Tours to South Korea: 5-Days Discovering the Highlights of Gyeongju and Busan

Itinerary

Day 1: Seoul to Gyeongju

Take the KTX, Korea’s express train, to make the journey from Seoul to Gyeongju, a city known as ‘Museum without walls’ due to its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When you arrive at SinGyeongju Station, you can continue your exploration on your own.

Here you can discover Royal Tumuli Park. This destination is a must see. From Neolithic tombs to majestic mausoleums, it is a testament to the former Korean kingdom as it retains a large selection of tombs of former royalty. In addition, the area is covered with lush vegetation, making it a beautiful and tranquil place for visitors to explore the ancient history of the country.

Gyeongju is home to the majestic Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. This impressive site in the city houses two breath-taking attractions that are sure to captivate visitors from all over. Donggung Palace is a royal residence from the Silla Dynasty, while Wolji Pond is renowned for its reflecting pond and the miniature islets modelled in its waters.

You can also uncover Hwangridan Road. This is a picturesque stretch of road that runs from south to north along the east side of Namsan Mountain. Its unique scenery offers visitors a chance to experience the stunning beauty of South Korea’s mountainous landscape.

Day 2: Gyeongju – Explore Gyeongju National Museum

Today, explore more of Gyeongju. Discover Bulguksa Temple – one of the most important Buddhist temple complexes in South Korea. It dates to the Silla Dynasty in 528 and continues to be a major Buddhist centre in the country. The temple complex is located on the slopes of the Tohamsan Mountain, and it consists of two large temples known as Daeungjeon Hall and Seokguram Grotto.

You can also uncover the Gyeongju National Museum, which showcases the history of the ancient city of Gyeongju. Evidence is gathered from archaeological excavations of the area, museums, and other historical studies. It is the largest museum in the entire Gyeongju region, and it provides an insight into the history of this incredible city.

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Day 3: Busan – Discover the Bustling Markets

After a calming morning, it’s time to leave the guesthouse and make your way to SinGyeongju Station. Board a KTX to Busan and when you arrive at Busan Station, you are free to explore on your own.

Here you can discover the renowned Jagalchi Fish Market. This market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Busan, South Korea. Located in the bustling port-side district of Namcheon-dong, near the beach and the bustling shopping street of Gukje Market, the Jagalchi Fish Market is a must-see for all tourists and locals alike. The Jagalchi Fish Market offers an incredible array of freshly caught seafood for incredibly low prices.

You can also uncover the Gukje Market in Busan. This bustling market is one of the oldest and largest markets in South Korea. Located in the heart of the city, it is the main wholesale market, offering a wide range of products from clothing and electronics to fresh seafood and cooked food. The market has been a major shopping destination since the 1950s and neared destruction during the Korean War but was restored to its former glory soon after the conflict ended.

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Day 4: Busan – Explore a Beautiful Culture Village

Take the day to explore Busan at your leisure. Today you can discover the Gamcheon Culture Village – a small, quaint hillside village. Once a run-down slum village, it has become a unique cultural destination where resident artists have transformed it into a vibrant hillside neighbourhood covered in colourful murals, sculptures, installations, and alleyways of surprises. The village is built into the hills of the modern-day Saha-gu district. Narrow alleyways wind between old-fashioned tile-roofed houses with pastel-coloured walls and latticed windows that line the upper and lower levels of the village. Many of these traditional Korean houses have been turned into galleries, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops which serve as a reminder of the village’s past.

You can also unearth the spectacular Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Busan, South Korea. It is a beautiful and unique temple located near the shore of the eastern coast of Korea. The temple was built by Naong, a Buddhist monk, in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty. It is believed to have been named for the dragon king of the East Sea in which it was built.

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Day 5: Busan to Seoul

Spend the morning at your leisure exploring more of Busan. Today you can discover Taejongdae Cliff – a must-see national park located on the southern tip of the Korean port city of Busan. It offers breath-taking views of neighbouring islands and the open sea.

You can also explore Oryukdo Skywalk. This is a spectacular spot to visit for breath-taking views of the South Sea. Located south of Haeundae Beach this bridge-like structure that juts out from the land is a perfect spot to take in the ocean views and watch the ships pass by. The bridge is equipped with a glass platform that allows visitors to feel almost as if they are walking on air as they get wonderful views of the ocean and the islands nearby. You can also get a good look at the five islands that form the shape of the Korean peninsula from the bridge.

After, check out of your hotel and make your own way to Busan Station. From there, you can board the KTX for the journey back to Seoul.

✓ Breakfast

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