Korail Day Trip to Gyeongju’s Unesco World Heritage Sites from Seoul

Gyeongju Trip Overview

Journey down to Gyeongju from Seoul by taking a ride on Korea’s bullet train, KTX. After the 2 hour ride, explore into the past of Korean history, religion, and science. The 5-hour guided tour will amaze you as you discover the wonders of an old Buddhist temple, ancient tombs, and the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. You will head back to Seoul in awe and understanding why the historic sites at Gyeongju were registered as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Additional Info

Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Starts: Gyeongju, South Korea
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Rail Tours

What to Expect When Visiting Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Journey down to Gyeongju from Seoul by taking a ride on Korea’s bullet train, KTX. After the 2 hour ride, explore into the past of Korean history, religion, and science. The 5-hour guided tour will amaze you as you discover the wonders of an old Buddhist temple, ancient tombs, and the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. You will head back to Seoul in awe and understanding why the historic sites at Gyeongju were registered as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Stop At: Bulguksa Temple, Bulguksa 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38127 South Korea

Bulguksa Temple is a representative relic of Buddhist culture from the Silla kingdom. The temple was built in 528 during the 15th year of King Beop-Heung’s reign (514-540) to wish for peace and prosperity for all. It was later rebuilt in 751 by Kim Dae-Seong. Unfortunately, the temple caught fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). After this time, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of robbers.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Daereungwon Tomb Complex, 9 Gaerim-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38165 South Korea

Within Daereungwon Tomb Complex is Cheonmachong Tomb (Ancient Tomb No. 155), which was excavated in 1973. Cheonmachong Tomb consists of a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber mounded with boulders and earth, characterized as a typical upper-class tomb of the Silla period. The mound has a height of 12.7 m with a diameter of 50m and consists of a layer of rocks collected from streams. Below the rock layer is a wooden chamber that is 6.5 m long and 2.1 m wide, reaching 2.1 m in height, with the wooden coffin at its center. A total of 11,526 artifacts were discovered within the tomb, including Cheonmado, an artwork considered highly valuable as it is Korea’s first artwork to be excavated from an ancient tomb.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gyeongju National Museum, 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38171 South Korea

Gyeongju National Museum is loved by visitors and residents alike as it houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935). The museum recently went through renovation, and the galleries and the exhibition halls have taken on a new look. In addition to improving facilities for visitors’ convenience, Gyeongju National Museum is making efforts to contribute to the community and re-establish its identity as a museum by making efforts to provide lifelong learning opportunities and improve management. As a significant cultural center, Gyeongju National Museum not only strives to preserve, exhibit, and research the rich history and culture of Silla, but it also strives to take a leap forward to become a cultural multi-complex center by promoting international exchange opportunities, social education programs, and a variety of special exhibitions.

Duration: 1 hour

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