SPECIAL INTEREST
Rivers by Bike 12 days
Tour Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- Insadong
- Gwangjang Market
- Silleuksa Temple
- Jungangtap Tower
- Hahoemaeul Village
- Andong Folk Museum
- Daegu Herb Medicine Street
- Seokguram Grotto
- Bulguksa Temple
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Donggung palace and Wolji pond
- Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
- Tumuli Park
Tour from April through October |
| Tour facts and features | |
| Accommodation | 11 hotel nights in 2 and 4 star twin share accommodation |
| Meals | 9 breakfasts |
| Transport | All transportation by private vehicle, supporting vehicle on riding, and speed train |
| Guided | Services of an English speaking guide |
| Group size | Maximum 9 |
| Age range | 18+ |
| Activity | Cycling of 6 days, but very difficult uphill on day 6 |
| Degrees of difficulty | Normal |
Tips on Korean names
Expressway - 고속국도
National Road - 국도
Provincial Road - 지방도
City. County Road - 시. 군도
Other Road - 기타도로
Railroad - 철도
Bike Lane, Bike Path, Bikeway - 자전거도로
Sharp curve - 급커브
Steep gradient - 급경사
Usually named with following Korean suffixes stand for
Ro (로) - Road or Street
Daero (대로) - Main Street or Thoroughfare
Gil (길) - Road or Street
Ri (리) - Village
Maeul (마을) - Village
Dong (동) - Administrative unit in the city or village
Myeon (면) - Small County
Eup (읍) - Large County
Gun (군) - Administrative unit covering Myeon and Eup
Si (시) - City
Do (도) - Province
Cheong (청) - Office of Gun, Si or Do
Samuso (사무소) - Office
Samgeori (삼거리) - Fork or Junction
T Junction (T자형 삼거리)
Gyocharo (교차로) - Crossroads or Intersection
Sageori (사거리) - Crossroads or Intersection
Negeori (네거리) - Crossroads or Intersection
Nadeulmok (나들목) - Interchange
Gyo (교) - Bridge
Daegyo (대교) - Long Bridge
Yeok (역) - Subway station, Railroad station
Tunnel (터널) - Tunnel
Jihado (지하도) - Underpass
Guldari (굴다리) - Underpass
Jae (재) - Pass or Hill
Ryeong (령) - Mountain pass
Road signs are almost always in English as well as Hangeul.
Language is less of a problem than it might seem - many people understand some English.
Riding on any of the major roads can be physically and mentally exhausting and frustrating, traffic in general has little respect for your cycling plight.
Accommodation in motels or pensions is ubiquitous, standard and economical.
Introduction to ten bike types (Excerpts from Helsinki Times)
City bike / General purpose bicycle
The bike comes with a basket for shopping and is for short less than 5km work journeys or trips to a shop.
A bike with a hub gear for occasional use in a city. A model with derailleur gears is suitable for a cyclist regularly riding longer distances. Accessories, such as mud guard and a rear rack, are usually standard features.
Hub gear (1-8 speeds)
Requires less maintenance than many other bicycle types.
The upright riding position and wide, soft saddle are comfortable over short distances.
Derailleur gears (24 speeds)
Lighter to pedal than a model with a hub gear.
Hybrid bicycle
A general purpose bike that combines the best characteristics of mountain and road bikes. Available with both derailleur and hub gears.
A multi-purpose hybrid bike is suited to tarmac roads and gravel surfaces as well as urban environment but is too heavy for commuting or cycling trips covering dozens of kilometers.
Thanks to narrower wheels, it is lighter to pedal than a city bike.
Derailleur models have smaller rolling resistance than models with hub gears, making them lighter pedal.
Road bicycle / Impulso Ultegra / Racing bike
Suitable for a cycling enthusiasts for fast, long-distance training rides on tarmac.
Thanks to an aluminum or carbon-fiber frame, the bike is light.
Narrow tyres with a high inflation, pressure make the bike light to pedal.
