Gyeongju is less cosmopolitan than Seoul or Busan, but the residents are friendly and eager to help lost or confused tourists. Tours are available for those who prefer packaged travel. Most begin in Seoul or Busan, and some cost as much as W400,000 for two days, although Western-style lodgings and meals are included in that amount.
GETTING THERE
Bus Service to/from Daegu, Pohang and Busan (depends on the terminal – but the terminals are shouting distance apart) arrive/leave at twenty minute intervals. Service between Gyeongju and Seoul is available every 40 minutes. Train There are half a dozen daily Saemaul trains to Gyeongju from Seoul, but it’s a long ride. A better choice is to catch a bullettrain to Dongdaegu from anywhere in Korea and transfer to a slower train for Gyeongju. If you plan to leave Gyeongju on Sunday, purchase tickets in advance. Outbound trains
fill early, and while standing tickets can be had, it can be a fairly uncomfortable way to travel. Once in town, you can hire a guide (about W100,000 per day) or take a bus tour with Cheonma Tours. The latter costs between W10,000 to W12,000 and offers two different routes.
TOP 10 TOURIST DESTINATIONS
1. Bulguksa Temple: One of the most famous and beautiful temples in Korea.
2. Seokguram Grotto: A short hike or bus ride from Bulguksa Temple, this is a classic example of Silla art and architecture and a spectacular Buddhist site. 3. Anapji Pond: Some find this disappointing; it is largely destroyed, with only three buildings on a lake. But if you don’t go? You’ll meet someone at a cocktail party who did!
10 Magazine January 2010 | 13