Gyeongju Private Tour: East Sea Exploration including Gampo Port, King Munmu's Tomb and Yonggul Cave
경주시
Explore the splendid history of Shilla on a private tour of Gyeongju. Visit Gampo Port, King Munmu's Tomb, and Yonggul Cave. Experience the ancient cultures and traditions of this historic city.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 감포선착장 - From the center of Gyeongju, a city that breaths of history, you run to the east. After 40 minutes, you come to an expensive view of the East Sea. There are more attractions in Gyeongju aside from the cultural and historical sites that you are familiar with.

There are so many enjoyable things to do in Gampohang Port. You can be happy with a plate of raw flounder, sit on a bench in the new marine park near the seawall of Gampohang and wonder where the end of the sea would be, and also take a photo of ‘Haegukgil road’ in Gampo Kkakji Trail or the scenery of thrashing waves in the sea wind here and there from the village.

  • 송대말등대 - Next visit is spending time at the Songdaemal Lighthouse. In addition to the lighthouse itself, modeled after the Three-story Stone Pagoda in the Gameunsa Temple Site, you can see the beautiful ‘Gampohang Port’ in one look. It is also a famous spot to watch the sunrise. Be the first to welcome the sun in the morning at Gampohang Port and the Songdaemal Lighthouse.
  • 경주 이견대 - The coast in front of Igyeondae Observatory is where you can view the underwater tomb of King Munmu, which is a tombstone that looks at the same things as the observatory.
  • Gameunsa Temple Site - Gameunsaji Temple Site was built by King Munmu (AD 661-681), the king of Silla who unified Baekje and Goguryeo in the late 7th century. The purpose of the temple site was to pray for help and guidance from Buddha against Japanese invasion. Unfortunately, King Munmu passed away before the completion of the temple, and left a will to be cremated and buried in the East Sea so that he may reincarnate as a sea dragon in order to protect the country. As he wished, King Munmu’s ashes were scattered at Daewangam of the East Sea. The temple was completed and was named by his son, King Sinmun (AD 681-692) in respect and appreciation for his father.
    Gameunsaji The three-story stone pagoda at the temple site is a reminent of the early period of unified Silla, assembled with several parts which rise up to 13.4m high, known to be Silla’s highest three-story pagoda.
  • 문무왕릉.봉길해수욕장 - A little rocky islet approx. 200m from the shore at Bonggil-ri is the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.), who unified the three kingdoms and became the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the East Sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect Silla from Japanese intruders. The rocky island, about 200 meters in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the center, at the bottom of which is a granite stone 3.6 meters long, 2.9 meters wide and 0.9 meters thick. Legend has it that the remains of King Munmu’s cremated body are buried under this rock. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the rock.
  • Columnar Jointing Padosori Path - Treasure had been discovered in 2012 when nearby troops withdrew. ‘Fan-shaped Columnar Joints,’ designated as a Natural Monument No. 536. The 1.7 km-long ‘Columnar Joints Padosori Trail’ has been created where you can see various types of columnar joints in a fan shapes, slanted shapes, flat shapes, rising shapes, etc.

The ‘Columnar Joints Observatory’ was built last year in October in a nearby plaza so that visitors can view various types of columnar joints that were made by waves over time. In the observatory, there are various exhibition articles about various geological sources including Yangnam Columnar Joints. A geological commentator is also there to give explanations of the natural formations.

  • Jeonchon-ri - There is a road made of wooden decks which is a course on the Haeparang Trail located in the north of Jeonchonhang Port. Here you can explore the add rock cliffs near the coast. As you walk the trail, you can see Yonggul Cave, a masterpiece created naturally over many years.
    There are “Saryonggul (four-dragon cave)” and “Danyonggul (one-dragon cave)” in Yonggul. The legend says that there once lived four dragons that guarded the east, west, south, and north in ‘Saryonggul’ and another one of the dragons guarded Gampo Village in ‘Danyonggul.’ The five dragons were the guardian gods of the village people, protecting them from the harsh sea and the Japanese invaders. Although it is not big, it is mysterious enough with the legend.
What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • Convenient hotel pickup and dropoff
  • Lunch provided
  • Travel via KTX - Korean bullet train from Seoul (Seoul option)
  • Comfortable ride with in-vehicle air conditioning
  • Expert guidance from a professional guide
  • All entrance fees included as per itinerary
What's Not Included
  • Other activities not on the tour plan
  • Gratuities(optional)
Additional Information

Fancy a journey through the glorious past of the Shilla era that spanned a millennium? Starting from the heart of Gyeongju, a city soaked in centuries of heritage, we head east. Forty minutes later, you encounter the panoramic grandeur of the East Sea. Gyeongju offers more than the usual historic and cultural landmarks. This excursion will lead you to local attractions such as Gampohang Port, Gampo Kkakji Trail, Songdaemal Lighthouse, Igyeondae Observatory, Tomb of King Munmu, Gameunsa Temple Site, Columnar Joints Padosori Trail, Yonggul Cave and more, all while soaking up Shilla’s past under the guidance of an expert tour guide. For those with an appreciation for ancient culture and customs, spend a day in Gyeongju, a genuine time capsule of history!

Our tour guides are not only amicable and helpful but also experienced. They will even take you to an authentic local eatery! This tour is exclusively tailored for you, offering the flexibility to create your own itinerary with your guide’s input! Take advantage of extended visits to the attractions!

  • Please add country code to your phone number at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Location
감포선착장
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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minimum 2 guests
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
July 2024
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