m. – 9:20 p.m.)

Tour Fare : Adult: ₩20,000 | Youth (7-18 yo.):₩18,000

Admission : Included in the tour fare 

Payment Options : Pay by credit card or cash.

Boarding → Donggung and Wolji (Anapji Pond) → Cheomseongdae → Gyerim  → Gyochon Hanok Village → Woljeonggyo Bridge →  Drop off 

6:30 p.m. Gyeongju Bus Terminal 7:05 p.m. Hilton Hotel 7:25 p.m. Bukgun-dong

Ask Cheonma Tour for more locations and schedules. 

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond)

The first stop of the night tour is Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The illuminated palace reflecting on the water creates  the most romantic and stunning sight at night . 

Donggung Palace was built during the 19th year of King Munmu to be used as the primary residence for a crown prince, and host state festivals and banquets. 

In 674, an artificial pond was dug inside the palace. The construction of Wolji Pond includes the creation of artificial hills, a garden with flowers and plants, and a zoo with exotic animals. And it became  an entertainment hall to host parties for diplomats, VIPs, and royals .

Wolji Pond has been deserted for a long time. During the Japanese occupation, it was called Anapji because only wild geese and ducks inhibited. In 1972, the Korean government drained the pond. This cleanup unintentionally revealed thousands of valuable Silla artifacts that had fallen into the lake. 

Cheomseongdae

The bus will take you to the next spot, Cheomseongdae Observatory. From here, the rest of the tour requires walking. Besides wearing comfortable shoes, I recommend a proper outfit in winter; there is nothing in the field to block the chilly wind!

Cheomseongdae is  the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia  that helped the Silla kings to predict the weather. In the agricultural society, being able to read celestial bodies and weather was essential to retaining political power.  

Without understanding the cultural and scientific significance, the observatory tower might seem dull. But at night, even the seemingly boring tower can turn into a splendid site. Cheomseongdae changes its colors from pink to purple to blue.

Gyerim Forest

Gyerim Forest is where Kim Al-ji, the progenitor of the Gyeongju Kim clan, was born. The story goes, someone heard a rooster crying and walked inside the forest to find a golden chest with an infant inside. This forest has been a sacred place for two thousand years since the founding of Silla. 

The Night City Tour passes by Gyerim quickly. But if you have time, it is a beautiful place to stroll during the day.

Gyochon Hanok Village

By the time the night tour reaches Gyochon Hanok Village, the old house of the famous Choe family would be closed. The tour guide will share a few stories about the respected, wealthy noble family, who had practiced noblesse oblige for generations.

Today, the Choe clan members continue to operate a distillery. They make the famous Gyeongju Beopju (or Gyodong Beopju) with the secret recipe passed down from the Joseon Dynasty. This 350-year tradition is regarded as one of the best Korean traditional liquors. Unfortunately, during the night tour, the distillery would be closed.

If you prefer to have full experience in this village, it’s best to re-visit during the day. 

Woljeonggyo Bridge

The last stop of the Night City Tour is Woljeonggyo Bridge. This bridge is another  stunning Silla architecture best appreciated at night . 

Woljeonggyo was constructed in the 19th year of King Gyeongdeok (the year 760) over the Namcheon Stream. The bridge connected the palace inside the Wolseong Fortress and Namsan Mountain and was an essential passage for the royals to pay a visit to Buddhist temples.

9:40 p.m. Gyeongju Bus Terminal  10:00 p.m. Bomun Lake Resort (hotel and condominiums)

The Night City Tour ends around 9-9:30 p.m. at Wolseong Fortress. If you want to join the night tour and go back to Busan or Seoul, first make sure you can reserve a bus or train after 10:30 p.m. Also, ask the tour group if they can drop you off at the terminal or station in time. 

↡↡ Looking for hotels in Gyeongju? Book Your Gyeongju Hotel here ↡↡

If you prefer to spend a night at Gyeongju, consider hanok stays. Gyeongju is known for its renovated hanok hotels. I stayed at this hanok guest house and loved the experience. You can also check out more guesthouse and hotel options in another post. Find more Gyeongju hanok guesthouses and hotel recommendations here >>

Day Trip from Busan : Gyeongju in One Day with Tours

I would recommend  #1 & #2 Gyeongju City Tours for Koreans or anyone who understands Korean.  The tour is designed for Koreans, who would already have basic historical background and snippet information about each stop. Also, a tour guide only speaks Korean. Although these tours offer a short English video presentation on the bus, it would not be sufficient for foreigners without understanding all the stories and historical information by the professional guide.

However,  if you only have one day in Gyeongju with a limited budget , and your goal is to hit all of the key sites, #1 & #2 tours can save you from the hassle of navigating the city on your own. Note that you will still need to find transportation from your origin to Gyeongju.  

Luckily, you have plenty of  other day trip tours from Busan to Gyeongju (#3-8) . These select tours offer  convenient transportation from Busan   and a   professional tour guide who speaks English . (Some tours even offer Chinese or Japanese.) 

For an easy comparison, see the chart below to find the right tour for you. 

7 Best Gyeongju Tours

Swipe to see #1-#7.

