[Gyeongju Day Trip] Seoul-Gyeongju KTX Timetable & Local Bus/Taxi Tips (A & B Courses)
 |
| Bulguksa Temple |
Short on time, but eager to visit Gyeongju? Don't worry! Here is the ultimate transit guide and efficient recommended itineraries to make your "Gyeongju Day Trip" a complete success.
π± Wait! Essential Free Travel Apps & Tips ✈️ For a seamless journey in Korea, check out these essential guides and apps beforehand:
Naver Map: The essential navigation app in Korea (real-time public transit and walking directions).
Taxi Apps: k.ride (featuring automatic translation chat), Kakao T, and Uber (UT).
Train Booking: Easily book your tickets using your passport number via the Korail Talk app or the
LetsKorail
π‘ Gyeongju Transportation at a Glance
Train (KTX/SRT) ⭐ Highly Recommended ⭐: Takes 2 to 2 hours and 20 minutes one-way. This is the most optimal option for a day trip in terms of time-saving and accessibility.
Express/Intercity Bus: Takes over 5 hours one-way, so it is not recommended for a day trip.
Flight (Airplane): The Gimpo – Pohang Gyeongju route operated by Jin Air has been suspended starting October 25, 2026.
✈️ Note: If you are traveling directly to Gyeongju from Incheon International Airport, please check the guide on traveling from Incheon Airport to the Gyeongsang-do region.
π Seoul ⇄ Gyeongju KTX Timetable & Fare Tips
KTX travel times vary depending on intermediate stops (Gwangmyeong, Daejeon, Dongdaegu, etc.). Trains are operated with standard/first class or standard/superior class configurations.
One-way Fare: Standard approx. 45,000 KRW / Superior approx. 55,000 KRW / First Class approx. 65,000 KRW
1) Seoul ➔ Gyeongju (Recommended Outbound Trains)
For a fulfilling day trip, we strongly recommend departing before 8:00 AM!
05:27 Departure / 07:41 Arrival (2h 14m) π [Recommended] For budget travelers starting the day early.
06:33 Departure / 08:46 Arrival (2h 13m) π [Recommended] The most comfortable and relaxed morning departure.
07:50 Departure / 09:50 Arrival (2h 00m) π [Recommended] Exactly 2 hours! Perfect timing to arrive in the city for lunch.
2) Gyeongju ➔ Seoul (Recommended Inbound Trains)
Great time slots to head back after fully enjoying Gyeongju's night views.
20:13 Departure / 22:21 Arrival (2h 08m) π [Recommended] Perfect timing to head back right after enjoying the night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond!
21:35 Departure / 23:44 Arrival (2h 09m) π [Recommended] Late-night discount time slot (20% off fare)!
π Gyeongju City Bus & Taxi Fare Guide
Because Gyeongju Station (KTX) is located away from downtown heritage sites and Hwangridan-gil, checking local transit options is essential.
City Bus Fare: Same flat rate applies to both regular and seat buses:
Adults: Cash 1,500 KRW / Transit Card 1,450 KRW
Teens: Cash 1,200 KRW / Transit Card 1,150 KRW
Children: Cash 800 KRW / Transit Card Free (when registered)
Taxi Fare: Base fare 4,500 KRW (Approx. 35,000 KRW / 30 mins from Gyeongju Station to Bulguksa Temple).
πΊ️ 2 Recommended Day Trip Itineraries & Transit Routes
[Recommendation 1] Course A: Bulguksa Temple + Heritage Core Course
A course that includes Gyeongju's famous Bulguksa Temple. Choose between public transit and taxi+walking depending on your preference.
Route Summary: Gyeongju Station ➔ Bulguksa Temple ➔ Hwangridan-gil (Lunch/Cafe) ➔ Daereungwon Tomb ➔ Woljeonggyo Bridge ➔ Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (Night View) ➔ Return to Gyeongju Station
1) Gyeongju Station ➔ Bulguksa Transit Options
Seat Bus No. 711 (Fastest Direct): 37 stops (~41 mins), get off at Bulguksa (3-min walk).
Seat Bus No. 700: 51 stops (~1 hour 1 min), get off at Bulguksa.
Bus 710 ➔ Bus 11 (Transfer): Take 710 to 'Donggung and Wolji' ➔ Walk to Museum stop ➔ Transfer to Bus 11 to Bulguksa.
City Bus (70, 50, 51) ➔ Bus 11 (Transfer): Get off at Terminal ➔ Transfer to Bus 11 (~55 mins).
Bus 331 ➔ Bus 10 (Transfer): Get off at Terminal ➔ Transfer to Bus 10 (~53 mins).
2) Course A Time & Cost Comparison
Option A. Public Transit (Budget Focus)
Total Local Transit Fare: Approx. 4,350 KRW ~ 5,800 KRW (per person)
Total Travel Time: Approx. 2h 15m ~ 2h 40m
Option B. Taxi + Walking Combo (Strongly Recommended for Time Saving!)
Total Local Transit Fare (for 2 people sharing taxis): Approx. 25,000 KRW ~ 35,000 KRW per person
Total Travel Time: Approx. 1h ~ 1h 15m (saves over 1 hour compared to buses!)
[Recommendation 2] Course B: Downtown Walking Course (Perfect for Walkers)
A leisurely course focused on walking around downtown Gyeongju's core historic sites and trendy hotspots without traveling to the outskirts.
Route Summary: Gyeongju Station ➔ Hwangridan-gil ➔ Daereungwon Tomb ➔ Cheomseongdae ➔ Gyerim & Woljeonggyo Bridge ➔ Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (Night View) ➔ Return to Gyeongju Station
Transit Method: Take a city bus (Nos. 50, 51, 70, etc. / ~20–25 mins / 1,450 KRW) or taxi (~12,000 KRW / 15 mins) from Gyeongju Station to Hwangridan-gil, then explore all subsequent spots on foot like a relaxing walk.
Strengths: No need to stress over bus intervals; an optimal walking course that efficiently balances transportation costs and energy!
π Top 3 Tips for a Successful Day Trip
Use Luggage Storage: Lighten your load by utilizing luggage storage lockers at Gyeongju Station or storage spots in Hwangridan-gil.
Check Bus Intervals: Outskirt-bound buses like Nos. 700 and 711 may have longer intervals, so check transit apps like Naver Map in advance.
Return Departure Time: When heading back to Gyeongju Station after enjoying the night view at Donggung and Wolji Pond, plan to leave at least 40 to 50 minutes before your train departure to account for weekend traffic and taxi wait times.
- π Wishing you a pleasant journey and a fantastic time in Korea!
