Immerse yourself in Korean history and culture on a 1-day tour of Gyeongju. Explore ancient temples, indulge in traditional local food, and discover the remnants of the Silla dynasty’s lavish lifestyle.
Kim Dae-seong, the Prime Minister in the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok’s reign in the Silla era (751), established Seokguram Cave.
At that time, it was called Seokbulsa. During King Gyeongdeok’s reign (742-765), a lot of cultural properties, including Bulguksa Temple, Hwangnyongsadaejong Bell, and Seokguram Cave, were made, which made the period the heyday of Silla’s Buddhist art.
The plane structure of the stone grotto is square in front and round at the back.
The Bonjonbul (the principle Buddha) statue is at the center, and various statues are carved on its girth, such as the Cheonbusang, Bosalsang, Nahansang, Geosasang, Sacheonwangsang, Inwangsang, and Palbusinjungsang statues. Unlike the stone grottos in Indian or Chinese temples, this stone grotto, which was assembled with artificially trimmed granite, is a masterpiece that harmoniously combines the ideal Buddhist world, science and technology, and sophisticated carving skills. Moreover, this stone grotto has a rectangular front chamber (entrance) and a circular main chamber, which are connected by a passage (corridor).
The round ceiling of the main chamber is made of about 360 flat stones. This degree of construction skill is very rare, and the excellent technique used can hardly be paralleled in world history.
The Samguk Yusa (the Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) records that Kim Dae-Seong built Seokguram Cave for his parents.
Seokguram Cave is the culmination of Silla art and is valued as representative of Oriental Buddhist art.
The Cave was registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1995.
- Recommendation itinerary in Gyeongju UNESCO -
- Pick up customized required at the Hotel, KTX train, Cruise port in Busan
Itinerary: Seokguram Grotto UNESCO - Bulguksa Temple UNESCO - Folk Ceramic Village - Daereungwon Tombs - GyoChon Hanok Village - Cheomseongdae Observatory - Anapji pond -National Museum
Itinerary: Yangdong Village - Bulguksa Temple UNESCO - Daereungwon Tombs - Cheomseongdae Observatory - Anapji pond - National
Museum
Itinerary: Seokguram Grotto UNESCO - Bulguksa Temple UNESCO - Folk Ceramic Village - Millennium park - Daereungwon Tombs -National Museum
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Return to customized required at the Hotel, KTX train, Cruise port in Busan
*I will discuss with you and advise for the customized tour with flexible itinerary.
Points of Interest
- Gyeongju
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- Complimentary Busan, Gyeongju transport service post-tour
- Free pickup and drop-off service included
- Professional guide with driver or a driving guide for your convenience
- All gas, toll, and parking fees covered
- Meals + Admission fees not included ( pay at the spot )
- Seokgulam Grotto W 5,000/per Bulguksa temple W 5,000/per
- Tomb Complex W 3,000/per Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond W 2,000/per
Gyeongju was the regal capital of the ancient Korean Silla dynasty. From 57 BC to 935 AD, spanning nearly a millennium, the Silla dynasty reigned over the Korean peninsula. Today, their cultural contributions can still be admired in Gyeongju. A thriving nation at the time, the fourth largest city globally was Silla’s capital, Gyeongju. It was a residence for the Silla court and the majority of the kingdom’s nobility, and traces of their extravagant lifestyle and posthumous rites remain visible. Immerse yourself in Korean heritage, customs, and authentic local cuisine for a day.
- Suggested Tour Schedule -
Start with Seokguram, then explore the Bulguksa Temple - Take a break for lunch - Visit the Folk Craft Village - Explore Bomun Lake - Take in the sights at Daereungwon Tomb Complex - Visit Cheomseongdae - Wander through Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village - Explore the National Museum - End the tour with a return to Busan or a drop-off in Gyeongju.
All of this can be explored at a relaxed and flexible pace.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must be provide to ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Minimum 2 people numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Meet up point: Customer requested on time and location and pick- your up in front of exit gate with your name picker.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
