The 16-day Escapade to South Korea! – Itinerary, Travel Report and Tips

Having traveled to South Korea in 16 days, I couldn't really say we have been all over the country. Frankly, 16 days really isn't enough! There are just to many things to see and places to explore. Given this limited time though, I still managed to squeeze in all places and activities recommended by local and foreign tourists alike and make an itinerary me and my friend was able to enjoy.

We did not really plan to go during autumn when we booked our flight, it just happened so, which was wonderful timing, as for me this is the perfect season to travel. Not just because it's cold and you wouldn't really worry about sweating all over the place (lol mental image) and the heat of the sun clashes with the cool wind so it's just perfect. The colors of fall is just fantastic, every picture you take would look amazing!

lovely ginko leaves

Gyeongju’s nightscapes - Cheomseongdae Observatory and Anapji Pond, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do - Day 7 in South Korea

This is third installment from our tour around Gyeongju, the first two were at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple.

We were supposed to go to Shilla Millennium Park, however it took us quite some time to get a bus out of Bulguksa so when we arrived at the Millennium Park it was almost dark already and we decided not to proceed as we would not be able to take good pictures due to the lighting.

After having an early dinner of Jajjangmyeon, we got on a bus back downtown to go and see two sites recommended best by our host that we visit during nighttime - Cheomseongdae Observatory and Anapji Pond.

We first visited the Observatory as I wanted to save Anapji pond for last. We walked from Gyeongju train station to Cheomseongdae and took us almost 30 minutes, but you can also take Bus 10 or 11 and get off at Wolseong-dong office. You can see the observatory without paying any fee, however the admission of 500 Won wouldn’t hurt since they use to money for the maintenance of the said structure.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

A picture tour of Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do - Day 7 in South Korea

In my previous post about Gyeongju, I shared my experience on going to Seokguram Grotto.

After the 30-minute hike down from the Grotto, we finally arrived at one of South Korea’s most beautiful temples and also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bulguksa Temple.

Bulguksa is a large complex of shrines and pagodas built as early as 535 AD and has survived a number of fires and wars. It also houses traditional Buddhist Art during the Silla Kingdom. It is positioned at the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan which is also quite near from Seokguram Hermitage.

"Meeting" Buddha at Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do - Day 7 in South Korea

After our fail KTX train the other day, me and my friend have finally settled in at Gyeongju. Even though we only have one day to visit all the must-see sites of this city, I wanted to make sure it will be very memorable.

Gyeongju is one of South Korea’s most popular cities that attract not just Korean tourists, but also lots of foreigners as this city is rich with culture and history being the former capital of the kingdom of Silla dynasty that lasted for almost thousand years . Gyeongju will allow you to step back in time with its picturesque architecture from the Silla Kingdom. Some of the famous sites (that also includes some that are even UNESCO-recognized) are Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Royal Burial Grounds, Bunhwangsa Temple, Cheongseongdae Observatory, Ahnapji Pond, Namsan Mountain, and Bomun Lake Resort.

I am now regretting the one day we have missed because we could have used this to go around – but anyway, there’s no use crying over spilt milk.  Our host has work in the afternoon but he went with us to Seokguram Grotto as he has never been there yet.

We took a cab to Gyeonju station (downtown) and inquired at the tourist station regarding the bus station and schedule to Seokguram Grotto and the nearby temple, Bulguksa. While there, also get a map of the city as it will be very helpful on planning your next destinations.

We took Bus 10 (you may also take Bus 11) from the bus stop near the station. The trip took about 30 minutes. We got off at Bulguksa bus station then took another bus going to Seokguram Grotto. The bus from here comes every 30 minutes.

The beautiful pavilion near at the foot of Mt. Tohamsan

The first (fail) KTX ride and our cravings for Kalbi at Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do - Day 6 in South Korea

We left Yongin very early and took a cab from Jukjeon station to Suwon KTX station. The cab fare was a bit pricey but we had to take an early train ride going to Gyeongju, and because the train transfer going to Suwon from Jukjeon would require us riding four different trains, we had no choice.