3-Days 2-Nights Gyeongju UNESCO Sites and Busan City [Private Tour from Seoul]

3-Days 2-Nights Gyeongju UNESCO Sites and Busan City [Private Tour from Seoul]

● This tour was designed for tourists who visit Korea for the first time or who visit more than once in Korea and want to see other than Seoul.

● Our journey starts with Korea travel specialist who has full of knowledge about Korean History, Politics, Religions and Nature So Our tourist can listen a lot of story while moving.

● This tour will bring you to the capital of the 1,000 years old Shilla dynasty with full of tradition, and will take you to the beauty of Busan, the second largest city after Seoul with full of joy.

● Tour start from Seoul or Incheon Airport, and drive down to southeast about 4 hours and then will reach in the millennium city called Gyeongju city.

and move to Busan city for 1 hour which is the second largest and biggest port city of Korea with full of joy and variety sea food.

※ Tour Itinerary is subject to change by customers request.

Itinerary

Day 1: Heading to Gyeongju city: Gyeongju National Museum→ Anapji Pond→ Tumuli Park(Daereungwon)→ Cheomseongdae Observatory

Stop At: Gyeongju National Museum, 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38171 South Korea
- The best place to visit to understand the oldest (1,000 Yeats) city in Korea

Introduction

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 exhibitio
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Anapji Pond, Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38163 South Korea
- The place where the eastern palace of Gyeongju city was located and its pond

Introduction

Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were the secondary palace site which was used by the crown prince. It also served as a banquet site for important national events and important visitors. After the fall of Silla, the site was abandoned and forgotten. The pond was referred to as "Anapji" during the Goryeo and Joseon period. In the 1980s, pottery fragment with letters “Wolji” (a pond that reflects the moon) carved onto it was found, revealing the true name of the pond. After the discovery, the site was renamed to the current Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Cheonmachong Tomb, 89-2, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do South Korea
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex : Tumuli Park of the kings of the Silla Dynasty

Introduction

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 50 m, 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 30 minutes

Stop At: Cheomseongdae Observatory, Wolseong-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do South Korea
- Oldest existing astronomical observatory Built by Shilla Dynasty

Introduction

Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.

Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (r. 632-647), it was used to observe stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962.

Cheomseongdae was built in a cylinder shape with stones 30cm in diameter. 362 stones were piled up to make 27 levels. Roughly 4.16m up from the bottom there is a 1㎡ square entrance and a space to hang a ladder under it.

The inside is filled with soil up to the 12th level, and the 19th, 20th, 25th, and 26th levels all have long rocks hanging on two areas, shaped as the Chinese letter '井' (jeong).

It stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m.

The Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice and the 24 solar terms (also known as the astronomical solar year) were determined by observating of stars. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard of deciding directions, north, south, east and west. The 362 stones used to build Cheomseongdae represented the 362 days in a lunar year.
Duration: 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gyeongju city, 3-star Hotel or above

Day 2: Seokguram Grotto→ Bulguksa Temple→ Heading to Busan city: Yongdusan Park→ BIFF Square→ Jagalchi Market→ Oryukdo SkyWalk

Stop At: Seokguram, 999 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 780-400 South Korea
- A typical Buddhist monument in the Unified Silla period, you can see a huge granite Buddha statue when you pass through the unique forest path in Korea.

Introduction

Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) and it was finished twenty-four years later in 774, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765-780).

Seokguram is known to have been built at the same time as Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.

Inside the round-shaped main hall are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva and his disciples. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. The view of the sunrise is quite beautiful and many people hike the mountain at daybreak.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bulguksa Temple, Bulguksa 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38127 South Korea
- It is one of the best Buddhist temples in Korea that must visit tourist attraction who visit Gyeongju

Introduction

Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.

Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung's reign (514-540). The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started rebuilding the temple in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (r. 742-765) and completed it in 774 during the reign of King Hye-Gong (r. 765-780). Upon completion, the temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa.

Bulguksa Temple underwent numerous renovations from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), but was burned down during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598).

Reconstruction started again in 1604 during the 37th year of King Seon-jo’s reign (Joseon Dynasty) and was renovated about 40 times until 1805 (during the reign of King Sun-Jo, 1790-1834). After this time, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of robbers.