Comfortable lover long distances with the drop handlebar allowing the rider to change their riding position.
Pedals with toe cliff allow the rider to gain power also on the up-stroke.
The narrow and hard saddle is well-suited to the riding position. Riders usually wear padded cycling shorts.
Studded winger tyres or proper mud guards cannot be fitted to road bikes.
Fitness bicycle
A blend of a hybrid and road bike. A city bike with straight handlebar.
20-27-speed trek bike for a long training rides and commuting.
Lighter to ride than a cyclo-cross bike.
Narrow and smooth tyres are well-suited for long trips but can feel hard when riding in town.
The handlebar position can be adjusted.
Slightly heavier than a road bike but allows the fitting of various accessories, including mud guard and bags.
Mountain bicycle
For a difficult terrain, such as footpaths and forest roads.
For cross-country riding, downhill biking or enduro. Suitable for use as a general-purpose bike only if you regularly use roads that are in bad condition and do not mind the low riding position. Suited to short work journey particularly in the winter.
Either full or front suspension.
Wide tyres with tread patterns give a strong grip.
Heavy to ride on tarmac.
The low riding position is good for a cross-country riding but pouts the neck under strain when riding in town.
Cyclo-cross bicycle
A road bike complete with select features from a mountain bike.
Sportier than a hybrid bike but more versatile than a road bike.
Cycling enthusiasts for fast riding all year round. Suitable for long work journeys and training rides.
Has a higher frame than hybrid bikes.
Drop handlebars allow the rider to change their riding position.
Tyres with tread pattern offer a good grip.
Studded with winter tyres and narrow road tyres for summer can be fitted to the same rims.
Electric bicycle
The maximum engine power can be 250 watts and the maximum travel speed 25kms in an hour.
For commuting, shopping trips, for the elderly or people with joint problems.
Hub motor or a mid-drive system. Light to pedal, can be ridden in a work clothes.
The motor can be switched on when riding uphill or against the wind.
The motor is automatically switched off when the speed exceeds 25kms per hour.
The motor is low maintenance.
The bike is heavy to pedal when the motor is not on.
Classic bicycle
A simple and streamlined bike. The oldest models have been in production for a century.
Pleasant city rides.
Luxury models are hand-made. Besides the traditional models, there are also newer, lighter versions available.
Some classic can be customized by picking the number of speeds, the color, saddle and extras.
Single speed bike
Looks like a pared-down version of a road bike with just one speed.
Suited to riding in a city or commuting.
The bike has a freewheel, which allows coasting.
If the wheel is turned, then pedals turn all the time.
The bike’s gear ratio can be adjusted according to the riding distances. This is done by changing gears. The chains can also be changed.
Fixed-gear bicycle
A single-speed bike without freewheel.
Lifestyle riders.
Modelled on a track bike, which many enthusiasts use as a basis for building their own fixie.
A fixed ratio, meaning that the pedals rotate at the same speed with the wheels. The rider cannot stop pedaling. Riding requires some practicing. The front brake should be kept in accordance with law. Without the front brake, the only way to stop the bike is to control the pedal speed. Stopping quickly is difficult.
Excerpt: Rasmus Ronn, managing director at Fillarikellari; Jari Vainio, Business owner, Classic Bike Finland; Joonas Berggren, bike designer at Pyorapalvelu Berggren; and Juhani Laakso, product manager at Huntteri.
Note
Any figures like distance, times or road conditions stated in the bicycling program are estimate and just for guideline purpose
You need to understand you are responsible for your safety and health
Riding at proper speed, yielding right-of-way, not riding while under the influence of alcohol
The ride is strictly during the day, not before sunrise or after sunset
The riding will not be arranged on bad weather conditions such as extremely hot, cold, windy, foggy or rainy days. In such case, supporting vehicle cares the transportation of your bicycles
We provide bicycles and a set of fixing tool for the group
You are required to bring your helmet, highly visible or reflective clothing for low-visibility conditions
Cyclists need to follow the same rules as motorists
Always use correct hand signals before turning
Ride in single file with traffic, not against it
Bikeways are well established in areas, but much of roads are sharing with pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. You need to understand how to safely and courteously share the road
Bicyclists need to be aware of their surroundings. Watch for opening car doors, sewer grating, debris on the roads, uneven surfaces, and poorly lit tunnels
There are a number of rest points built at the roadside for you to sit down, get your breath back, and enjoy the view.
