Gyeongju UNESCO Heritage: Full-Day Personalized Tour to Explore East Sea and Ancient Shilla History
5.0
2 Ratings
Gyeongju
Embark on a full-day personalized tour of Gyeongju UNESCO Heritage sites, exploring the ancient Shilla history and the breathtaking East Sea. Discover cultural and historical attractions such as Bulguksa temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gampo Kkakji Trail, 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.

  • 감포선착장 - Head east from the historic city of Gyeongju. After a 40-minute drive, you’ll be greeted by the expansive view of the East Sea. Gyeongju offers more than just cultural and historical sites.

Gampohang Port has plenty of activities to enjoy. Relish 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’ in Gampo Kkakji Trail or the dramatic waves crashing in the sea breeze.

  • 송대말등대 - Next, spend time at the Songdaemal Lighthouse. Modeled after the Three-story Stone Pagoda in the Gameunsa Temple Site, it offers a stunning view of Gampohang Port. It’s also a popular spot to watch the sunrise. Be the first to greet the morning sun at Gampohang Port and the Songdaemal Lighthouse.
  • 경주 이견대 - From Igyeondae Observatory, you can see the underwater tomb of King Munmu, which aligns with the observatory’s view.
  • Gameunsa Temple Site - Built by King Munmu (AD 661-681) of Silla, 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 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 relic from the early unified Silla period.
  • 문무왕릉.봉길해수욕장 - About 200m from the shore at Bonggil-ri lies the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.), who unified the three kingdoms and became the 30th ruler of Silla. 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 under this rock. 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 columnar joints in different shapes.

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

What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • Complimentary hotel pickup and dropoff
  • Lunch provided
  • Travel by KTX - Korean bullet train from Seoul (Seoul option)
  • Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
  • Expert guidance from a professional guide
  • All entrance fees included as per 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, Gampohang Port, Gampo Kkakji Trail, Songdaemal Lighthouse, 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.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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266bradfordl
Sep 10, 2023
Incredible Day in Gyeongju with our guide Mimi - Mimi was a fantastic guide, and Gyeongju was an incredible experience to appreciate the well preserved ancient Capitol of Silla Dynasty that ruled for almost 1000 years. Having a private guide allowed us to see everything yet not feel rushed in the process. There is a lot to see and Mimi made it a fun and super educational experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L_c
Dec 13, 2022
A fun and educational tour with Dongmin, the walking Wikipedia - This was a very enjoyable tour to see the popular and hidden gems of Gyeongju. Dongmin is a veteran guide of the region and has all sorts of interesting trivia to share about the sights and country. He is passionate about the history of Korea, and is very efficiently laidback, giving ample time to soak in the sights of the packed itinerary, while keeping everything on schedule. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
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2 Adult
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