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

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 9-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.

Itinerary

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea. Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia and possibly even the world. It was constructed in the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla, whose capital was Seorabeol, or present-day Gyeongju (Hangul: 경주). Cheomseongdae was designated as the country's 31st national treasure on December 20, 1962. Modeled on Baekje's Jeomseongdae, which now exists only in historical records, the Cheomseongdae influenced the construction of the Japanese Senseidai observatory in 675, and Duke Zhou's observatory in China in 723.

Cancellation

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Good to know

• •Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• •Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• •Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• •A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• •A maximum of 2 people per booking
• •Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative site
• •Dress comfortably