Click on the days to access the programs quick
| Days | Visits and Activities | Distance |
| Day 1 | Arrive Seoul | 60km |
| Day 2 | Seoul | |
| Day 3 | Seoul - Ungilsan - Yeoju | 110km |
| Day 4 | Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo | 85km |
| Day 5 | Suanbo - Sojoryeong - Ihwaryeong - Mungyeong | 52km |
| Day 6 | Mungyeong - Sangpunggyo bridge - Andong | 88km |
| Day 7 | Andong | |
| Day 8 | Andong - Hahoe - Sangju | 80km |
| Day 9 | Sangju - Gumi - Daegu - Gyeongju | 192km |
| Day 10 | Gyeongju | |
| Day 11 | Gyeongju - Seoul | 360km |
| Day 12 | Departure | 60km |
Day 1 Arrive Seoul (- - -) 60km
Touching down at Incheon International Airport places you in the heart of Korea. After you clear Passport and Customs control, you will be welcomed by the tour guide and then transferred to your hotel.
Upon check in, pick up your bike and time for fitting.
Pedals, cleats, cycling shoes, crank arm length, saddle selection, height, fore/aft and tilt, handlebars, brake levers, etc.
A proper bike fit is essential so that you can produce the most power, most efficiently, meaning you have a position on the bike that lets you ride as long as you want, and stay comfortable the entire time.
The evening is yours to relax, allowing your mind and body time to adjust to different time zone.
Day 2 Seoul (B)
Your exploration this morning begins with a driving tour of Seoul, featuring sites such as Seoul Plaza, City Hall, Cheonggye Square and pedestrian-friendly Gwanghwamun Plaza that is hemmed in on both sides by rushing traffic and office buildings.
Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and discover Gyeongbokgung Palace, a particularly charming spot that represents a colorful and turbulent side of the capital's 500-year history. Depending on timing, you may witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony featuring parade, password verification, duty shift and patrolling the gate. Accompanied by a court band with its colorful costumes and royal flags, the ceremony is performed daily basis at 10:00 and 14:00 except Tuesdays, although it is cancelled in case of rain or extremely hot or cold weather.
Your visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea will familiarize you with wealthy culture of this friendly and picturesque nation. It is an excellent facility to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon dynasty. The permanent exhibition features life and work, costumes and ornaments, handicrafts and technology, educations, living quarters, dietary life, oriental medicine, performing arts and games, beliefs and rituals, and
socio cultural life.
Insadong, at one time the center of traditional Korean art and antiques, features a mixture of historical and modern atmosphere representing the cultural glimpse of the nation. Clustered along the main street and alleys are lined with street vendors, wooden tea houses, restaurants and numerous galleries and shops dealing in antiques, oriental art supplies, and modern Korean art of all types and styles. Soak in the paintings, upscale artworks, antiques and potteries while you can. Get lucky and you just might meet the artist themselves. It can be plenty of fun walking on the main street, but you venture into the hidden alleys that do spring some unexpected surprises. While here, you may want to buy some souvenirs or simply wander and browse at leisure admiring cultural ambience.
Enjoy a brief visit to Gwangjang market. It is one of few markets retaining traditional Korean atmosphere. Established in 1905, the market today has 5,000 independent shops. On the market's ground level, the floor space is dominated by scores of small snack stalls selling rustic delicacies and cheap treats. Clouds of smoke billow out from the boiling pans, diverse types of pancakes sizzle on hot iron grills and the smell from the eateries filling the air. The roadside vendors hawking everything from food, fruits, vegetables to seafood and an entire upper level dedicated to high quality silk, satin, and linen. Try out some sorts of Korean snacks and see a side of regular Seoul life. After tour, tomorrow’s trip briefing is planned.