Note: The tour details and prices can be changed without notice. Please click the link to check. 

Hello, I'm Chloe!

I'm an aspiring world traveler, who moved across the Pacific Ocean twice. After leaving my PR career, I'm currently exploring Asia from Taiwan and learning Chinese. Follow my journey as I will share my travel experiences, tips & tricks and cultural insights.

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SEOUL - north  |  SEOUL - south

Day Trips from Seoul  | Busan  |  Best Collections

🍁  Festivals ( Seoul • Busan )

Guide to Gyeongju (UNESCO World Heritage) & its Famous Attractions from Seoul/Busan

▶How to get from Seoul/Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station), Gyeongju

▶Travel Itinerary to M ost Popular Attractions in Gyeongju

Guides  & How to get to:

▶Bulguksa Tem ple

▶Seokguram G rotto

▶Cheomseongdae Ob servatory

▶Daereungwon Royal Tombs

▶Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street

▶Gyochon Hanok Vill age & Woljeonggyo Bridge

▶Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

▶Gyeongju National Mu seum

▶Recommended Snacks, Cafes & Restaurants

From Gyeongju Station 경주역 (KTX/SRT, formerly Singyeongju Station), take bus to Gyeongju city center and attractions. more details

www.gyeongju.go.kr , Official Gyeongju Tourist Maps , Official Gyeongju Tourist e-Guidebook , www.cha.go.kr (Cultural Heritage Administration)

Gyeongju was the ancient capital city of the Silla Dynasty that ruled the Korean Peninsula for 992 years (57 BCE – 935 CE). It is home to many historical heritage sites, Buddhist art masterpieces, relics, palaces, royal tombs, temples and fortress from the culture of Silla Kingdom . 

Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and Gyeongju Historic Areas (UNESCO World Heritage)

Both Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site  on December 1995 .

Separately, 5  distinct areas in the centre of Gyeongju and its suburbs, collectively named as ' Gyeongju Historic Areas ' were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site  on November 2000 .  Gyeongju Historic Areas have a total of 52 designated cultural assets registered as World Cultural Heritages .

How to Get to Gyeongju from Seoul/Busan: Gyeongju Station 경주역 (formerly Singyeongju Station 신경주역, KTX/SRT)

Gyeongju station (ktx / srt), gyeongju.

Gyeongju Station 경주역 (formerly Singyeongju Station 신경주역 ) is the nearest train station on Gyeongbu Line (KTX / SRT) to Gyeongju . Travelling by KTX or SRT train is the easiest and fastest way to Gyeongju .

💡 Gyeongju is nearer to Busan than Seoul . Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ) is only 2 stops  away to Busan Station .

💡If you have visited Gyeongju in the past via KTX  connection to Gyeongju Station 경주역 located in Gyeongju city center, the station has closed on 28 December 2021 , after 103 years of operation. It was reborn as ' Gyeongju Cultural Center 1918 ' on 2 December 2022 .

💡On 28 Dec 2023 , Singyeongju Station was renamed to Gyeongju Station , 13 years after opening. Visitors visiting Gyeongju using high-speed trains ( KTX and SRT) must reserve tickets for Gyeongju Station instead of Singyeongju Station .

a) Tourist Information Center & Lockers @Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)

Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ) is a fairly large but easy to get around station, it has all the facilities that travellers may need. e.g. luggage delivery/storage, Tourist Information Center , cafes and restaurants.

If you are stopping over Gyeongju on a day trip between 2 cities (e.g. Seoul & Busan ), lockers for your luggage are conveniently located near the station's entrance. Touchscreen instructions are available in English .

b) Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall @Gyeongju Station

Interestingly, there is a Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall inside Gyeongju Station where historical artifacts excavated during the construction of the Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway are displayed. Free admission for visitors.

c) Souvenir Shops, Convenience Store, Cafes & Restaurants @Gyeongju Station

There are also convenience store, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, local speciality products and snacks at Gyeongju Station .

d) Exit 1 to Bus Stop & Taxi Stand @Gyeongju Station

To get to the bus stop (/taxi stand), take Exit 1 and the bus stop is towards the right.

💡From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ), you can take Bus# 50 , 60 , 61 , 70 , 302 , 332 , 700 , 710 &  711 to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal . 20 mins ride and about  10 mins walk to the nearest attraction, i.e.  Hwangnidan-gil Street .

From Seoul to Gyeongju

KTX Train from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , Gyeongju ): 2hrs 13mins (₩49,300)

SRT Train from Suseo Station ( Seoul ) to Gyeongju Station (formerly  Singyeongju Station , Gyeongju ): 2hrs 5mins (₩42,600)

Intercity bus from Seoul to Gyeongju : 4hrs (₩49,300)

💡 KTX  train is covered under KORAIL Pass (rail travel pass exclusive for foreign visitors).

💡You can transfer from Suseo Station ( Seoul Subway Line 3 / Bungdang Line ) to Suseo Station ( SRT ) via the underground transfer passageway. 7-10 mins walk.

💡 Seoul Subway to Suseo Station  from Myeongdong Station (45mins, 1-2 lines transfer) / from Seoul Station (50mins, 1-2 lines transfer) / Gangnam Station (26 mins, 1 line transfer).

