One-Day Tour of Gyeongju, the Ancient Capital of Korea (Daily Departure)

Reasons for recommendation:

Reason 1 Bulguksa Temple: Korea's most exquisite Buddhist temple, explore the ancient stone pagoda architectural remains;

Reason 2 Seokguram Grotto: A typical Korean cave temple, admire the Bupisam Pasamudra Buddha statue facing the sea;

Reason 3 Gyeongju National Museum: Discover the archaeological and historical relics of the millennium‑old capital, and experience the outstanding artistic charm of ancient Korea;

Reason 4 Anapji Pond: Also known as Wolji, surrounding Donggung Palace, it is a filming location for the Korean drama "Palace". There are three small islands in the pond. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the graceful lotus leaves and visible fish;

Reason 5 Daereungwon Tomb Complex: Rolling hills with soft, gentle lines make it a photographer's cherished paradise, each season bringing its own charm, with quiet and elegant cafes by the roadside.

Reference Itinerary:

09:50 AM                   Depart from KTX Busan Station Exit 1

10:10 AM                   Depart from Seomyeon Station Exit 12

10:50 AM                   Depart from Haeundae Station Exit 5

12:10 ‑ 13:20 PM       Bulguksa Temple

14:00 ‑ 16:15 PM       Yangdong Village (includes self‑paid lunch time)

16:45 ‑ 18:20 PM       Daereungwon Tomb Complex & Hwangnidan‑gil Road

18:30 ‑ 18:50 PM       Woljeonggyo Bridge

19:00 ‑ 20:00 PM       Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

20:00 PM                   Return to Busan

21:10 PM                   Arrive at Haeundae Station

21:40 PM                   Arrive at Seomyeon Station

22:00 PM                   Arrive at Busan Station

Bulguksa Temple is the most famous temple in Korea. Almost every Korean has been there at least once, and it is a beloved cultural property. It is said that Bulguksa Temple was built at the same time as Seokguram Grotto during the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Silla (751 AD) and completed during the reign of King Hyegong (774 AD). It is highly praised for beautifully embodying Buddhist philosophy in its architectural form. After its value was recognised, Bulguksa Temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Upon entering Bulguksa Temple, the Seokgatap Pagoda and Dabotap Pagoda immediately catch the eye. The Seokgatap Pagoda showcases a beauty of restraint and purity, while the Dabotap Pagoda is characterised by its ornate splendour. The two pagodas differ greatly in appearance, yet their shapes and atmospheres complement each other in harmony.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex, one of Gyeongju's representative historic sites, is a historic park comprising 23 ancient tombs of various sizes. Walking paths run between the serene tombs, with attractions such as Hwangnamdaechong, the largest tomb in Hwangnam‑dong, Cheonmachong, where the "Cheonmado" (Heavenly Horse Painting) was excavated, and King Michu's tomb, also known as Jukjangneung, scattered throughout the park.

Cheonmachong, excavated and surveyed in 1973, stands 12.7m high with a diameter of 50m, and various artefacts including a gold crown were unearthed there. It was named "Cheonmachong" because a horse saddle flap (a leather accessory hanging on both sides of the saddle to prevent mud from splashing onto the rider's clothes) depicting the "Cheonmado" was excavated at the site. It is also the only tomb within Daereungwon that is open to the public.

The detached palace of the Silla royal palace, along with its auxiliary buildings, once served as the Donggung (the palace where the crown prince or heir to the throne resided). Whenever there were royal celebrations, banquets were often held here. After the fall of Silla, this site became ruins during the Goryeo and Joseon periods and was referred to as "Anapji". In the 1980s, pottery fragments inscribed with the characters "Wolji" were discovered, which led to the clarification that this place was originally called "Wolji", meaning "pond of the moon's reflection". Therefore, it was officially renamed "Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond".

Anapji Pond dates back to 675 AD and was a lotus pond excavated at that time, located to the northeast outside Wolseong (a Silla‑era fortress built in 101 AD). According to the survey conducted during the 1974 excavation, Anapji Pond was spherical in shape, measuring 200 metres from east to west and 180 metres from north to south, with three small islands of varying sizes. The current Anapji Pond is nearly circular, having been reconstructed along the revetment stones. The pond, with its clearly visible fish and graceful lotus leaves, can only evoke nostalgic thoughts of the music, dance, and peaceful prosperity of the royal palaces of old.

Woljeonggyo Bridge:

Woljeonggyo Bridge has a long history dating back several centuries. Built with sturdy stone arches, it stands as a testament to ancient engineering skills. This historic bridge spans the Woljeongcheon Stream and has been a vital link in Gyeongju's transport network for generations, serving as a tangible reminder of the city's past.