In 1969, the Bulguksa Temple Restoration Committee was formed and in 1973, Mulseoljeon, Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, Gyeongru, and Hoerang (all of which had previously been demolished) were rebuilt. Other old or broken sites (such as Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, Beomyeongnu and Jahamun) were repaired.

Even today, Bulguksa Temple is home to many important cultural relics such as Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20), Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21), Yeonhwa-gyo & Chilbo-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22), Cheongun-gyo & Baegun-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23), Seokguram Grotto (National Treasure No. 24), the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddhist Figure (National Treasure No. 26), the Golden Seated Amita Figure (National Treasure No. 27), and Saritap Pagoda (Treasure No. 61).
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Yongdusan Park, 37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan 48950 South Korea
- When tourist visit Busan for the first time, this park wiil be the best place for tourist can see the full scenery of Busan

Introduction

Yongdusan Mountain (49m) in downtown Busan is one of Busan's three famous mountains. It was originally called Songhyeonsan Mountain, which means a mountain with a view of the sea through the dense pine tree forest. Later, the name was changed to Yongdusan Mountain, as the mountain peak was shaped similar to a dragon's head (yongdu), protecting the area against foreign invaders overseas.

The mountain held shrines for the mountain gods built by the Japanese before the 8.15 Liberation. Now the mountain is home to a variety of monuments, including Cheokhwabi Monument, Chunghontap Pagoda, 4.19 Revolution Monument, a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, and Busan Tower. During the Korea War, refugees built houses on the sides of the mountain all the way to the summit but these neighborhoods were burned down twice, leaving the mountain bare. Since then, fierce efforts of planting trees have led to transforming the burnt mountain to a beautiful park. The park was called Unam Park at the time of the Liberal Party’s ruling but was renamed to Yongdusan Park after the April 19 Revolution in 1960. The park offers a beautiful view of Busan Port and the surrounding scenery. In particular, the night view from Busan tower is magnificent.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: BIFF Square, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan South Korea
- When move down from Yongdusan Park, can meet best shopping street in Busan city like Myeongdong in Seoul, which is located between Jagalchi Market and international market

Introduction

Busan’s modern movie district was originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule over half a century ago. However, major renovations took place ahead of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and the newly transformed district was named BIFF Square on August 14, 1996.

Having been remade into a cultural tourist attraction promoting the advancement of Korea’s film industry, BIFF Square has contributed to Busan’s newfound status as an international cultural tourist city. The 428 meter-long street stretching from the Buyeong Theater in Nampo-dong to the overpass in Chungmu-dong was divided into “Star Street” and “Festival Street,” and on the eve of the festival each year the “BIFF Square Ground Opening” is held on the street. During the ceremony, events such as the hand printing of famous movie celebrities and Nunggot Jeomdeung (snow-flower lighting) take place. A district such as BIFF Square, crowded with first-run theaters in a city is rare not only in Asia but Europe as well, and for this reason it holds great potential. In recent years, the square has grown into a more complex area, featuring not only movie theaters but also shops and leisure facilities, attracting growing numbers of young visitors and tourists.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jagalchi Market, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan South Korea
- The Jagalchi Market is a fish market representing Busan, where you can enjoy a variety of seafood. If you can eat sashimi, can also enjoy sashimi

Introduction

As one of the most popular seafood markets in Korea, Jagalchi Market is almost overflowing with fresh seafood. Some come to savor the fresh taste of the shellfish or raw fish, while others come simply to meander through the aisles of street stalls packed with wares, people, and the overall excitement of the market. The Jagalchi Market is directly connected with several other seafood markets, namely the Busan Fish and Shellfish Market, and the Dried Fish Market. These are favorite stops for customers purchasing gim (dried seaweed), dried fish products, and a variety of other seafood products.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Oryukdo Skywalk, 137, Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48594 South Korea
- The best place to enjoy the coast of Busan

Introduction

The regional name in olden times for the area of Oryukdo Skywalk was Seungdumal , as the shape resembles a saddle, and it was originally called Seungduma as well as Jallokgae by residents and women divers.