From Busan to Gyeongju

KTX Train from Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station,   Gyeongju ): 35 mins (₩11,000)

SRT Train from Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ,  Gyeongju ): 35 mins (₩10,000)

Intercity Bus from Busan to Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal : 50 mins (₩7,700)

💡The intercity bus departs every every 20-30 mins and express bus  departs every 1.5hrs . Both with the same travel time and bus fare.

💡To get to the bus terminal , take the Busan Subway to Nopo Station (line 1) . Follow the sign, ' Busan Central Bus Terminal (Express•Intercity) '. 3 mins walk. The bus for Gyeongju departs from platform 27 . From Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal , it is about 10 mins walk to the nearest attraction, Hwangnidan-gil Street .

💡 Busan Subway to Nopo Station from Busan Station (39mins, same line) / Seomyeon Station (29 mins, same line) / Haeundae Station (52 mins, 2 lines transfer).

Train & bus fares subject to change. Train travel time & fares vary according to departure time.

Gyeongju Day Trip Travel Course/Itinerary

Gyeongju ancient city is best visited on a 2-day relax trip with overnight stay in Gyeongju . However, with proper planning (& comfortable walking shoes), you can also visit most popular and famous attractions in Gyeongju on a worthy  1-day trip from Seoul or on your way to Busan .

These recommended  Gyeongju attractions, often included on day tours are divided into 2 main regions:

a) Bulguksa Temple Region : Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto

b) Gyeongju Downtown Area (also known as Gyeongju Dareungwon Ancient Tomb Complex) : Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Royal Tomb, Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street, Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, Gyeongju National Museum (optional)

a) Bulguksa Temple Region

This region comprises of the well-known UNESCO World Cultural Heritages of:

Bulguksa Temple

Seokguram Grotto

Notes on Travelling in Bulguksa Temple region:

Transport is limited and infrequent. It takes about 1 hr from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT ) or 45 mins from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal in Gyeongju city center. So, planning around the bus schedule is recommended.

There is only 1 bus service that operates hourly between Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto . If you miss the bus, you may consider taking a taxi (20mins, ₩12,000) up the winding road to Seokguram Grotto instead. 

Plan to arrive Gyeongju  very early so that you can complete this region by lunch time on your day trip to Gyeongju . Alternatively, if you wish for a more relax trip, skip this region or visit over a 2-day trip.

(image source:  Cultural Heritage Administration )

b) Gyeongju Downtown Area (also known as Gyeongju Dareungwon Ancient Tomb Complex)

The most popular and well-visited attractions in Gyeongju are concentrated around Gyeongju Downtown Area , namely:

Cheomseongdae Observatory (night viewing available)

Daereungwon Royal Tomb  (night viewing available)

Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street

Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge  (night viewing recommended)

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (night viewing recommended)

Gyeongju National Museum (recommended on 1-day course on downtown area only or 2-day course)

Notes on Travelling at Gyeongju Downtown Area:

All attractions are located within 30 mins walk from one end to the other end. Even so, it is still a fair amount of walking from one attraction to another. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

There is no 'perfect loop' walking course to cover all the attractions as Hwangnidan-gil Street and Daereungwon Royal Tomb run parallel to each other and cover a big area.  Woljeonggyo Bridge and Wolji Pond are on different ends too. You can basically pick and choose your preferred attractions to visit in the downtown area.

c) Recommended 1-Day Trip Itinerary to Gyeongju

🚅Arrived at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT)

🚌Take bus to Bulguksa Temple

📸Bulguksa Temple

🚌Take bus to Seokguram Grotto

📸Seokguram Grotto

🚌Take bus to Gyeongju Downtown Area

💡If you are hungry, you can have lunch at the restaurants near Bulguksa Temple Bus Stop.

🚶‍♀️Alight at Wolseong-dong Community Center bus stop (as most buses stop here), by-passing Cheomseongdae on the way to lunch.

📸Cheomseongdae Observatory

🥢Lunch near Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon

📸Daereungwon Royal Tombs

🍪Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street

📸Gyochon Hanok Village

📸Woljeonggyo Bridge

📸Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

🚌Take bus back to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)

🥢Dinner at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)

d) Recommended App - KakaoMap

You are recommended to use KakaoMap to find the bus numbers available from your current location to your next destination and your whereabout on the bus journey. Also, KakaoMap app is useful on your walking direction around  Gyeongju Downtown Area , particularly to Woljeonggyo Bridge and onwards to Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond .

Bulguksa Temple 불국사

경상북도 경주시 불국로 385 | 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

9:00 - 18:30 (last admission 17:30)

Free (effective from 4 May 2023, in accordance with the revised Cultural Heritage Protection Act)

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ,   KTX/SRT) exit 1, walk to the bus stop on your right.

Take Bus# 711 (47 mins) /  700 (55mins) OR

Take Bus# 50 / 51  /  70  /  710 (18 mins), get off at Gyeongju Express•Intercity Bus Terminal 고속버스•시외버스터미널 stop. From the same bus stop, transfer to Bus# 11 (34 min) /  10 (42 mins) /  711 (29 mins).

