No products in the cart.
Welcome to Day 3 of my South Korea Travel Series post! Read Day 2 here.
Day 3 of my South Korea Travel Series dives into a journey through Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital and home to iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. This will a long post, mainly outlining my experience with Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Day Tour booked via Klook. If you’re planning a Busan itinerary and are a history buff looking for a hassle-free, full-day tour with an English guide and transportation included, this tour is a fantastic option.
One of the first things I appreciated was the flexibility of pick-up points: KTX Busan Station Exit 1, Seomyeon Station Exit 12, or Haeundae Station Exit 5. Since I was staying at LCT Residence, Haeundae Station was the nearest stop. Plus, it’s the last pick-up and first drop-off, so we got to enjoy a little extra sleep!
With a late pick-up at 11 AM, we had ample time for breakfast. We headed to Egg Drop nearby Haeundae Station Exit 5, a trendy Korean sandwich chain that has taken social media by storm. Their speciality? Thick, toasted brioche bread stuffed with fluffy scrambled eggs and a variety of toppings. Naturally, I was excited to see what the fuss was about.
All orders must be placed outside using the self-service kiosk outside the store. I ordered the Ham and Cheese French Toast (₩4,900), which turned out to be a sweet and eggy French toast sandwich filled with fried egg, smoked ham, and American cheese. Here’s where I realised I might have missed the memo – while Egg Drop is celebrated for its fluffy scrambled eggs, my sandwich came with a fried egg instead. The sandwich was decent: the bread was soft and buttery, the ham and cheese were classic, and the overall taste was pleasant. But honestly, it felt like a regular sandwich that had been elevated just a little.
Would I queue for it again? Probably not. The line was surprisingly long for a Thursday morning, with plenty of tourists snapping photos and waiting for their orders. It’s definitely a popular breakfast spot, but unless you’re a die-hard fan of egg sandwiches or want to try a Korean food trend, you’re not missing out on a life-changing meal.
After just over an hour on the bus, we arrived at Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea’s most famous Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if you’re not especially into history, Bulguksa’s peaceful surroundings and beautiful architecture make it well worth the visit, especially in spring.
Nestled on the forested slopes of Mount Tohamsan in Gyeongju, Bulguksa Temple is celebrated as a masterpiece of Silla-era Buddhist art and architecture. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and designated as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government, Bulguksa stands as one of Korea’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
| Fun Fact: Bulguksa is home to an extraordinary collection of 7 national treasures, each reflecting the pinnacle of Silla craftsmanship and Buddhist devotion: – Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20): Renowned for its intricate, ornate design, this pagoda symbolizes the richness and complexity of Buddhist teachings. – Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21): With its simple, elegant lines, Seokgatap embodies the essence of Buddhist enlightenment and serenity. – Yeonhwagyo & Chilbogyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22): These beautifully crafted stone bridges represent the spiritual journey from the secular world to the sacred temple grounds. – Cheongungyo & Baegungyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23): Forming the iconic stairway to the main hall, these bridges symbolize the ascent from the earthly to the spiritual realm. – Golden Seated Vairocana Buddha (National Treasure No. 26) & Golden Seated Amita Buddha (National Treasure No. 27): These exquisite gilt-bronze statues are revered for their artistic detail and deep spiritual significance. – Saritap Pagoda (Treasure No. 61): Another significant relic, adding to the temple’s rich historical tapestry. |
Bulguksa’s stone terraces and ornate wooden halls radiate a serene grandeur. The temple’s bridges – Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegun-gyo (White Cloud Bridge), are national treasures, symbolically connecting the human world to the realm of the Buddha. As we wandered through the temple grounds, our guide shared stories of the Silla dynasty and the temple’s centuries-old role as a spiritual sanctuary. The intricate stone pagodas and tranquil courtyards made it easy to imagine monks meditating here over a thousand years ago.
Since I visited the temple in April, they were preparing for Buddha’s Birthday in May. Bulguksa temple was adorned with thousands of vibrant lotus lanterns. Each lantern represents a prayer or wish:
This beautiful tradition, called Yeondeung, invites blessings of happiness, health, and wisdom.
Fans of Korean variety shows like Running Man, like me, might know about Bulguksa’s quirky legend: the hidden wooden pig. According to legend, spotting the hidden wooden pig brings good luck!
This 50 cm tall pig, carved from wood, went largely unnoticed for years as it was cleverly concealed behind the Chinese-character signboard above the entrance to Geukrakjeon Hall (also known as Geungnakjeon or the Hall of Supreme Bliss). It was only discovered by accident in 2007, and since then, it has become a popular attraction for both temple-goers and tourists.
Another feature that adds to Bulguksa’s serene ambiance is the presence of majestic pine trees. In Korean culture, pine trees symbolise longevity, resilience, and a spiritual connection to nature. They are often seen as guardians of sacred spaces, representing endurance through adversity and the eternal blessings of the natural world. Their presence adds to Bulguksa’s serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
While I’m not a hardcore history buff, I’m glad I visited Bulguksa in spring. The cool weather made exploring the sprawling temple grounds comfortable. I can’t imagine visiting the temple during the sweltering heat of summer. It’s humbling to imagine life here centuries ago – no air-conditioning, no modern comforts, just the enduring beauty of nature and faith.