Day 3 Seoul - Ungilsan (45km) - Yeoju (B) 65km
With time to check out, travel to Ungilsan to pick up your bicycle.
You will then get a briefing on battery charging and other necessary tips on riding.
Your bicycle adventure begins as you ride cross the defunct railroad built over the mighty Bukhangang River (North Han River). Soon thereafter, the road heads southward along the Namhangang River (South Han River) while you are enjoying local ambience and views.
Today’s riding of 65km goes as follow. The roads are well paved and generally flat with occasional gentle uphill.
Yangsu station – pass 5 tunnels – Sinwon station – pass 1 tunnel – Guksu station – pass 2 tunnels – Okcheon village – Obinri village – Laffine Gas Station – Yangpyeong – Changdaeri village – Hoehyeonri village – Angdeokri village – Gaegun Leports Park – Ipobo weir (observatory and Ipobo information hall) – Yeojubo weir (Yeojubo information hall) – Royal tomb of King Sejong – Yeojudaegyo Bridge – Silleuksa temple – Yeojudaegyo Bridge – Sun Valley Hotel.
After check in, today’s review and tomorrow’s briefing is planned.
A short detour is
a tomb of royal couple of King Sejong who is widely regarded as the most enlightened king in Korean history. He promulgated Korean Alphabet and also invented such scientific devices as a rain gauge, a celestial globe, sundial, armillary sphere, water clock, promoted the development of classical court music, and improved metal type printing techniques. Many replicas of inventions that were commissioned by the king are displayed near the entrance to burial mound. Near the tomb and all around it are life-sized statues of warriors and horses, put here to protect the King.
While in Yeoju, explore Silleuksa from the Silla dynasty (BC 57-AD 935). It is a rare temple that is perched on a riverbank amid an attractive waterfront whose cove forms a snug and cosy enclosure for this ancient sanctuary. Many pray at a beautiful seven-tier marble pagoda, that is masterfully adorned with dragon and lotus carvings. Incense burning in the temple and sights and smells mixed offer visitors a really magical experience. A 500-year-old aromatic juniper tree and a 600-year-old ginkgo tree grow on the temple grounds, and on a small hill stands a seven-story brick pagoda, the only existing Goryeo brick pagoda (918-1392). After check in, today’s review and tomorrow’s briefing is planned.
Day 4 Yeoju - Chungju - Suanbo (B) 85km
Following heaty breakfast, another day of trip for 85km begins. The trails are still flat and relatively easy but riding is mostly on the minor roads.
Gangcheonbo weir – Gayailli village – Gulamri village – Gangcheon island resort – Direction to Bulon – Seomganggyo Bridge (U-turn here to pass under the bridge) – Wonju Namhangang Bridge – Binae island – Bonghwanggyo bridge (turn left) – Gaheung elementary school – Jangcheonri village – Bancheon village – Jungangtap Pagoda Park – Tanguemgyo bridge – Habanggyo bridge (turn right here) – under the Dalcheongyo bridge – under the railroad – Danwolgyo bridge – Yujumaksamgeori – under the Yujumakdari bridge – Hyangsangyo bridge (turn right here) – Hyangsansari village – Sitgyegyo bridge – Palbongri village – Palbonggyo bridge – Togyeri village – Munganggyocharo intersection (use underpass) – 1.2km ahead, follow the sign Tohyeongil and pass the bridge then turn left – Wondongri village – Suangbo Meeting Square (GS Caltex gas station) – Road crossing – 4km ahead is Suanbo.