Get off at Bulguksa Temple 불국사 stop. Cross the pedestrian crossing on the left of the road. On reaching the other side of the road, the  Tourist Information Center  is on your left. Walk towards the right side of the big public carpark ( public toilets available) for the temple's main entrance. 12 mins walk.

💡 Bus# 711 runs 10x a day from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ). 7:07, 8:08, 10:21, 11:17, 13:17, 14:27, 16:16, 17:04, 19:20, 20:23. Latest timetable . This is the new bus route effective 27 February 2023.

💡 Bus# 700 runs 4x a day from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ). 7:50, 8:50, 13:50, 14:50. Latest timetable .

💡The above bus schedules are also displayed at the bus stop outside Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station) .

💡If you miss  Bus# 711 / 700  at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ), you may take the more frequent buses and transfer at the bus terminal.

🎀 When you arrived at Bulguksa Temple , it might be worthwhile to check if Bus# 12 to Seokguram Grotto is arriving. If so, you may like to visit Seokguram Grotto first as Bus#12 is pretty infrequent.

Transfer at Gyeongju Express•Intercity Bus Terminal Bus Stop (where necessary)

Tourist Information Center @Bulguksa Temple

Walk on the right of public carpark to Bulguksa Temple's main entrance

Follow the signs to Bulguksa Temple's main entrance

www.bulguksa.or.kr

Bulguksa Temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto (both UNESCO World Cultural Heritage ) reside on Tohamsan Mountain which is regarded as the holy mountain of Silla . Surrounded by natural beauty, Bulguksa Temple is an architecture masterpiece of the Unified Silla era.

Famous Cultural Assets of Bulguksa Temple

Often seen on photographs taken of  Bulguksa Temple are the 2 sets of stairways referred as:

(Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges)

(Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges)

Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23) leading up to main Jahamun Gate and Daeungjeon Hall  and

Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22) leading up to Anyangmun Gate and Amitabha Buddha (National Treasure No. 27).

However, all these bridges (/stairways) are closed to the public and you can get inside the temple via the side path. From there, you can see the famous pagodas and enjoy views from both Jahamun and Anyangmun Gates .

Besides the well-known gates and bridges, other famous cultural assets of Bulguksa Temple include:

Dabotap Pagoda (Pagoda of Abundant Treasures, National Treasure No. 20)

Seokgatap Pagoda (Three-story Stone Pagoda/Pagoda of Sakyamuri Buddha, National Treasure No. 21)

Daeungjeon Hall ​ (Great Enlightenment Hall, Treasure No.1744) and Sakyamuni Buddha .

💡 Dabotap Pagoda is the image that appears on the Korean ₩10 brass coin.

Other Highlights & Sights of Bulguksa Temple

From the main entrance and before reaching Banya Pond , keep a look out for a pine tree, Guanyin Song that is over 194 years old.

Other interesting sights at Bulguksa Temple include temple halls (e.g. Geungnakjeon , Gwaneumjeon ), lanterns display, large bell (@ Bumjonggak Pavilion ), art works (e.g. Sarira Pagoda , Golden Pig ), prayer stone stacks, tall trees and persimmon fruit trees (autumn).

Exiting Bulguksa Temple via its Back Gate

To exit the temple, you can take path to the back gate (i.e.  Burimun Gate ) for a different view of the temple ground. The path leads to the large public carpark and Tourist Information Center as well. From there, you can take the bus/taxi to your next destination.

💡There are public toilets at the carpark. Across the road from the carpark are cafes and restaurants.

King Cherry Blossoms in Spring @Bulguksa Temple

Near to the Tourist Information Counter and public parking lot of Bulguksa Temple is a famous King Cherry blossoms viewing spot in Spring.

💡Compare to most other cherry blossoms in Korea , King Cherry blossoms have more petals (/denser), larger in size and the colour is more vibrant.

Seokguram Grotto 석굴암

경상북도 경주시 불국로 873-243 | 873-243 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

From the bus stop alight for Bulguksa Temple , walk about 30m in the direction where the bus came from for the bus stop for  Bus# 12 . Take Bus#12 and alight at Seokguram Parking Lot 석굴암주차장 stop. 14 mins ride. 12 mins walk to Seokguram Grotto .

💡Bus Departs from Bulguksa Temple Stop : Summer (1 Mar - 5 Oct) 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:50, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40, 17:20

Winter (6 Oct - 28 Feb) 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:50, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40 (6-31 Oct & 1-28 Feb) / 16:20 (1 Nov-31 Jan).

💡Bus Departs from Seokguram Parking Lot Stop : Summer (1 Mar - 5 Oct) 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:05, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:20

Winter (6 Oct - 28 Feb) 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:05, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:40 (6-31 Oct & 1-28 Feb) / 17:20 (1 Nov-31 Jan)

💡 The bus timetable can also be found at both bus stops. Latest timetable .

💡Recommend to sit on the right side of the bus on the way up  to Seokguram Grotto for scenic views of the mountain range and mountainside villages.

