Busan and Gyeongju Discovery

📍 Busan Gimhae Airport - Haeundae Beach (approx. 34 km): +/- 1h

Upon arrival at Busan Gimhae International Airport, travellers are welcomed and transferred by private, air-conditioned vehicle to the hotel.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a coastal metropolis known for its beaches, bustling seafood markets, and sweeping harbour scenery.

Meet the guide for an afternoon visit to Samgwangsa Temple, one of Busan’s most impressive Buddhist complexes. Set on the foothills of Baegyang Mountain, the temple is renowned for its grand architecture, peaceful courtyards, and panoramic views over the city. Wander through its multi-tiered halls and lantern-lined paths, taking in the calm atmosphere that contrasts with the city below.

Continue on to Haeundae Beach for a gentle seaside stroll.

At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel or take the evening to explore Busan’s lively after-dark scene at leisure. 

Overnight in Busan

Note:
- The standard for the check-in time is 15:00 o’clock. Should you arrive earlier, baggage may be stored at the hotel. An early check-in depends on availability and may be subject to additional charges.
- Meals are at personal expense.

Inclusions:

Tour duration: 09:00-18:00

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin the morning with a hands-on Korean cooking class conducted in English, learning to prepare a selection of regional dishes under the guidance of a local chef. Enjoy the meal prepared during the session and take home a recipe card as a keepsake for future recreations.

Continue to Jagalchi Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market, to observe the impressive variety of freshly caught produce and take in the dynamic atmosphere as vendors present the day’s offerings. This is an ideal place to witness Busan’s long-standing maritime traditions in action.

From here, make the way to Gamcheon Culture Village, a kaleidoscope of colour spread across the hillside. Wander through its winding alleys adorned with murals, small galleries, and independent cafés, each corner revealing a new creative touch by the local community.

Before the day winds down, board the cable car for a memorable ride across the sea. The 15–20 minute journey offers sweeping views over the ocean, Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, the Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road, and the dramatic rock formations below. It’s a gentle, scenic moment that highlights Busan’s coastal charm.

Return to the hotel for a restful evening.

Overnight in Busan

Note:
- Dinner on your own account.
- Jagalchi market is closed every 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of each month. 
- Busan Cable car operations may be suspended in cases of strong winds, heavy rain, or scheduled maintenance. In such situations, an alternative activity will be arranged.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Busan – Gyeongju (approx. 100 km): 1.5 hr

Tour duration (guided tour): 09:00-17:00

After breakfast, meet your guide, check out and travel by private car to Gyeongju, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.

Gyeongju, once the capital of the 8th-century Silla Kingdom, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revered as an open-air museum, it is a veritable treasure trove of history, brimming with palaces, temples, and tombs.

Your tour of Gyeongju begins at the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Built during the time of the Silla Kingdom, the site highlights the mastery of the architects and artists of that era. Admire the Buddhist carvings and statues of Seokguram and Bulguksa’s wooden buildings and stone terraces.

Lunch will be served at the local restaurant. 

This afternoon, visit Gyeongju National Museum. With its vast collections of artefacts, relics, and royal treasures, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty.

The final stop today is Daereungwon Tomb complex(Tumuli Park). The area has more than 20 tombs from the Silla period. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb, a typical upper class tomb of the Silla era with a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber covered with a mound of boulders and earth.

Then, bid farewell to the guide and transfer back to the hotel.

Our recommendation: If you wish to explore this evening at leisure, we suggest an independent walk to Woljeong Bridge, a historic gateway that once connected the royal palaces of Silla to the south. Conclude the walk at Wolji Pond, an artificial pond that formed part of the palace complex of ancient Silla.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Note:
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Tour duration (guided tour): 09:00-17:00

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Meet with a guide and then set off for a morning excursion out of Gyeongju.

Take a half-day hike at Namsan Mountain, home to over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas. The 3-hour hiking route follows a well-maintained trail. Take short breaks along the way to admire some of the cultural relics and scenic views, then transfer to the restaurant for a well-deserved lunch. 

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant featuring regional specialities.

This afternoon, travel by private car along the Hyeongsan River for 16 km northeast to visit Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty. 

Yangdong is home to more than 160 traditional Korean houses, featuring either tiled or thatched roofs, alongside other architectural remnants from the Joseon era. Set against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery, the village offers the chance to visit a shrine, a Confucian school, and the noble residence of the village head. Before heading back, take a stroll along the village trail to admire the well-preserved historical homes and the serene atmosphere.

Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Gyeongju

Note: 
- Hiking is optional, depending on your energy and fitness level.
- Dinner on your own account.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Gyeongju – Busan Gimhae Airport (approx. 100 km): 1.5 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Busan Gimhae airport for your onward departure flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast