Gyeongju day trip — What to do in Gyeongju & how to explore Gyeongju in 1 day perfectly?

Not too far away from the bustle Seoul is Busan – the more peaceful and relaxing coastal city. However, that does not mean Busan is any less appealing, in fact, many tourists put this city on their Korea trip bucket list. After around 1 hour and 40 minutes driving from Busan, you will arrive at Gyeongju – once the capital of ancient Korea, now is UNESCO Cultural Heritage. So, what to do in Gyeongju and how to spend 1 perfect day in Gyeongju? Let’s check out our Gyeongju travel blog (Gyeongju blog) and Gyeongju guide on how to spend 1 day trip in Gyeongju (Gyeongju day trip, Gyeongju travel itinerary 1 day) from how to get to Gyeongju, Gyeongju places to visit to, things to do in Gyeongju to discover one-day tour in Gyeongju, the old kingdom of the Silla dynasty.

If you love Korean ancient culture, you will very much enjoy the journey in Gyeongju. Don’t miss the chance to understand Korea through ancient lens of the old dynasty Silla!

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Before every trip to Korea, like many others, I was always struggled with preparing documents, buying flight tickets and using public transports. Thanks to Klook’s online services, all my questions are answered.

If you are travelling to Korea by yourself, these services will serve you well:

Korean tourist visa: the fastest way is to click here to get proper instructions. Personally, I feel like the 5-year visa is the most convenience.

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Korail Pass: Use Korail Pass to go by train from Seoul to Busan, get access to the fast and economical way of travel. Link to buy Korail Pass: [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5Days.

Wifi hotspot device: Batteries last longer when using Wifi instead of 4G, I recommend Wifi for groups and 4G SIM for solo travellers. Link to rent pocket WiFi: [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh.

Gyeongju day trip: Turn back time to the Silla dynasty

It was such a special experience to observe cultural heritages at Gyeongju. I recommend booking the city day tour which is both time-saving and getting to multiple interesting tourist attractions, given a neat schedule.

Link to book Gyeongju day tour: Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seokgulam, Bulguksa Temple Day Trip from Busan.

Yangdong traditional village | Gyeongju, Busan

Together with Hahoe traditional village, Yangdong is another UNESCO cultural heritage, described as one of the villages that represent Korean culture. Yangdong attracts many tourists by its distinctively vintage spirit that belonged to the ancient kingdom. Fun fact: if you watch closely enough, you can see that houses owned by nobles are built on higher ground than that of the peasantry. This proves the class discrimination during the feudal period.

Yangdong village is surrounded by green mountains. The opposite is a river and wide fields. You would love to walk along country roads of Yangdong to fully engage in such a natural, tranquil scenery.

Yangdong village offers the opportunity to try traditional cuisine. “Ddeok” cake and Korean rice cake are tourist favourites.

Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Buddhist Grotto | Gyeongju, Busan

Bulguksa Temple is well-known for its antique architecture and immensity. Tourists never cease admiring the extraordinary beauty of stone-carving art. Besides the building itself, natural scenery around Bulguksa Temple during spring and autumn absolutely spices up your travel experience.

Do you know that the temple’s construction began in the year 528 but it was only until year 774 that it finished? Survived through many historical events, Bulguksa Temple underwent more than 40 reconstructions and maintenances. Don’t miss out on this historical witness of the once-splendid Silla period when you travel to Korea!

Near Bulguksa Temple lies the as famous tourist attraction – Seokguram Buddhist Grotto was built a thousand years ago. Buddha statue and many works of art were carved on natural stones inside the grotto. Seokguram Buddhist Grotto shows how ancient Korean took pride in traditional Buddhism.

Known as the 24th Korea’s national object, Seokguram Buddhist Grotto is on its way to becoming the inexcludable on foreign visitors’ place-to-go list. The attraction is also interesting to scholars and pilgrims.

Anapji pond | Gyeongju, Busan

Anapji Pond was built in year 674 during the Silla dynasty, chosen by nobles as their favourite relaxing spot. Anapji Pond is famous for sophisticated architecture and dreamy scenery. If you get the chance to visit Korea in June or July, a breathtaking view of blooming lotus on the pond certainly awaits.

In the afternoon, Anapji Pond is beautifully painted with sunset pallete, tourists can sit back, enjoy the fresh air, adore the serenity of Gyeongju and praise memories of the old, splendid civilization.

One day at Gyeongju, Busan brings you back to the once-wealthy Silla kingdom. Despite thousands of years of so many historical events, these cultural heritages are still in healthy state thanks to Koreans’ huge effort. Without their dedication, we may never have the chance to cherish such antique beauty.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Busan you can refer to

• Private Gimhae Airport Transfers (PUS) for Busan
• Busan East Coast Cultural Day Tour
• East Busan Exploration
• Gimhae Nakdong River Railbike, BIFF Square, Wine Cave, and Gamcheon Culture Village Day Tour
• BUTI Busan City Tour One Day Bus Pass
• Busan City Jumbo Tour Bus Pass
• [Klook Exclusive] Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket with Souvenir Photo
• Busan Tower Ticket
• [Special Promo] Train to Busan Horror House Combo Admission Ticket
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for South Korea (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for South Korea from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
• [SALE] Instant Ticket: Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5Days
• [Limited Offer] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Luggage Services (Between Airport and Hotel) by Safex

Are you looking for more Busan travel guide: Things to do, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out our Busan blog — The fullest Busan travel guide & suggested Busan itinerary on how to spend 3 days in Busan, South Korea.