💡To get back to Gyeongju Downtown Area , take Bus# 12 from Seokguram Grotto  stop and alight at Bulguksa Temple 불국사  stop. Cross the road to the same bus stop alight for Bulguksa Temple  earlier. Depending on your next stop, take bus:

a)  Bus# 10  (27 mins):  Stops along the way in the order of  Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관,  Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-don g Community Cente r 월성동주민센타  (near to Cheomseo ngdae ) and Palwoojeong 팔우정 stops. OR

b)  Bus # 11  (27 mins): Get off at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 (near to Cheomeongdae ).   OR

c) Bus# 711 (32 mins, infrequent): Stops along the way in the order of Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센 타 ( near to Cheomseo ngdae ) , Palwoojeong 팔우정 and Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stops. OR

d) Bus# 710 (35 mins, infrequent): Stops along the way in the order of Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타  (near to Cheomseongdae ) , Palwoojeong 팔우정 and Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stops. 

🎀If you are visiting Bulguksa Temple after Seokguram Grotto , instead of Bulgaksa Temple stop, you may like to alight 1 stop earlier at Bulguksa Ticket Office 불국사매표소 stop. Only Bus #12 operates at this bus stop and it is a shorter walking route to Bulguksa Temple . Once you get off the bus, turn right and turn left into the road ahead leading to Bulgaksa Temple .

Bus stop at Bulguksa Temple for Bus# 12 to Seokguram Grotto

View from bus stop in the direction to Seokguram Grotto

Timetable (Bus# 12) at bus stop of Bulguksa Temple for Seokguram Grotto

Bus# 12 arriving at Seokguram Parking Lot bus stop

seokguram.org

Seokguram Grotto was constructed by the then Prime Minister Kim Dae-Seong during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom . It was designated as National Treasure No. 24 on 20 December 1962 and on 6 December 1995 , it was registered as UNESCO World Heritage .

At the center of the grotto is a 3.5m high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha , surrounded by statues of various bodhisattvas, Buddha’s disciples and guardian kings.

When you arrived at the public parking lot/bus stop of Seokguram Grotto , there is a beautiful pavilion with a large bell. You can ring the bell for ₩1,000 which will be donated to the needy.

From the entrance, it is about 10 mins walk on the dirt road uphill, followed by a short 2 mins walk on the stone stairway before you reach Seokguram Grotto .

Seokguram Grotto  and the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha are viewed inside the small building, protected by a glass wall and visitors to refrain from touching it. You will enter from one side of the building and exit from the other side.

💡Photography is restricted in the grotto.

From  Seokguram Grotto , you can enjoy breathtaking views of the temple below and mountain range afar.

As you come down from Seokguram Grotto , you will come across a temple and souvenir shop next to it.

💡At the bus stop for the return bus to your next destination, take a moment to enjoy the scenic lookout while waiting for your bus.

Cheomseongdae Observatory 첨성대

경북 경주시 인왕동 839-1 | 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

9:00 - 22:00 (/21:00 in winter)

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 and get off at  Cheomseongdae 첨성대 stop. 28 mins ride. Cross the road to Cheomseongdae . 5 mins walk. OR

From Bulguksa Temple , take Bus# 10 (27 mins) / 11 (36 mins) / 711 (32 mins, infrequent) / 710 (35 mins, infrequent) and alight at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타. Cross the road and walk towards Cheomseongdae . 9 mins walk. OR

From Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond , 13 mins walk.

www.gyeongju.go.kr

Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia built during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty . The 9.17m high observatory was designated as National Treasure No. 31 on 20 December 1962 .

Cheomseongdae Observatory  is also known for its beautiful seasonal flower fields nearby (e.g. pink muhly, sunflowers, poppies) and a popular hot spot for taking photographs in hanbok (i.e. Korean traditional clothing).

💡If you wish to get around various attractions at Gyeongju Downtown Area effortlessly, you may consider hopping on the cute-looking Jewel Beetle Electric Car at Cheomseongdae Observatory .

Daereungwon Royal Tombs 대릉원

경북 경주시 황남동 31-1 | 31-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

9:00 - 22:00 (last admission 21:30)

Adult (age 19-64): ₩3,000, Youth (age 13-18): ₩2,000, Child (age 7-12): 1,000 won. Free for Adult above 64 and Child under 7.

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ,  KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 / 700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stop. 18 mins ride. After alighting the bus, turn right and the gate entry is on your left just ahead.

gjfmc.or.kr

Daereungwon is the largest of the ancient tomb sites in Gyeongju .

It has 30 ancient tombs including:

​ Hwangnamdaechong Tomb has two tombs connected like the back of a camel. It is the largest ancient tomb (80mx120m area) in Gyeongju . About 59,000 relics were excavated from the site.

Tomb of King Michu , 13th King of Silla .

Cheonmachong Tomb , the only tomb that is open to the public. The biggest and most luxurious gold crown, Cheonmachong Gold Crown was excavated from the tomb.  

You can also enjoy different serene scenes of Daereungwon Royal Tombs across different seasons (e.g. magnolias in spring and autumn foliage) and the evergreen  Pine Forest .

Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street 황리단길

경상북도 경주시 포석로 1075 | 1075 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (near to Taejong-ro)

Most shops open around 10:00/11:00 to 22:00

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 / 700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stop. 18 mins ride. After alighting the bus, turn right and walk along the road. Turn left at the cross street ahead (i.e. Poseok-ro). 2 mins walk.

Hwangnidan-gil is a popular area located along Poseok-ro Road with trendy cafes, shops, restaurants, photo studios and hanbok rental stores in hanok-style buildings.

💡The name ' Hwangnidan-gil ' is a combination of its location in Hwang nam-dong ( Gyeongju ) and Gyeong nidan-gil , a trendy street in Itaewon ( Seoul ). It has the meaning of ' Gyeongnidan-gil in Hwangnam-dong ', Gyeongju .

The freshly-baked  10 Won Bread is the most famous snack along Poseok-ro Road with many shops selling it. Made with mozzarella cheese filling, the 10 Won Bread has the image of Dabotap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple on one side and the Korean ₩10 brass coin on the other side.

Famous 10 Won Bread @Hwangnidan-gil

Hanbok Rental, Fashion, Snack, Toy & Self-Photo Studio Shops @Hwangnidan-gil

Cafes & Restaurants @Hwangnidan-gil

Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge 교촌마을 & 월정교

Gyochon Hanok Village: 경상북도 경주시 교촌길 39-2 | 39-2, Gyochon-gil, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Woljeonggyo Bridge: 경북 경주시 교동 274 | 274 Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Gyochon Hanok Village: -

Woljeonggyo Bridge: 9:00 - 22:00

Gyochon Hanok Village: free

Woljeonggyo Bridge: free

walk from nearby attractions

Located along the beautiful Namcheon Stream  at the edge of Gyeongju Downdown Area is Gyochon Hanok Village and the magnificent  Woljeonggyo Bridge  built across the stream.

The village is the location of Gukhak , the first national university of Silla established in the 2nd year of King Sinmun of Silla ( 682 ).

Gyochon Hanok Village

You can view the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan , richest family in the village.

There are also several popular cafes and restaurants in  Gyochon Hanok Village :

1. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬 - Korean restaurant.

2. Kyochon 300 Years Restaurant 교촌삼백년집 경주본점 - Korean restaurant.

3. Kyochon Garam -   Injeolmi Ice Cream Cafe 교촌가람 - Rice cake ice cream and snacks.

4. Cafe EYST 1779  - A chic, bright-red bricks cafe along the stream near to  Woljeonggyo Bridge .

1. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬

2. Kyochon 300 Years Restaurant 교촌삼백년집 경주본점

3. Kyochon Garam - Injeolmi Ice Cream Cafe 교촌가람

4. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬

Woljeonggyo Bridge

Located near Gyochon Hanok Village is Woljeonggyo Bridge . The bridge was built in 760 A.D during the 19th year of King Gyeongdeok of Unified Silla .

However, it was burnt down during the Joseon dynasty and through historical research, was rebuilt in April 2018 . Woljeonggyo Bridge has become the largest wooden bridge in Korea ( 66m length, 9m width, 8m height).

With its brilliant architecture, Woljeonggyo Bridge presents a majestic grandeur on nightfall when it lights up. The views from the bridge and along the Namcheon Stream are equally mesmerising.

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과 월지

경상북도 경주시 원화로 102 | 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus#  700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond  동궁과 월지 stop. 30 mins ride. The entrance is directly across the road. OR

From Gyeongju Station (formerly  Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus#   60 / 61 and  g et off at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 stop. 27 mins ride. The entrance is across the road towards the right. 12 mins walk. OR

From Bulguksa Temple bus stop, take Bus# 10  (25 mins) / 711  (30 mins, infrequent) / 710 (33 mins, infrequent) & get off at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond   동궁과 월지 stop. Entrance is next to the bus stop.

💡Bus Departs from Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond Stop to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT):

Direct bus (infrequent) - Bus# 710 / 711 , 26 mins.

Take bus# 10 , 153 , 600 , 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 , 607 or  609 (10 mins) & alight at  Gyeongju Express • Intercity Bus Terminal 고속버스•시외버스터미널 stop. From the same bus stop, take bus# 50 , 51 , 70 , 710 or  711 (15 mins) to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ).

💡Time to bus arrival is displayed on the LED screen at the bus stop. ​

www.gjpass.kr

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly known as Anapji Pond ) was a secondary palace used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom . It was also a place where grand banquets were held to welcome important guests.

There are as many as 30,000 artifacts excavated from Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond , most of which are daily necessities used by the royal family and nobles in daily life.

Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관

경상북도 경주시 일정로 186 | 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

10:00 - 18:00 / 19:00 (Saturdays & public holidays). Last admission 30 mins before closing.

Closed on 1 January, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day).

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 stop. 31 mins ride. The museum is next to the bus stop. OR

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 700 (infrequent) and get off at  Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond  동궁과 월지 stop. 30 mins ride. Walk on the right of road to the museum. 4 mins walk. OR

From Bulguksa Temple bus stop, take Bus# 10  (24 mins) / 711  (30 mins, infrequent) & get off at Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 stop. Museum is directly across the road.

gyeongju.museum.go.kr

Gyeongju National Museum is Korea 's representative museum where numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla Dynasty is housed.

