Gyeongju Private Customized Tour: Uncover the Eternal Beauty

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 Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju is a masterpiece that embodies the essence of Silla Buddhism, both in its architectural splendor and spiritual significance. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers visitors a journey through time, where they can admire the intricate design and craftsmanship of structures like the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, symbols of the temple’s rich heritage. The graceful Cheongun-gyo and Baegun-gyo bridges, leading to the main temple complex, reflect the skillful fusion of nature and architecture. Inside the main hall, the serene statue of Seokgamoni Buddha invites contemplation and reverence, drawing visitors into a deeper connection with the spiritual traditions of ancient Korea.

Bulguksa Temple is not only a place for historical exploration but also a haven for reflection and tranquility. The temple’s harmonious blend of nature and spirituality makes it a favorite destination for those seeking both cultural enrichment and a peaceful retreat

  • Seokguram - The Seokguram Grotto is a unique and awe-inspiring temple built within a cave, renowned for its unparalleled beauty and spiritual significance. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this grotto offers visitors a rare glimpse into the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic mastery of the Silla dynasty. At its heart lies a stunning, perfectly preserved stone statue of the Buddha, seated gracefully in a lotus position. The Buddha, with its calm and serene expression, radiates an aura of peace and enlightenment, surrounded by a series of intricately carved bodhisattvas, guardians, and deities that enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the space.

Seokguram is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and architecture, designed with precise mathematical and astronomical calculations to protect the Buddha statue from natural elements, preserving it perfectly for over a thousand years, and it is regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of Korean Buddhist art.

  • Hongsi Hanjeongsik - You will have the opportunity to savor the essence of Korean cuisine at the highly rated traditional Korean restaurant, ‘Hongsi (홍시한정식),’ located in the Gyeongju area, as recommended by TripAdvisor. The restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a variety of authentic Korean appetizers, a selection of flavorful main dishes, and a sweet persimmon dessert paired with traditional Korean tea. All of this can be enjoyed at a very reasonable price, making it a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a rich culinary journey through Korean flavors.

  • Daereungwon Tomb Complex - The Tombs of Ancient Kings and Nobles - The Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Gyeongju is a remarkable site where visitors can witness the grandeur of the Silla Kingdom through its large, ancient burial mounds. These tombs, dating back over a thousand years, were the resting places of Silla kings, queens, and nobles. Visitors can admire the intricate stonework and explore the history behind artifacts left by the Silla people, including pottery, weapons, and jewelry.

The most famous tomb is Cheonmachong, or the “Heavenly Horse Tomb,” named after a painting of a winged horse. Treasures found within include gold crowns, ceremonial items, and a life-size model of a horse and chariot. Visitors can enter the tomb to view these priceless artifacts, gaining insight into the royal traditions of the Silla Dynasty.

  • Cheomseongdae Observatory - Cheomseongdae, located in Gyeongju, is the world’s oldest extant astronomical observatory and a striking emblem of ancient Korea’s scientific advancements. Built with 362 stones symbolizing the days in a lunar year, it is structured into 27 layers, a number thought to honor Queen Seondeok, the 27th monarch of the Silla Dynasty.

This cylindrical observatory, constructed in the 7th century, was utilized for observing celestial phenomena, such as lunar and solar eclipses, and for predicting weather patterns, which significantly influenced daily life in the Silla Kingdom. The small square window halfway up the structure allowed ancient astronomers to observe the stars. Cheomseongdae’s remarkable design is a reflection of the advanced scientific and architectural knowledge of the time.

Today, Cheomseongdae stands as a symbol of Korea’s profound cultural and scientific heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world, eager to witness this extraordinary historical monument.

  • Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond - Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park. This pond was constructed in 674 by order of King Munmu of Silla and is located at the northeastern edge of the Banwolseong palace site, in 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. Archaeological excavations have revealed a variety of artifacts, including pottery, roof tiles, and ornaments, shedding light on the sophisticated culture and lifestyle of the Silla elite. The beautiful night illuminations of the palace and pond, reflecting off the water, make it a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the tranquility and historical significance of the area.

  • 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
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

Discover the rich history and beauty of Gyeongju on this immersive tour through its most iconic sites. You’ll begin at Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture, followed by a visit to Seokguram Grotto, home to a magnificent stone Buddha. Enjoy a traditional Korean meal at Hongsi Hanjeongsik, then explore the ancient Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where Silla royalty was laid to rest. Step back in time at Cheomseongdae Observatory, the world’s oldest astronomical observatory, and admire the scenic views at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The tour concludes at the Gyeongju National Museum, where you’ll delve deeper into Silla’s rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, as this is a customized tour, you can modify the itinerary to include visits to places like Hwangnidan-gil, Gyochon Village, Woljeong Bridge, or Yangdong Village based on your preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience in Gyeongju.