Out in the countryside, peach and apple orchards are more visiable. Chungju has an outstanding cultural background with a traditional martial art known as Taekgyeon and a traditional musical instrument, Gayageum from the 7th century. Enjoy a short stop at a 7-story Jungangtap Park, and Tangeumdae where the celebrated musician, Ureuk used to played Gayageum.
Suanbo is a small town harbouring a large number of hot springs.
Soaking in the soothing warm waters and relax.
Your tour guide and supporting vehicle will stand-by approximately every 15km away from your riding point to check your health conditions, provide water, help you navigate the bike path, or wait at your preferred points.
After check in, today’s review and tomorrow’s briefing is planned.
Day 5 Suanbo - Sojoryeong - Ihwaryeong - Mungyeong (B) 52km
The day is truly challenging. No bikeways but more hassle over the route navigation. Down to Mungyeong is a variety of steep downhill curves, back roads, river banks, farm roads, village roads and paved trails that can be strung together for an esthetically enjoyable bike ride. Today, you will have to tackle the two big climbs of Sojoryoeng pass and Ihwaryeong pass in the entire route, but most rewarding downhill ride with a scenic surroundings. The trails are mix of minor road, major road (3km) and bike path along the river.
The routes of the day run as follow.
Anbosamgeori – Worakgyocharo (turn left here) – pass 4 little bridges – 1.5 km ahead is Eunhaengjeonggyocharo (use underpass) – 2.5km to Sojoryeong pass – 6.5km downhill to Haengchonsageori – 5km uphill to Ihwaryeong pass – 5.5km winding and steep downhill to the fork under the highway.
Ihwaryeong pass (548m) offers a spectacular view of the valley below. The downhill from Ihwaryeong is steep and winding at every turn. About 600m down from the Gakseori village, turn left through underpass then turn right. Upon passing take the second farthest road as the first one is for incoming vehicles. Note no traffic lights here. Extreme caution is required as always. At the base of the road from Ihwalyeong Pass, there is a Mungyeong pottery museum with elegant pieces and informative explanation.
With time to visit the museum, pass Saejegyo bridge (turn right here) – 3km on the Major road (two lanes each way) – road crossing in front of the Vietnam War Memorial – Oncheongyo bridge – Mawongyo bridge – Bongmyeonggyo bridge – Oeeogyo bridge – under the Soyagyo bridge – Bongdeukgyo bridge – Bongmyeonggyo bridge – road crossing at the Sinhyeonsamgeori – Jinnam rest area – Buljeongyok (retired train station) – cross Buljeonggyo bridge (turn right here) – under Sangmugyo bridge – small bridge crossing (name is not given) – under Byeolamgyo bridge – stay on riverside bike path and minor road all the way down to Jeomchon 119 Safety Center (점촌119안전센터) where you make a right turn to get to downtown Mungyeong.
Day 6 Mungyeong - Sangpunggyo Bridge - Andong (- - -) 88km
The bikeways are mostly built along the riparian area, so the riding is down stream to Sangpunggyo bridge (상풍교), the confluence of Nakdong river. As you cross the bridge, turn left and stay on the bike path that goes very gentle upstream to Andong, a stronghold of Confucianism in Korea which has deeply influenced the lives of Koreans in all aspects.
The trail goes as follow.
Sangpunggyo bridge – pass by Yeongpunggyo bridge – Hapungri village – Guryonggyo bridge – Cheongwunsamri village – turn right at the minor road (Road No. 59) – turn left at 180m ahead – strait up to the riverside for 1.2km – 4.5km to Pujngjigyo bridge - bridge crossing and turn right – Gudamgyo bridge crossing and turn left – Gwangdeokgyo bridge crossing and turn right – Hahoe village – follow the sign for Byeongsanseowon to the right – at 1.3km point turn left – at 1km point go down to the riverbed and little bridge crossing – go up to the river bank and turn right – at 1.8km ahead go down to the riverbed and go up to the river bank – turn right and pass by Pungnamgyo bridge – Maeri village – Danhogyo bridge – at 280m point jump on the bike path to the left and ride 3.3km – turn right to join the minor road – short uphill and downhill then pass under the highway – Geomamgyo bridge crossing and turn right – at minor road turn left – a short uphill and 1km downhill – at the fork, go 70m and join the riverside bike path on the left – after 6km riding under 3 bridges – turn left on the weir – turn left and go through another weir – after crossing the second weir turn right – go strait to Andong folk museum for 3.6km. A short but steep uphill
leads to the hotel.
