Gyeongju Private Tour: Explore Historical Sites & Attractions of Ancient Shilla around East Coast
Gyeongju
Embark on a private tour of Gyeongju and explore the historical sites and attractions of the ancient Shilla kingdom. Visit Bulguksa temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju Wind Farm, and more with a professional tour guide.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bulguksa Temple - Explore Bulguksa, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated as “a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.” During your visit, enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant foliage in fall.
  • Seokguram - At the Seokguram Grotto, admire the statues of devas, bodhisattvas, and disciples carved into the surrounding walls.

Afterwards, savor Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) for lunch.

  • 경주 풍력 발전소 - Next, head to the Gyeongju Wind Farm located at the base of Mount Toham, near Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The farm features seven wind turbines and a picturesque landscape, creating an exotic atmosphere perfect for a stroll or relaxation.
  • 감포선착장 - From the historical heart of Gyeongju, travel east for 40 minutes to reach the stunning East Sea. Gyeongju offers more than just cultural and historical sites.

Gampohang Port is full of enjoyable activities. Delight in a plate of raw flounder, relax on a bench in the new marine park near the seawall, ponder the endless sea, and capture photos of ‘Haegukgil road’ on the Gampo Kkakji Trail or the dramatic waves crashing against the shore.

  • 경주 이견대 - The coast in front of Igyeondae Observatory offers a view of the underwater tomb of King Munmu, a tombstone that shares the same view as the observatory.
  • Gameunsa Temple Site - Built by King Munmu (AD 661-681), who unified Baekje and Goguryeo, the Gameunsaji Temple Site was intended to seek Buddha’s protection against Japanese invasions. King Munmu passed away before its completion and wished to be cremated and buried in the East Sea to reincarnate as a sea dragon to protect the country. His ashes were scattered at Daewangam in the East Sea, and the temple was completed and named by his son, King Sinmun (AD 681-692), in honor of his father.

The three-story stone pagoda at the Gameunsaji Temple Site, standing 13.4 meters high, is a relic from the early period of unified Silla and is known as Silla’s tallest three-story pagoda.

  • 문무왕릉.봉길해수욕장 - About 200 meters from the shore at Bonggil-ri lies the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.), the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom who unified the three kingdoms. He wished to be buried in the East Sea to become a dragon and protect Silla from Japanese invaders. The rocky islet, divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forms a pool at the center with a granite stone at the bottom. Legend says King Munmu’s cremated remains are buried under this rock, though historians debate whether his ashes were scattered or stored in an urn beneath the rock.
  • Columnar Jointing Padosori Path - Discovered in 2012 after nearby troops withdrew, the ‘Fan-shaped Columnar Joints’ are designated as Natural Monument No. 536. The 1.7 km-long ‘Columnar Joints Padosori Trail’ showcases various types of columnar joints in fan, slanted, flat, and rising shapes.

The ‘Columnar Joints Observatory,’ built in October last year, allows visitors to view these geological formations created by waves over time. The observatory features exhibits on geological sources, including the Yangnam Columnar Joints, and offers explanations from a geological commentator.

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Hotel pickup and dropoff
  • Lunch
  • KTX - Korean bullet train from Seoul (Seoul option)
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Professional Guide
  • Entrance fees included in the itinerary
What's Not Included
  • Other activities not on the tour plan
  • Gratuities(optional)
Additional Information

Do you want to catch splendid history of Shilla which lasted about 1,000years? 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. Through the tour, you will visit tourists spot in Gyeongju : Bulguksa temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju Wind Farm, Gampohang Port, Gampo Kkakji Trail, Igyeondae Observatory, Tomb of King Munmu, Gameunsa Temple Site, Columnar Joints Padosori Trail etc, learning the history of Shilla by your professional tour guide. If you’re into ancient cultures and traditions, take a day trip to Gyeongju. Make a time travel at Gyeongju!

Tour guides are friendly, accommodating and experienced. Our guide will bring you local restaurant! This tour is a private tour so you can make your own plan, discussing with your tour guide! Enjoy more time at tour stops!

  • 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
Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa 385 Bulguk-ro,
Cancellation Policy

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

Select Date and Tickets
minimum 2 guests
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
July 2024
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