Discover Gyeongju when you take this day trip around the main locations of the ancient capital of South Korea. You'll see the magnificent Bulguksa temple, the beautiful Anapji pond, and more. It will surprise you!
Day Trip Details
We'll set off from central Busan from your chosen meeting point and head to Gyeongju. This route is designed to make the most of your time and discover the essential charm of the city in a single afternoon, keeping travel time to a minimum.
Our first stop is Bulguksa Temple, the most important Buddhist complex in Korea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll marvel at its intricate stone terraces and elegant bridges, which represent the pinnacle of Silla-era art. Its peaceful atmosphere will offer a profound insight into Korea's golden age of spiritual and architectural achievement.
We'll then explore the grandeur of Donggung and Wolji, an impressive royal palace complex that once hosted the most important banquets of the Silla Kingdom. The reflection of the elegant pavilions in the still, mirror-like pond creates one of the most picturesque and unforgettable views in Gyeongju. A true paradise for photographers!
We'll round off our tour at Woljeonggyo, a magnificent wooden bridge reconstructed to restore its original Silla-era splendor. Stretching over the Namcheon Stream with its striking architectural design, it's the perfect place to soak up the refined elegance of historic Gyeongju before heading back to Busan.
Day Trip Options
During the booking process, you can choose between the following options, depending on your time:
8-Hour Day Trip
Designed for those who want to visit the must-see sights efficiently. You'll spend a total of 6 hours in Gyeongju, optimizing transfer times and stops as follows:
- Bulguksa Temple: 1 hour
- Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond: 50 minutes
- Woljeonggyo Bridge: 30 minutes
If you choose this option, please note the following times and pickup points:
- KTX Busan Station (Exit 1): pickup is at 9 am
- Seomyeon Station (Exit 12): pickup is at 9:20 am
- Haeundae Station (Exit 7): pickup is at 10 am
12-Hour Day Trip
This is the ideal option for those who are in no rush, which will give us plenty of time to explore every corner at a leisurely pace. After picking you up in Busan, our first stop will be the majestic Bulguksa Temple, a World Heritage Site, where we'll embark on a 1-hour guided tour.
After the tour, you'll have free time to enjoy a dish of the local cuisine. Afterward, we'll visit the traditional village of Gyeongju Gyochon, where we'll explore the legacy of the Choi clan and the residence of Princess Yoseok.
We'll continue toward the majestic Bulguksa Temple, a jewel of Buddhist art, and then visit the Seokguram Grotto. This World Heritage Site houses one of the world’s most beautiful Buddha statues, facing the East Sea.
Our tour will continue in the tomb complex of Daereungwon, where we'll explore the old burial tombs. Next to this, we'll pass by the Hwangnidan-gil street, which combines the tradition of the hanoks with modern cafés.
Before returning, we’ll visit Donggung Pond and Wolji Palace, discovering the treasures found in its waters, and admiring the illumination of the historic Woljeonggyo Bridge, a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
The pickup times of this option are as follows:
- Busan Subway Station (Exit 2): pickup is at 10 am
- Seomyeon Station (Exit 12): pickup is at 10:20 am
- Haeundae Station (Exit 7): pickup is at 11 am