Your tour guide and supporting vehicle will stand-by approximately every 15km away from your riding point to check your health conditions, provide water, help you navigate the bike path, or wait at your preferred points.
After check in, today’s review and tomorrow’s briefing is planned.
Day 7 Andong (B)
You will have plenty of opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. In your free time, we highly recommend Andong traditional market, which offers insight into the local life. Enjoy the local ambience exploring the market selling a wide array of merchandises, vegetables, fishes and fruits. At the one end of the market is an alley specializing in braised chicken. It’s savory, mildly salty and sweet with a very subtle spicy kick. Perhaps you may want to try it. The neighboring blocks are filled with fancy stores, cafes and restaurants. The atmosphere are very welcoming.
Visit Andong Folk Museum offering in-depth information of traditional life and illustrating traditional Confucian culture. The museum exhibits a variety of legacies relating mainly to four cardinal ceremonies, coming of an age, wedding, funeral, ancestral memorial service, as well as dozens of pieces of pottery, utensils, clothing, farming tools and traditional folk games in small models.
There is a Confucian Land that offers a chance to experience the culture of Confucianism. Overall 15km riding covers them all.
Day 8 Andong - Hahoe (33km) - Sangju 47km (B) 80km
Biking on the same route back to Hahoe, and explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hahoemaul from the 15th century. It is the best preserved traditional village portraying and spanning the life of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and some 480 Korean traditional houses, both large and small, are still fully functioning. As you take a walk in the narrow alleys, enjoy the rustic and old charm of this unique village. You cannot possibly miss a 600-years old zelkova tree, the home to the village spirit. At the tree's base is where residents still make their wishes. The village is also known for traditional festival, Hahoe Mask Dance which gave common people the opportunity to mock those in authority, and in particular the Byeolsingut, a shaman ritual exorcising evil spirits, dating back to the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). With time to visit, on to Sangju.
If you wish to, you can tour Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy near the village. .
Seowon refers to private education institutions of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and was a birthplace of Confucian education and a cradle of prominent scholars. The academies nurturing Confucian scholars were hundreds by the early 1800s, but most Seowon were closed by an edict of the regent Daewongun in the turbulent year of 1871, who was driven from power in 1873; however, the Seowon remained closed. The nine academies included in UNESCO World Heritage list are Sosu Seowon (1543), Namgye Seowon (1552), Oksan Seowon (1573), Dosan Seowon (1574), Pilam Seowon (1590), Dodong Seowon (1605), Byeongsan Seowon (1613), Museong Seowon (1615), Donam Seowon (1634).
Although the educational function of the facility has long since ceased, the commemorative ceremonies have been and are still held twice a year.
Upon crossing Sangpunggyo, turn left. Maehyeopri village – Mukhari village – a short uphill and downhill on the mountain – Sangju bicycle museum – Gyeongcheongyo bridge – at the end of the bridge, wait the traffic light on the right – Sangju Gaekjuchon (Your accommodation),
Breakfast shopping en route due no breakfast provided in Sangju. Check in and review of the day and briefing for tomorrow’s route.
Your tour guide and supporting vehicle will stand-by approximately every 15km away from your riding point to check your health conditions, provide water, help you navigate the bike path, or wait at your preferred points.
After check in, today’s review and tomorrow’s briefing is planned.
