Gyeongju, the thousand-year capital of the Silla Kingdom, is often called the “Kyoto of Korea” and a “museum without walls.” On this day trip from Busan, a Japanese-speaking guide brings its temples, royal tombs, and hanok streets to life, so you can enjoy every storey without a language barrier. Pickup in Busan is included, so there's no need to navigate trains or local buses.

Meet your guide at Busan Station, Seomyeon, or Haeundae, whichever is closest to your hotel, and relax on the drive to Gyeongju.

Bulguksa Temple
Start at Bulguksa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Silla Buddhist architecture. Admire its stone stairway-bridges and the twin pagodas Dabotap and Seokgatap. Look closely at Dabotap: it's the pagoda pictured on Korea's 10-won coin. You'll also have time for lunch (at your own expense).

Gyochon Hanok Village
Wander the quiet lanes of Gyochon, a traditional village of tiled-roof hanok houses. It's home to the historic house of the Choi family, famous for keeping its fortune for 12 generations while generously sharing with the poor.

Daereungwon and Hwangnidan-gil
Explore the area around Daereungwon, where the grassy burial mounds of Silla royalty create one of Gyeongju's most photogenic landscapes. Cheomseongdae, one of Asia's oldest surviving observatories, stands nearby. Then enjoy free time on Hwangnidan-gil, Gyeongju's trendiest street, where hanok houses have become cafés, bakeries, and boutiques. Try Gyeongju bread, or the 10-won bread said to have inspired Japan's 10-yen bread craze.

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond and Woljeonggyo Bridge
As evening approaches, visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly known as Anapji), the Silla crown prince's palace, where pavilions are mirrored in the still water. End at Woljeonggyo Bridge, a reconstructed Silla-era wooden bridge that glows beautifully when lit up. Depending on the season, you'll see these spots in the soft evening light or illuminated after dark.

Please note: this tour is guided in Japanese only. Times may vary due to traffic and weather.