Gyeongju Day Trip from Busan: A Whirlwind Adventure! (I Need a Revisit!)
Seriously, one day in Gyeongju is NOT enough! Next time, I'm definitely staying for at least two nights!
Getting to Gyeongju: KTX vs. Bus?
So, there are a couple of ways to get to Gyeongju. Most reviews recommend the bus, but honestly, I found the KTX (Korea Train eXpress) to be the quickest and most convenient option! 👍 It's only about 30 minutes.
I saw that many people head to Sasang or Haeundae bus terminals. If you're already near those, great! But if you have to take the MRT or city bus to get there, it could take 30-45 minutes anyway (which is about the same time as taking a bus from Gyeongju Station to the city center). 👍
Since I was in Nampo, I just went straight to Busan Station and hopped on the train! It was easy to manage my time and booking was a breeze. I booked through Trip.com (around ₩260k).
Once you arrive at Gyeongju Station, grab a bus right outside the exit. There are tons of buses headed to the city center, and they come frequently, so you won't have to wait long! ☺️
Even though Gyeongju is close enough to Busan for a day trip, there's SO much more to explore!
My first impression? Gyeongju is unbelievably charming and historical! Hanok houses are everywhere! Absolutely stunning! 😿 The air is fresh and clean – just breathing it in makes you feel amazing!
Seriously, I NEED to come back for at least two nights to explore the areas further out!
Your Gyeongju Day Trip Itinerary (Starting from Busan Station):
Remember to top up your T-money card!
- 7:23 AM: Take the KTX (check the schedule and choose a time that works for you).
- 7:56 AM: Arrive at Gyeongju Station.
- Take a bus into the Gyeongju city center. Use Naver Map to find the best route!
- Take bus 11 to Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Gardens. There's a beautiful wooden bridge there! The bus ride takes about 45 minutes.
- 10:00 AM: Check out the golden leaves (if you're visiting during cherry blossom season, you're in for a treat – it's a forest of cherry trees! 🥹).
- 11:30 AM: Take bus number 10 to the vegan restaurant: 비건레스토랑 옐라(YELLA). It opens at 12:00 PM (the food is fantastic, expect to pay around ₩10-12k).
- 1:00 PM: Walk over to Daereungwon Tomb Complex. It opens at 9:00 AM, and the entrance fee is ₩2000. Renting a Hanbok here for photos is a great idea!
- 2:00 PM: Visit Cheomseongdae Observatory.
- 3:00 PM: Walk down to Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village.
- 4:00 PM: Take photos on the lively Hwangnidan-gil street.
- 5:30 PM: Take a bus back to Gyeongju Station.
- Take the 6:30 PM KTX back to Busan.
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