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

Highlights of the Trip

When it comes to the best places in South Korea, Gyeongju and Busan come to mind. Gyeongju is a historic city in Southeast Korea that was the capital of an ancient kingdom known as the Silla Dynasty. For this reason, it is a city filled with a unique history and culture. On this Busan tour package, you can explore attractions such as Royal Tumuli Park, Donggung Palace, the famous Bulguksa Temple, and Gyeongju National Museum.

Busan is a vibrant, modern city on the coast. During this tour you can explore the renowned Jagalchi Fish Market, discover the bustling Gukje Market, and uncover the quaint Gamcheon Culture Village.

There is one thing that these two cities share; they both offer magnificent landscapes. Gyeongju is full of wonderful mountains and seas while Busan also offers views of both the coast and nearby mountains. Whether you wish to experience nature, history, or culture, Gyeongju and Busan are both great destinations in South Korea offering world-class attractions.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Gyeongju

• Royal Tumuli Park: This sprawling park is home to over 20 royal tombs, dating back to the Silla dynasty (57 BC- 935 AD).
• Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond: Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond have played significant roles in the history of South Korea. It was the location where the Silla King would entertain foreign dignitaries and hold grand banquets.
• Hwangridan Road: Lined with an array of shops, ranging from traditional markets selling fresh produce and traditional Korean goods to trendy boutiques and department store.
• Bulguksa Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most significant and well-preserved temples in South Korea.
• Gyeongju National Museum: A cultural treasure trove, showcasing the rich and fascinating history of the ancient city of Gyeongju.

Busan

• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: This Buddhist temple was originally built in 1376 by a prominent monk named Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Jagalchi Fish Market:  For centuries, this market has been a hub of activity for local fishermen, traders, and tourists looking to experience the vibrant seafood culture of Busan.

Gukje Market: One of Korea’s largest markets, Gukje Market in Busan is known for its bustling atmosphere, diverse stalls, and a wide array of goods, from traditional items to trendy merchandise.

Gamcheon Culture Village: Known for its picturesque hillside homes, brightly painted buildings, and winding alleys filled with street art and sculptures. The village was originally a poor shantytown, but in 2009 the local government launched a revitalization project to turn it into what it is today – a popular tourist destination and a hub for arts and culture.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in South Korea

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. While in South Korea, be sure to try Kimchi, a traditional side dish made of fermented vegetables, most commonly cabbage. It is a staple in Korean cuisine and can be found served alongside almost every meal. Another famous dish is Bibimbap, which translates to ‘mixed rice.’ It is a bowl of warm white rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, and a spicy Korean red pepper paste called gochujang.

Accommodation of this Tour

– Gyeonjgu (2 Nts): Hanok Guesthouse
– Busan (2 Nts): 2 or 3* Hotel.

To discover more of our tours to South Korea, Korea holiday packages, or some of the cheapest flights to South Korea, explore our website or contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com.

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.

✓ Breakfast

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.

✓ Breakfast

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.

✓ Breakfast

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

To discover more of our tours to South Korea, Korea holiday packages, or some of the cheapest flights to South Korea, explore our website or contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com.

Price

£434

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Travel from Seoul to Gyeongju via KTX, exploring attractions like Royal Tumuli Park, Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond, and Hwangridan Road.

Day 2: Explore Gyeongju further with visits to Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju National Museum.

Day 3: Travel from Gyeongju to Busan via KTX, then explore Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market.

Day 4: Leisure day in Busan, discovering Gamcheon Culture Village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Day 5: Explore more of Busan at your own pace, visiting Taejongdae Cliff and Oryukdo Skywalk, before returning to Seoul via KTX.

FAQs

1. How do I travel from Seoul to Gyeongju and Busan?
   • You’ll travel via Korea’s express train, the KTX, for convenient and comfortable transportation between cities.
2. What attractions are included in Gyeongju exploration?
   • Gyeongju highlights include Royal Tumuli Park, Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond, Bulguksa Temple, and the Gyeongju National Museum.
3. What can I expect at Busan’s Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market?
   • Jagalchi Fish Market offers a wide selection of freshly caught seafood, while Gukje Market is a bustling hub for various products, from clothing to fresh produce.
4. What are the must-visit spots in Busan’s leisure day?
   • Don’t miss exploring Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its vibrant murals, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, situated by the coast.
5. How can I travel back to Seoul from Busan?
   • You’ll return to Seoul via KTX, South Korea’s high-speed train service, for a swift and comfortable journey.
6. Are breakfasts included during the tour?
   • Yes, breakfast is provided throughout the tour to ensure you start your day energized and ready for exploration.
7. Can I explore additional attractions during leisure days?
   • Absolutely! Leisure days allow for flexibility to visit additional attractions like Taejongdae Cliff and Oryukdo Skywalk for stunning coastal views.

Tour Map