This 2-day excursion brings you out of Busan to the coastal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. Explore areas that embody the elegant history and culture of the area, learn about the ancient Silla Kingdom, and get the chance to stay overnight in Golgulsa Temple.
Day 1: Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple & Golgulsa Temple Get picked up from your hotel and drive toward Gyeongju. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gyeongju was the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. Stop at Seokguram Grotto, which was built in in the mid-700s and enshrines a sculpture of the Seokgamoni Buddha.
Learn about the history of the grotto before moving on to Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art during Silla rule. Admire 2 famous stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap, along with several Buddha statues housed in the temple. Your day comes to an end as you arrive at Golgulsa Temple, Korea's only cave temple where Silla Hwarang (Flowering Knights) were trained. Before turning in for the night, listen to stories about the ancient history of the area.
Day 2: Tumuli Park, Anapji Pond & Gyeongju National Museum Start your day with yoga and tai chi. After checking out, visit Tumuli Park to see Cheonmachong, an enormous tomb where Silla kings and nobles were laid to rest. On your way back to Busan, stop by Anapji Pond and pause to admire the serene beauty of the still water. Lastly, visit the Gyeongju National Museum, which boasts over 3,000 historical artifacts.