  • 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.
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
(149 Ratings)
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Sabioinculto
Sep 5, 2024
Perfecto full day tour - Everything was perfect, Joy was an incredible and nice tour guide! We enjoyed and learnt a lot that day, so we strongly recommend it to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Estheraj3005br
Sep 5, 2024
An amazing tour with Joy - Gyeongju is an amazing place, and our guide, Joy, explained everything extraordinarily well! She was really professional and also very nice! We recommend this experience 100%
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soyoon_c
Aug 23, 2024
Thank you Larry! - Larry was a very sweet, attentive tour guide & driver for our family private tour. The route to the 석굴암 Grotto was very challenging, and the weather hot and humid, so it was great to have private transportation. Highly recommend this if you want quality time with your loved ones and if you have limited time to explore.
Review provided by Viator
Lucianodw2697dz
Aug 23, 2024
Excellent experience. So many great spots - Very exciting tour with Jason, an excellent and experienced guide ! He guided us through the Bulguksa Temple, the National Museum and the Ancient Silla Tombs with his competence ! Very appreciated
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B6011mynataliat
Aug 21, 2024
1000000/10 - Joy is an excellent guide! She's very knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. She will also go out of her way to make your experience more enJoyable. 🥰
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlaamzf
Aug 18, 2024
Recommend tour with Jason Lee - We had a wonderful tour with Jason Lee. He picked us up at our hotel and provided a wonderful insight into Gyeongju - touring UNESCO World Heritage sights. We had lunch at a lovely and popular hot spot and tasted a few local specialties along the way. Should we tour again, my only recommendation is to book additional time for shopping (popular street with a lot of young people). my college, daughter, and I recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R6259pocourtneym
Aug 14, 2024
Miss nothing and learn everything on this wonderful tour! - Spectacular sights in Gyeongji! A wonderful way to learn about the ancient and beautiful history of this area. Mimi was thorough and incredibly knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christianpirodon
Aug 13, 2024
Our Visit to One of Korea’s Most Enchanting Cities - Our unforgettable journey to Gyeongju began the moment we were greeted by our exceptional tour guide, Mr. Lee Sang-Heon—affectionately known as Jason. From the very first instant, his professionalism and profound knowledge of the region shone through. As he picked us up from our hotel in Busan, we could feel the excitement building, reassured that we were in the hands of someone who truly appreciated and understood the rich history and vibrant culture of the area. Even before we set foot in Gyeongju, Jason had already taken us on a captivating journey through time with his vivid and engaging historical narrative of the city. His enthusiasm for Gyeongju’s storied past was absolutely contagious, and by the time we reached our destination, we were brimming with anticipation to explore this remarkable city. Each monument and site we visited became more than just a historical landmark through Jason’s detailed and passionate explanations. He did not merely recount facts; he wove together stories that allowed us to connect deeply with the ancient culture and traditions of Gyeongju. His descriptions were so immersive and insightful that we felt as though we were experiencing the history firsthand, rather than simply observing it. As we journeyed from one historical site to another, we were continually impressed by Jason’s ability to seamlessly blend the past with the present, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the significance of each place we visited. It was an experience that not only enlightened us but also left us with memories we will treasure for a lifetime. During our tour, we had the privilege of visiting several extraordinary monuments and areas: Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond Bulguksa Temple Cheonmachong Tomb Gyeongju National Museum In addition to these remarkable sites, Jason also introduced us to a magnificent and traditional restaurant named Hong.Si, where we were treated to an exquisite array of authentic Korean dishes. The experience at Hong.Si was the perfect culmination of our day, allowing us to savor the rich flavors of Korea while reflecting on the incredible journey we had just undertaken. Our visit to Gyeongju, guided by Lee Sang-Heon or Jason (his English name), was more than just a tour—it was a deeply enriching experience that will forever remain in our hearts.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane_g
Aug 13, 2024
Such a wonderful time - Larry was the best tour guide we could ask for. He was so kind, and picked us up promptly from our accommodation. We made a few special requests regarding a cafe we wanted to visit/finding a vegetarian lunch, and he was happy to help. We enjoyed talking to him about Korean and American culture. I learned so much more than I would have by myself. I highly recommend a private tour of gyeongju for the flexibility and personal touch it provides!
Review provided by Viator
Pioneer18100948121
Aug 7, 2024
Magnificent city of Gyeongju with our wonderful guide Joy. - We had a great time exploring the wonderful city of Gyeongju with our tour guide Joy, who explained us.the history of the kingdom of Silla.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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