There are 4 main exhibition halls:

1. Silla History Exhibition Hall -   Silla Gold Crown (National Treasure No. 188)

2. Silla Art Exhibition Hall

3. Wolji Exhibition Hall - Artifacts excavated from Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are exhibited here.

4. Outdoor Exhibition Area - Features a collection of stone pagodas, Buddhist sculptures and lanterns collected at ancient temple and palace sites across Gyeongju . Highlights include the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (National Treasure No. 29) and the Three-story Stone Pagoda from the Goseonsa Temple site (National Treasure No. 38).  

Popular Food, Cafes & Restaurants

There are many cafes and restaurants located along the road, Poseok-ro ( Hwangnidan-gil ) all the way to Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon . This Starbucks store is centrally located between Cheomseongdae Observatory and Daereungwon Royal Tombs , making it a great place to take a break in between attractions.

Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon 스타벅스 경주대릉원점

8:00 - 22:00 (Mon-Thu) / 23:00 (Fri-Sun)

경북 경주시 첨성로 125 | 125 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

www.starbucks.co.kr

Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon has a hanok-style exterior with a unique sit-down indoor seating section. The walls are decorated with artworks and representative patterns of Silla.

Gyodong Myeonok Gyeongju Daereungwon | 교동면옥 경주대릉원점

9:00 - 20:30

경북 경주시 첨성로 119 | 119, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Located next to Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon, Gyodong Myeonok Gyeongju Daereungwon serves a good variety of cold noodles, including bulgogi, braised ribs, pancakes and dumplings.

Baeknyeonsonnim 백년손님

9:00 - 20:00. Breaktime 15:00 - 16:10 (Mon-Fri)/15:00-16:40 (Sat-Sun). Last Order 14:30, 19:30

경북 경주시 포석로1050번길 32 | 32, Poseok-ro 1050beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Opened since 1993, Baeknyeonsonnim offers a simple menu of grilled pork bulgogi, grilled beef bulgogi and grilled fish, served with 7 side dishes, lettuce wraps and soybean paste stew. As the meat is grilled over charcoal, a minimum order for 2 persons is required. 2 mins walk from Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon.

Yeomion 여미온

11:00 - 21:00. Breaktime 15:30 - 17:00. Last Order 20:30

경북 경주시 첨성로81번길 22-12 1층 | 1st floor, 22-12, Cheomseong-ro 81beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

www.instagram.com/yeomi_on

Yeomion is a Korean Cuisine Restaurant set in a beautiful hanok with garden. Its menu includes bibimbap, noodles, pancakes and raw meat. 4 mins walk from Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon.

Map of Bus Route Between Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

Map of Bulguksa Temple

Map of Key Attractions, Gyeongju Bus Terminals, Recommended Cafes & Restaurants at Gyeongju Downtown Area

Map of Recommended Walking Courses at Gyeongju Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex

Map of Hwangridan-gil Street

Map of Gyochon Hanok Village

KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours (from Busan), Activities & Discount Tickets

➥ Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

Busan Day Tour: Haeundae Beach Train

✚Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Cheongsapo, Huinnyeoul & Gamcheon Culture Villages

Gyeongju UNESCO Sites & Haeundae Sky Capsule Tour

Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas (Daereungwon, Hwangnidan-gil) & Wolji Pond

Busan Day Tour: Haeundae Sky Capsule

Gyeongju Small Group Full Day Photo Tour (Max. 7)

carefully selected locations by Gyeongju expert. Incl. 8 edited photos & raw photos

Gyeongju Old Capital Day & Night Tour

Bulguksa Temple, Gyochon Village, Woljeong Bridge, Daereungwon, Wolji Pond++

eSIM KR with high-speed & stable Internet connection

data only. per day data/total data option. easy activation

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site Day Trip

Bulguksa Temple, Yangdong Village, Daereungwon, Wolji Pond, Woljeong Bridge++

​​Korea Rail Pass: KTX Bullet Train (BUSAN⇌SEOUL)

★tourist exclusive: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days / instant pass issuance / online seat reservation

♔  KoreaToDo recommends  Klook.com , Asia leading in-destination service provider.

🏖 SEASONAL HOT PICKS 🏖 Handpicked Experiences in Busan

Jinju Namgang River Lantern Festival Day Tour from Busan

7-17 Oct 2024

thousands of lanterns, firework, parades, etc

Skyline Luge Busan Ticket

✚panoramic view sky rides

Busan Premium Yacht Tour (optional private tour)

polaroid photography, snacks & refreshment

Other KoreaToDo Collection that you may like:

Top hidden attractions in seoul, top hidden attractions in busan, popular & unique day trips from seoul under 3 hours, still looking explore koreatodo handpicked collection of:, seoul - north of han river, seoul - south of han rive r.

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Solo-ish South Korea

9 days, seoul to seoul.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

South Korea is buzzing with excitement, and it’s easy to see why. From mouthwatering food to architectural marvels and the charm of traditional Hanok villages, this country has it all. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers on an epic nine-day adventure through its best spots. Dive into the vibrant energy of Seoul with your local CEO, and don’t forget to squeeze in some karaoke. Explore the historic treasures of Gyeongju-si and the coastal vibes of Busan, with plenty of time to explore on your own. It’s nine days packed with adventure, culture, and fun — what more could you want?