Day 9 Sangju - Gumi - Daegu - Gyeongju (- - -) 192km
Breakfast not provided. Today, a gentle path of 92km leads you to Daegu where your bike adventure ends. The trails are still flat that runs along the river. En route, pass by and under the number of bridges, weir and villages. Upon arrival at Munyang station (문양역), return your bicycle and enjoy a short city tour with a visit to Yangnyeongsi, a 700 meter-long streets, encapsulating the tradition of Korea's oriental medicine, filled with pharmacies, clinics, wholesalers of ingredients, ginseng stores, and medicine brewery shops. The atmosphere is filled with the rich fragrance of raw medicinal products. Stroll down the street and take a deep breath, you will immediately feel more rejuvenated and relaxed.
Your tour guide and supporting vehicle will stand-by approximately every 15km away from your riding point to check your health conditions, provide water, help you navigate the bike path, or wait at your preferred points.
Afterwards journey continues to Gyeongju, an ancient capital of Silla (BC57-AD935) often dubbed as Museum without Walls. Today, you are treated to one of the ten most historically significant sites in the world with ancient temples, weathered stone pagodas, royal tombs, Buddhist bas-reliefs, and fortress ruins. Gyeongju Historic Areas contains a remarkable concentration of outstanding examples of Korean Buddhist art, in the form of sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces from the flowering in particular between the 7th and 10th centuries of this form of unique artistic expression.
Day 10 Gyeongju (B)
Explore the delights of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seokguram grotto. It is the home of the serene stone Buddha of the eighth century. Inside, a white statue of a seated Buddha in a sublime state of enlightenment, is surrounded by 37 relief figures of Bodhisattvas, disciples, devas, and guardian kings. The grotto represents the magnificent harmony of religion, science and the arts of Buddhism, symbolizing the pure land in which Buddha resides.
Next up is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa temple, where you will witness the impressive gates, symbolic bridges leading up to the world of Buddha, graceful architectures, Three-storied Seokgatap and highly ornate Dabotap blending well into the architectural harmony.
At Gwaneumjeon hall, check out the image of the Avalokitesvara who is referred to as the Bodhisattva of Compassion and has a thousand hands, and eyes in each so as to reach out to those in need of help. You will see a gilded statue of Vairocana with the gesture of the first wisdom, Sakyamuni Buddha along with sixteen figures of Buddha's disciples sitting in deep meditation, and a gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha who is the ruler of the Western Paradise Sukhavati. The architectural design of Bulguksa is one of constrained dignity, peace, and harmony and the temple still remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the ancient Far East.
Visit Gyeongju National Museum for a great insight into Silla culture and history. The first thing that you will notice is The Bell of King Seongdeok, the largest extant bell in Korea. You must certainly stand in awe before the bell from the 8th century with such artistic beauty of design. The bell is distinguished not only for its outstanding beauty but also for its long reverberating sound, the incredibly precise casting technique, in addition to the sad legend surrounding it. On entering the museum, you will marvel at the priceless archaeological and historical artifacts including splendid gold crowns, earrings, belts, ornaments, glassware, potteries, and clay figures as well as a royal barge.
Afterwards, explore Donggung palace and Wolji pond, a pleasure garden built to commemorate the victory of Silla, and later used as the recreational area for the Silla's royal family.
Then, check out the world's oldest existing astronomical observatory, Cheomseongdae. Each stone used in the observatory bears symbolic meaning; the same number of the days of the year by lunar calendar, the number of the major stars, the months of the year and the numbers of the seasonal divisions. Nearby Tumuli Park encompasses 23 huge tomb mounds where Silla rulers were buried. One of the tombs, Cheonmachong, is opened to the public and you can go inside and see how the tombs were made and replicas of the treasures excavated in 1973.
Day 11 Gyoengju - Seoul (B) 360km
With leisurely time to pack, return on a speed train to Seoul. Balance of the day at own pursuit. You can explore the city yourself or look for souvenirs.
Day 12 Departure (B) 60km
After this wonderful trip exploring Korea and with time to reflect on your surprise in your experience, you will return to the airport in time for your flight. By boarding, you are already high above Incheon heading for home.
