Gyeongju Private Tour: Historic and Cultural Exploration of East Sea Attractions
Gyeongju
Embark on a private tour of Gyeongju, exploring historic and cultural attractions by the East Sea. Visit renowned sites like Bulguksa temple and Seokguram Grotto while learning about the rich history of the Shilla dynasty.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bulguksa Temple - Visit Bulguksa, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated as “a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.” In spring, the temple grounds are adorned with blooming cherry blossoms, and in fall, vibrant foliage.
  • Seokguram - The Seokguram Grotto features statues of devas, bodhisattvas, and disciples intricately carved into the surrounding walls.

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

  • 오류해수욕장 - From the historic city center of Gyeongju, head east for 40 minutes to reach the stunning East Sea. Gyeongju offers more than just cultural and historical sites.

Gyeongju Oryu Beach, also known as ‘Goara Beach’ for its beauty, features the ‘Gyeongju Oryu Camping Site’ established in 2013. The campsite includes 10 large caravans, 18 regular caravans, and 8 campsites. The beach boasts fine sands, white pebbles, and adjacent pine tree fields, enhancing the camping experience.

  • 감포선착장 - Gampohang Port offers numerous activities. Enjoy 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 sea’s thrashing waves.
  • 경주 이견대 - The coast near Igyeondae Observatory provides a view of King Munmu’s underwater tomb, aligned with the observatory.
  • Gameunsa Temple Site - Built by King Munmu (AD 661-681) of Silla, who unified Baekje and Goguryeo, the temple site was intended to seek Buddha’s protection against Japanese invasions. King Munmu passed away before its completion, leaving a will 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 his honor. The three-story stone pagoda at the site, standing 13.4m high, is a remnant of early unified Silla and is the tallest of its kind.
  • 문무왕릉.봉길해수욕장 - About 200m from the shore at Bonggil-ri lies the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.), the 30th ruler of Silla 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 central pool with a granite stone at the bottom, believed to cover his cremated remains. Historians debate whether his ashes were scattered or stored in an urn under 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 columnar joint formations, including fan-shaped, slanted, flat, and rising shapes.

The ‘Columnar Joints Observatory,’ built in October last year, offers views of these formations created by waves over time. The observatory features exhibits on geological sources, including Yangnam Columnar Joints, with a geological commentator available for explanations.

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

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, Oryu Beach,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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