Seoul to Seoul

Is this tour for me, travel style: solo-ish adventures.

For solo travellers only, get closer to your group-mates and the world on trips designed for connection.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Maximum 16, avg 14

Age requirement: 18+

Check your visa requirements.

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 9

Places visited

• South Korea

Day 1 Dinner Party: Seoul

Welcome to South Korea! Meet your included arrival transfer at the airport and join your other Solo-ish travellers for a welcome breifing. Then with your new travel mates, head out to get your first impression of Seoul with a cooking class. We'll make some of South Korea's most famous dishes like Bulgolgi or Bibimbap. Cook, eat and get to know your fellow travellers with a hands on experience making sone of the yummies food you'll ever cook.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meals included:, day 2 we day: seoul.

Get ready to practice the art of kicking and punching in a local taekwando class. This Korean Martial art will get your body moving and connect you with the culture. Then head to one of South Korea's most famous markets, Gwangjang Market. Try some local street food and shop some local handicrafts along side your Solo-ish travellers. This afternoon, learn from your CEO about the famous Confucian royal ancient shrine, Jongmyo Shrine. A quintessential Seoul day to connect with your group and CEO.

Day 3 G Day: Seoul

This morning, head to the train station and travel to Gyochon Hanok Village where it feels like you've traveled back in time. This picturesque hanok village will have you and your fellow Solo-ish travellers gushing at Korean culture. To start your historic Korean adventure, visit Daerungwon Tumuli Park and explore the tombs of barried kings. Then we're off to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest in all of Asia. This evening, we'll put on our Hanboks (traditional Korean wear) when we arrive to our Hanok stay, traditional Korean inn. Then prepare for a surprise with your group!

Day 4 Gyeongju-si

Today we'll visit the iconic stops in Gyeongju-si. Stopping at Gyeongju Tower, a visit ot Bulguksa Temple, Seokgura Grotto and the Gyeongju National Museum. We'll enjoy the best that this Hanok village has to offer.

Day 5 Gyeongju-si to Busan

We're off to the next city, as we hop on a bus for Busan. On the way we'll visit the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village for a tour. Snap a photo of this picturesque town with your new Solo-ish bestie and enjoy the artistic side of Korea. This afternoon after arrival in Busan, we'll admire the beautiful coastline view from the Songdo Cable Car and Observatory deck. Then we'll go market hopping. Starting from Gukje Market, we'll peruse through local street food vendors, handicrafts and spices. Then to Jagalchi Market, full of fresh seafood like giant crabs, lobsters and squid, this is the largest seafood market in all of South Korea.

Day 6 Busan

Experience the natural side of Busan with your fellow Solo-ish friends this morning on the Dongbaek Island Coastal Trek. Just under 1 km, this easy trail will take you beneath the endemic trees, by the lighthouse, a famous mermaid statue and through the historic APEC House. We'll stay by the coast as we head to the Haedong Yonggungsa seaside temple and explore this beautiful Buddhist temple built into the cliffs. Then in the evening, opt to join your Solo-ish mates and climb aboard for a night yacht ride along the Busan coast.

Day 7 Busan to Seoul

Catch a fast train back to Seoul this morning and get ready to explore. Heyyyyy sexy lady, we'll explore the famous Gangnam neighborhood checking out the popular Coex Mall and Gangnam CBD. This evening we'll walk along the Han River Park, taking in spectacular city views and checking out the floating island. Opt to rent a swan boat or bicycles for a cute ride with your Solo-ish buddies.

Day 8 Me Day: Seoul

Your Me Day is all about... well, You! You get to decide how you want to spend your last day in Korea! Interested in a solo adventure? Go for it! Or maybe opt to join your CEO for the day and take a day trip to the border of North and South Korea at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and then to the famed Deoksugung Palace. Or plan a friend date with your new Solo-ish best friends. However you choose to spend it, this evening we'll all come together for one last farewell dinner together. I'm not crying... I got gochujang in my eyes.

Day 9 Seoul

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Dinner Party: Dinner Party, Seoul
• We Day: Taekwondo Class & Seoul Highlights Tour, Seoul
• G Day: Gyochon Hanok Village Experience, Seoul
• Me Day: Seoul Me Day, Seoul
• Complimentary Arrival Transfer
• Bukchon Hanok Village visit
• Taekwando Class
• Gwangjang Market visit
• Jongmyo Shrine
• Gyochon Hanok Village experience
• Daereungwon Tumuli Park
• Bulguksa Temple visit
• Seokguram Grotto
• Gyeongju National Museum
• Gamchon culture village tour
• Songdo Maritime cable car and Observatory deck tour
• Gukje Market & Jagalchi Market visits
• Dongbaek Island coastal trekking
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Gangnam Neighborhood visit
• Hanriver park & Floating Island night walk
• Free time in Seoul
• Farewell dinner
• Transport to and from all included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (7 nts), Hanok stay (1 nt) on a twinshare basis. If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option.

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners Allow USD240-315 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, subway, bullet train, cable car, monorail, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

My own room - from $919.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.