Gyeongju Private Tour : Explore the Legacy of Ancient Silla Kingdom

Embark on a private tour of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom. Discover the rich legacy of this powerful country and explore its bustling metropolitan center.

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bulguksa Temple - The Beautiful Temple that Showcase the Essence of Silla Buddhism - At Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, tourists can see various historic and cultural artifacts, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, the Cheongun-gyo and Baegun-gyo bridges, and the main hall, which houses the Seokgamoni Buddha statue. The temple’s serene natural surroundings also make it a popular spot for enjoying a peaceful stroll or meditation.
  • Seokguram - The Unique Temple Built Inside a Cave Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - At Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, tourists can see a stunning, well-preserved stone statue of the Buddha, seated in a lotus position and surrounded by intricate stone carvings. The grotto itself is a marvel of ancient engineering, designed to protect the statue from weathering and erosion. The site is considered a masterpiece of Korean Buddhist art and a testament to the skill and creativity of the ancient artisans who created it.
  • Hongsi Hanjeongsik - You will be able to taste the essence of Korean cuisine at the top-ranked traditional Korean restaurant ‘Hongsi(홍시한정식)’ in the Gyeongju area, according to TripAdvisor
  • Cheomseongdae Observatory - The Oldest Observatory in Existence in the World - At the Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju, tourists can see one of the oldest and best-preserved astronomical observatories in East Asia. The observatory is made up of 27 large stones, arranged in a precise cylindrical shape, and was used to observe and record astronomical events such as lunar and solar eclipses. Visitors can admire the unique design and construction of the observatory and learn about the advanced scientific knowledge of the Silla Kingdom. The site is considered a significant cultural and scientific achievement of ancient Korea.
  • Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond - Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park, South Korea. This historical site was once part of the palace complex of ancient Silla, dating back to 674 CE when it was constructed by order of King Munmu. The pond is situated at the northeast edge of the Banwolseong palace site, at the heart of central Gyeongju.

The Donggung Palace served as the secondary palace for the rulers of the Kingdom of Silla, and it was also the residence of the crown prince. Over the centuries, it was used for various purposes, including feasting and diplomatic receptions. This site holds significant historical importance, and its serene surroundings offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

  • Gyeongju National Museum - The Museum Housing Authentic Relics Unearthed in Gyeongju - At the Gyeongju National Museum, tourists can see a wide range of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Visitors can view intricately crafted pottery, bronze statues, and other works of art from the Silla period, as well as learn about the lifestyles and customs of the people who lived in the region. The museum also features a variety of interactive displays and multimedia exhibits, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Gyeongju
  • Daereungwon Tomb Complex - The Tombs of Ancient Kings and Nobles - At the Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Gyeongju, tourists can see a collection of large, ancient burial mounds dating back to the Silla Kingdom. Visitors can explore the grounds and observe the intricate stonework and artifacts left behind by the Silla people, including pottery, weapons, and jewelry. The most famous tomb in the complex is the Cheonmachong Tomb, which contains a stunning array of treasures and artifacts, including a life-size model of a horse and chariot. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Silla Dynasty.
What's Included
  • Pickup and drop-off
  • A professionally qualified tour guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Toll fees
  • Parking fees
  • Surcharges on fuel
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (Optional)
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Fees - Daereungwon(2$), Donggung Palace(2$)
Additional Information

###Gyeongju is known for its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites and was the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom from 57 BC to 935 AD.

###This tour provides not only an intimate and personalized small private experience for a single group of 1 to 7 guests, but also offers a mid-sized private tour option for a single group of 8 to 15 guests.

###As a private tour specialist, We’ve done over 800 private tours in Gyeongju, Busan and have catered to a diverse group of tourists, ranging from elderly wheelchair users to families with young children and couples.

We kindly request your understanding that reservations for half-day tours are only possible when requesting pickup and drop-off within Gyeongju.

Location
Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa 385 Bulguk-ro,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(143 Ratings)
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Alaina
Jun 27, 2024
Lucy is an amazing tour guide 🙌✨ - LUCY WAS SO NICE 🫶 She was such a respectful and caring person. Not just to us, but to the locals and other tour groups. My dad had his knees replaced and she was very accommodating and looked for the most accessible paths. 🙌 She was very flexible when my family got tired and planned everything so well. I would definitely recommend her to others. She really makes sure you know the history of Korea and is so knowledgeable. Speaks amazing English too ☺️🌸
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alialkhudhair
Jun 18, 2024
Busan highlight - Good spots, good guide! Awesome! Preserved old village is a must, shouldn’t be an optional! Museum one of the best in Korea, very informative
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ichigo09
Jun 16, 2024
Fantastic Gyeongju day trip and guide - We took the Gyeongju tour with Larry. He was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, friendly and patient. We traveled with two elderly parents and Larry was very attentive with them. He went above and beyond - he took us to more places than planned. We thoroughly enjoyed the day with Larry. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chxmd
Jun 11, 2024
Historical tour - Today started with Jason asking us how we’d like our tour. More interested in the sites and photo opportunities (he was ‘reading the room’ well with my 2 daughters) or would we like a more historical day. We opted for both, and he delivered. 2 years ago we visited multiple Buddhist temples in Thailand, so we are armchair experts on temples. Bulguksa and Seokguram temples were truly beautiful. We are not Buddhist, but have come to truly appreciate its traditions. These temples combine their natural settings with the temples themselves to deliver the inner calmness and peace that draws us to this philosophy. Next we visited Gyeongju museum. Initially we were a little pensive about walking through a museum that reportedly holds over 200k artifacts. We weren’t counting but we walked the entire museum and got the information we needed to appreciate the next part of the tour. The Daereungwon Tomb complex. Prior to planning this trip I had never heard of them. They are basically IMHO the pyramids of the east. A must see.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lance_t
Jun 9, 2024
Great tour with an excellent guide! - Joy was our guide and she was excellent! Friendly, knowledgeable, very good English. It was the best way to see what Gyeongju has to offer!
Review provided by Viator
Carolinaar3844zt
Jun 9, 2024
Great place to visit and learn history - We have a wonderful day discovering Gyeongju with our tour guide Jason Lee, a place with beautiful surroundings we highly recommend Jason for your visit
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lancet556
Jun 9, 2024
Excellent tour of Gyeongju - Joy was an excellent guide! Excellent English. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Took pictures for us the whole tour and sent them and a video of our day at the end. Even our teenage son thought it was great! Got to make the most of our one full day in Gyeongju!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation20872669072
Jun 8, 2024
A really recommendable tour. - Our tour guide Lily showed us around Gyeongju excellently and very competently. Thanks to her, we were able to see all the sights and got a great insight into the history of Gyeongju.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connector22258881355
Jun 6, 2024
Gyeongju private tour - Our guide Jason was friendly and accommodating. There were 5 of us, age ranging from 8 yrs to over 70 yrs. Hence we opted for a private tour. Jason was patient and thoughtful, he sent us to the entrance while he looked for carpark. He recommended a Korean restaurant that caters to my daughter’s food allergy (to egg and seafood) and the food was delicious. Thanks for your help!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomasmc2540uo
Jun 5, 2024
Visit to Gyeongju - I spent an unforgettable day in Gyeongju, the historic cradle of Korea. The majestic temples, royal tombs and the beautiful Anapji Park amazed me. Our Korean guide was very professional and natural, making the English tour extremely enjoyable and informative. The authenticity and cultural richness of this city are impressive. A must-visit for any lover of history and natural beauty.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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September 2024
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