One more highlight outside the temple: the cherry blossoms were still in bloom, painting the landscape in soft shades of pink and white. It was my first time seeing cherry blossoms up close, and it reminded me of similar scenes back home in Kedah, where the streets get covered in petals during their own blossom season.
After soaking in Bulguksa’s history, it was time for lunch. Lunch is at your own expense, but the tour will bring you to Gilson Hotel-Style Korean Buffet (길손호텔식 한식뷔페), just ₩9,900 per person.
This local buffet provides a wide array of authentic Korean banchan-like dishes, including various kimchis, stir-fried anchovies, seasoned crab, and sashimi, alongside hearty mains like pork bulgogi and soup. The buffet’s variety and value make it a fantastic introduction to Korean home-style dining, especially for those eager to sample many dishes at once. While it offers a rich local experience, diners less adventurous with Korean flavours may find the options unfamiliar.
If you’re less adventurous with food, don’t worry. There is a GS25 convenience store nearby with plenty of familiar snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.
After a quick lunch, the adventure continued to Gyochon Traditional Village. Gyochon Village is no ordinary tourist attraction. This is the very site where gukhak, the national Confucian academy, was first established in 682 AD during the reign of King Sinmun of the Silla Dynasty. The village’s name, “Gyochon,” harks back to its roots as a community built around a hyanggyo (local Confucian school).
One of the highlights here is Choe’s Old House (최씨고택), a beautifully preserved hanok that once belonged to the prestigious Choe clan. This family is legendary in Gyeongju, not just for their wealth (which lasted 12 generations!) but for their commitment to “noblesse oblige”, using their influence for the greater good. The Choe clan produced literary scholars, known as jinsa, for nine generations.
There’s also a unique code of conduct known as the Six Instructions, which shaped the legacy and reputation of the Gyeongju Choe clan for generations. These principles were not only family rules but also a moral compass that guided the community and contributed to the clan’s prosperity and social responsibility.
| The Six Instructions: 1. Apply the state examination ‘Gwageo’ but do not accept an official rank higher than ‘Jinsa’. 2. Return to society any possessions worth more than 10,000 seok (about 1,440 tons of rice). 3. In times of famine, never increase your farmlands. 4. Receive travelers as well as visiting guests with warm hospitality. 5. Never let anyone within a 100 li (about 40 km) radius starve to death. 6. Daughters-in-law should never wear cotton clothes for no less than three years. |
As you stroll through the village, you’ll notice traditional pottery jars scattered around the homes. I was made aware by our guide that these aren’t just decorative, they were ingeniously used as a natural cooling system during Korea’s hot and humid summers.
The village is also home to Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju. This traditional rice wine is so important it’s recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Fun fact: the best months for brewing are between September and April. The wines are on the pricer side, and there isn’t a sample for you to taste before purchasing.
Just a short walk from the village is the stunning Woljeong Bridge (월정교). This reconstructed Silla-era bridge is a masterpiece of traditional Korean architecture, stretching across the river. We caught a glimpse of it in the afternoon sun, but our guide promised it’s even more magical when illuminated at night, which we’d be returning later in the tour.
If you have extra time in Gyochon Village, consider renting a hanbok (a traditional Korean attire) and capturing some beautiful photos among the charming hanok houses and blooming gardens. I noticed several other visitors, both tourists and locals, posing for pictures with the village’s picturesque scenery as their backdrop.
Since we had a little time before heading to our next stop, we decided to take a quick break at Kyochon Garam Café, which is known for its handmade Korean rice cakes. We sampled the injeolmi with ice cream.
Injeolmi and mochi might look like distant cousins at a glance, but wait until the first bite – the difference is all in the details. Injeolmi is not just a chewy rice cake; it’s soft, almost pillow-like, and thoroughly dusted with roasted soybean powder that adds a nutty aroma and a savoury edge. Many people love the mild sweetness and delicate texture, especially when it’s paired with tea or a drizzle of honey. For some, though, injeolmi is an acquired taste – nutty, a bit earthy, and less sugary than typical desserts, so it can feel unfamiliar or even bland on the first try.
Having tried injeolmi several times, the flavour and the powdery coating still catches me off guard. Every piece melts away with a soft bounce, but compared to the firmer, stickier chew of classic mochi, I find myself craving that familiar dense bite. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s texture, but mochi’s satisfying pull remains my favourite.
Next up was the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where Korea’s royal history quite literally rises from the ground in the form of mysterious, grass-covered burial mounds. If you’ve ever pictured what Korea’s version of the pyramids might look like, this is it! Rather than monumental stone blocks, these royal tombs are rounded, grassy hills blending beautifully into the landscape.
