Gyeongju UNESCO Sites Tour by KTX train; The Museum Without walls

4.6 (11 reviews) 8–9 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

11 reviews

4.6

Cheomseongdae, Star Gazing Tower at night view — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Bulguksa Temple — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover Gyeongju, a Korean gem, via a swift KTX express train journey at 300 km/h. In just two hours, you'll arrive at Gyeongju station. Dive into the city's rich history with a day trip through its cultural wonders. Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Korean Kingdom of Silla (57 BCE – 935), boasts a wealth of heritage sites reflecting its remarkable cultural achievements.

Guided by our experts, witness traditional art and culture, immersing yourself in Korea's vibrant history. Join us for a day filled with the essence of Gyeongju's past and present.

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Rail Tours Walking Tours City Tours Car Tours

At a glance

Duration: 8–9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: Chinese, English
Operated by: Tagytravelkorea

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Adults (4–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local English-speaking guide
Included: All admission fees to tourists sites
Included: KTX round trip fare (Economic class)
Included: Hotel Pick-up (Seoul areas)
Included: Roundtrip transfer service with private vehicle

Not included

Not included: Every meals
Not included: Hotel drop off service(Seoul)
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Cheonmachong Tomb

one hour Admission included

It has more than 20 large and small tombs from the Shilla period. The tombs are presumed to be those of kings and court officials. Most of them are earthen and mound-shaped. Some double gourd-shaped ones are for the joint burial of a husband and wife. As those excavated were all found to be stone-pilled wood-lined chamber type, most of the tombs here are presumed to be of the same type. During the excavations of chenmachong and Hwangnamchong , numerous artifacts (including a gold crown, gold girdles, gold and silver personal ornaments, horse fittings, and weapons) were uncovered.
Gyeongju National Museum

one hour

Arguably the best history museum in Korea, the Gyeongju National Museum is where you can appreciate the significance of this ancient city in one fell swoop. The main archaeological hall has dazzling displays of jewellery, weaponry and other ceremonial items from the Shilla dynasty, including a 5th-century gold crown.
Cheomseongdae Observatory

one hour

Cheomseongdae means "Star Gazing Tower." Built during the reign of Queen Seonduk (27th ruler of the Shilla dynasty) in 634, it is the oldest existing observatory in the Far East. It has 27 levels of stones in a round shape with four sets of parallel bars to make a square-shaped structure on its top. The 12 rectangular base stones are positioned in a square, three on each side, representing the four seasons and twelve months of each year. For over two thousand years, astronomers studied the movements of stars and planets and charted them. Court astrologers reported and interpreted their findings to the King who would then act according to their predictions.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

one hour Admission included

The Anapji Pond was built in 674 after the unification of the Korean Peninsula. Small mountains were created inside the palace walls,

beautiful trees and flowers, as well as rare birds and animals, were brought from all over to the islands and hills surrounding the pond. Also, a number of pavilions were constructed around it and used for state festivals and banquets and as a prince’s palace.
Bulguksa Temple

one hour Admission included

The nearby Bulguksa Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Korea and the home to a number of important relics from the Silla period, including most obviously the two stone pagodas Dabotap and Soekgatap. It also dates from the 8th century but has been rebuilt on a number of occasions.
Seokguram

one hour Admission included

Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage that is part of the Bulguksa temple complex. The grotto overlooks the East Sea and rests 750 meters above sea level. It holds some of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world, including the main Buddha. Construction lasted from 742 to 774.

Inside the round-shaped main hall are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva, and his disciples. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. As the sunrise from this spot is quite beautiful, many people climb the mountain at daybreak.