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Gyeongju
Geungnakjeon hall, Bulguksa

Day trip from Busan

Gyeongju 경주

The thousand-year capital of the Silla kingdom, an open-air museum of grassy royal tombs, the Bulguksa temple and Seokguram grotto (both UNESCO), and lamp-lit ponds. The classic Busan day trip.

Just outside our restaurant coverage (it sits in North Gyeongsang), but too close and too good to leave off.

Getting there

About 30 minutes by KTX/SRT from Busan Station, or about an hour by intercity bus

What to see

  • Bulguksa Head temple of Silla Buddhism, with the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas (UNESCO).
  • Seokguram Grotto A granite grotto above Bulguksa, its seated Buddha facing the East Sea (UNESCO).
  • Daereungwon The grassy royal tumuli right in the middle of town.
  • Donggung & Wolji The lamp-lit palace pond; best around dusk.
  • Hwangnidan-gil A strip of hanok cafes and small shops near the tombs.
All seven day trips

Travel times are rough guides only; bus and train schedules change, so check routes and times before you set out. Last updated September 2026.