The complex houses a remarkable collection of ancient burial sites from the Silla Dynasty – 23 tombs in total. The main area features several historically significant ones, such as the Tomb of King Michu, Cheonmachong Tomb, and Hwangnamdaechong Tomb. These peaceful mounds are the final resting places for kings, queens, and noble families, creating a park-like space perfect for a tranquil stroll through living history.
What struck me most about Daereungwon was its serene beauty. The rolling grassy mounds are immaculately kept, and to my delight, I got to see real tulips blooming on the grounds, a first for me.
For those curious about what’s inside one of these royal tombs, there is an option to buy a separate ticket to enter Cheonmachong Tomb, the only tomb in the complex open to the public. Inside, you’ll find detailed replicas of the treasures and artifacts once buried with Silla royalty, including the renowned Gold Crown. The ticket wasn’t included in my tours, but can easily be purchased at the entrance if you have the energy for more exploring. After a full day discovering the history of Gyeongju, I found myself running low on stamina, so I decided to skip going inside this time and instead opted to explore Hwangnidan-gil Street.
Hwangnidan-gil Street is just steps away from the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, one of Gyeongju’s most vibrant and popular destinations. This lively street is lined with charming cafes, stylish restaurants, and boutique shops, that blend old-world charm with modern flair.
I also tried the famous 10 won bread, sibwonppang, usually filled with mozzarella cheese. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually cost 10 won; the name simply pays homage to Korea’s classic coin design, making it a quirky keepsake and photo-worthy snack that tourists love. As for the taste? Honestly, it was nothing extraordinary. The bread itself was soft, the cheese hot and stretchy, but quite mild in flavour. It’s definitely more about the novelty than the flavour.
We reached Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond just as the evening light began to fade. After a brief introduction from our guide, we were free to explore the grounds at our own pace, watching sunset reflections move over the water and anticipating the famous nighttime view.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond sit right at the heart of ancient Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla kingdom. The place has a long history: King Munmu ordered its creation back in 674 AD, designing a royal retreat for the crown prince, with beautiful pavilions and a large pond dotted with artificial islands, all laid out to reflect harmony between people and nature. Royal banquets and diplomatic receptions took place here, and it’s even said that the last king of Silla gathered his court here for a final plea for peace.
Over the centuries, the palace and pond gradually fell into ruin. The original name ‘Wolji,’ meaning “moon-reflecting pond,” was forgotten, and the site became known as ‘Anapji’, named after wild geese and ducks seen by wandering poets long after Silla’s golden days. In 1975, archaeologists uncovered building foundations, artefacts, and earthenware inscribed with the pond’s ancient name. That discovery led to careful reconstruction of buildings and restoration of the pond, reviving a piece of royal history for modern visitors.
Walking the grounds as day turned to night, the atmosphere was truly magical. Watching the illuminated pavilions and shimmering pond at night, it wasn’t hard to imagine how this place once dazzled kings and nobles centuries ago.
Our final stop before heading back to Busan was Woljeonggyo Bridge, arriving just as night settled in. We only had about 15 minutes here, but it was enough time for me to cross the stone steps by the river and snap some photos of the bridge’s illuminated wooden structure reflected in the water. The view from the riverbank was breathtaking, with the night lights casting a warm glow.
I then had a chance to walk onto the bridge itself and explore its length. Woljeonggyo is an impressive wooden bridge dating back to the Silla era, faithfully reconstructed in recent years. Walking across it, I felt connected to the history beneath my feet, while the silence and night air made the experience unforgettable.
Overall, it was a wonderful Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Day Tour filled with rich history and beautiful sights. I learned quite a bit about Korea’s ancient kingdoms and cultural heritage along the way. One of the most unexpected highlights was getting to know our tour guide better. Turns out, she’s someone who studied in Taiwan and is now keen on pursuing a master’s degree in humanities. It was fascinating to see someone so passionate about preserving and sharing history.
After the day’s explorations, we wrapped up with a classic Korean BBQ dinner. Interestingly, I began to notice that kimchi wasn’t always served automatically at KBBQ restaurants, though a variety of other banchans were provided.
Later, we explored a cluster of convenience stores nearby. It’s amazing how many are scattered around just one area! I saw plenty of locals comfortably sitting there, slurping ramen right from the stall – just like in the K-dramas. There were a couple of guys enjoying soju a little too much, too, who ended up completely KO-ed and sprawled on the floor. It felt like a scene straight out of a show.
And, that’s a wrap for Day 3!
Read the rest of the series here:
Welcome to Day 3 of my South Korea Travel Series post! Read Day 2 here. Day 3 of my South Korea ...
Just four years ago, clutching my new iPhone 13 Pro from the Switch store in hometown, I could hardly wait to unbox ...
Every now and then, you stumble upon a place that completely redefines your expectations, and sometimes, you don’t even stumble ...
Sometimes the most memorable meals come not from flashy restaurants or viral food spots, but from humble neighbourhood eateries that ...