The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk finished on September 12, 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and started operating on October 18, 2013, with the theme of "Walking over the sky.”

Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, and a 15-meter glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse’s hoof connect the iron columns. The bottom of the glass was specially produced with four attached 12-millimeter glass pieces coated with a bulletproof film that has a thickness of 55.49 millimeters, making the structure quite safe.

Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op, as well as the best spot to see Daemado Island on sunny days.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel provided Food or Korean local food
Accommodation included: Overnight in Busan City, 3-star Hotel or above

Day 3: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple→ Haeundae Beach & APEC house→ Gamcheon Villiage, Heading to to Seoul or Incheon Airport

Stop At: Haedong Yonggung Temple, 416-3, Sirang-ri, Gijangeup, Gijang-gun, Busan 619-902 South Korea
- Most of the Buddhist temples in Korea locate in the mountains. but This beautiful temple locate on the coast of Busan so Many foreign and domestic tourists are looking for it

Introduction

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line; most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions can all be seen looking out over the ocean.

The main sanctuary of the temple was reconstructed in 1970 with careful attention paid to the colors that were traditionally used in such structures. On the right-hand side, inside the a cave, is a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum, while situated just in front of the main sanctuary is a three-story pagoda with four lions. The four lions symbolize joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Other special sites at the temple are the 108 stairs and stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape. After going down the 108 steps, one will be delighted with the beauty of the temple. Midway down the 108 steps one can stop and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves, and view the majestic sunrise.

Many people often come to this spot on New Year's Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up. April is an especially beautiful time of year with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The birth of Buddha is also celebrated in the fourth month of the lunar calendar and offers a spectacular night view as the temple area is aglow with lit lanterns.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: APEC Naru Park, 93, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan 48058 South Korea
- This place was a building where 21 countries gathered in 2005 for APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting

- Tourist can walk along the coast after viewing this house with enjoying the typical coast line of Busan and can reach Haeundae Beach with skyscraper behind of it, which is one of the best sand Beach in Korea

Introduction

The name Nurimaru APEC House is created by combining the Korean words nuri (“world”) and maru (“summit”), and “APEC House,” which refers to an APEC conference hall. Collectively, it means “a house where the world summits gather together for an APEC meeting.”

Located on Dongbaekseom Island, which is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees, Nurimaru APEC House has been used as a memorial hall and a prestigious international conference hall since the APEC summit meeting. Nurimaru, a 3-story building, is a modernistic expression of “jeongja,” a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style. Its roof shape symbolizes the ridgeline of Dongbaekseom Island. Its interior design is a visual display of Korea’s creative traditional culture.

The terrace, which has a Korean wooden floor concept, towers over Oryukdo Island, Gwangan Bridge and Dallmaji Hill. Located near Haeundae Beach, it not only offers a spectacular view of the beach, but also has the appearance of a reputable international conference hall featuring both modern and natural beauty.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Haeundae Beach, Haeundae-gu, Busan South Korea
- The most famous and most visited sand beach in Korea which is located in a center of the Busan City

Introduction

Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan. The white sand beach is roughly 1.5k m long, over a 30-50 m wide area, creating a beautiful coastline before a shallow bay, making Haeundae Beach perfect for swimming.

People flock to Haeundae Beach every summer. All kinds of accommodations from luxury hotels to private guesthouses have developed in the area around the beach, making this the perfect summer vacation spot. Haeundae Beach is also famous for various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. Other facilities in the area include Dongbaek Island, Busan Aquarium, a yachting dock, BEXCO, driving courses and more.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Gamcheon Culture Village, 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan 49368 South Korea
- This village was built on a mountain during the Korean war by evacuated people from the North, and is now a tourist attraction that many domestic and foreign tourists are visiting because of the beautiful scenery and the feeling of a special town

Introduction

Gamcheon Culture Villiage is formed by houses built in staircase-fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain, earning this village the nickname "Machu Picchu of Busan." Many alleys that cut through this community are vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the residents.
Duration: 50 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel provided Food or Korean local food
No accommodation included on this day.