{"id":13563,"date":"2026-04-21T20:35:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T12:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intriqjourney.com\/hk\/?post_type=itinerary&#038;p=13563"},"modified":"2026-08-14T15:51:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:51:04","slug":"8-days-on-the-trail-of-south-koreas-ancient-kingdoms","status":"publish","type":"itinerary","link":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/itinerary\/8-days-on-the-trail-of-south-koreas-ancient-kingdoms\/","title":{"rendered":"8 DAYS ON THE TRAIL OF SOUTH KOREA&#8217;S ANCIENT KINGDOMS"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Beyond the bustling metropolis of Seoul and ubiquitous K-pop culture lie a wealth of world heritage sites which trace the customs and histories of South Korea&#8217;s storied past of ancient kingdoms.<\/p>\n<p>Let us bring you back to the times of Baekje and Silla empires between 57 BC and 935 AD, in the Chungcheong and Geyongsang provinces where a priceless repository of temples, fortresses, tomb complexes will bring to live the tales of these ancient dynasties.<\/p>\n<p>We will also visit Busan, the nation&#8217;s second largest city, a seaside gem with historic sites and fantastic seafood.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beyond the bustling metropolis of Seoul and ubiquitous K-pop culture lie a wealth of world heritage sites which trace the customs and histories of South Korea&#8217;s storied past of ancient kingdoms. Let us bring you back to the times of Baekje and Silla empires between 57 BC and 935 AD, in the Chungcheong and Geyongsang [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":14410,"template":"","itinerary-tags":[],"sub-region":[],"region":[69],"experience-level":[571],"language":[],"interest":[43],"journey-type":[32],"country":[65],"class_list":["post-13563","itinerary","type-itinerary","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","region-north-east-asia","experience-level-history-heritage-culture","interest-history-culture","journey-type-tailor-made","country-south-korea"],"meta_box":{"popularity_score":"","select_brands":[],"hotels_section_title":"","select_hotel":[],"faq_content_block":[],"hotel_tour_tiers_title":"Hotels & Tour Price","tiers":[{"price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"48680","price_unit":"Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD)","hotel_tour_tiers":["13582","13605","13587","13598"]},{"price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"54580","price_unit":"Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD) ","hotel_tour_tiers":["13510","13601","13605","13514"]}],"intriq_note":"<p><em>Please note that all prices provided are indicative and may be adjusted based on your travel dates, party size, and any specific requirements you may have.<\/em><\/p>\n","intriq_inquire_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/contact-us\/","itinerary_banner":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea.jpg","filesize":164505,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-300x115.jpg","width":300,"height":115,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":10798,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-300x115.jpg"},"large":{"file":"6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-1024x392.jpg","width":1024,"height":392,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":71753,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-1024x392.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"file":"6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":8914,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-150x150.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-768x294.jpg","width":768,"height":294,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":42727,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-768x294.jpg"},"1536x1536":{"file":"6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-1536x588.jpg","width":1536,"height":588,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":153125,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-1536x588.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]},"ID":"13566","name":"6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea.jpg","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea-150x150.jpg","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea.jpg","title":"6D-Cultural-Gyeongsang-in-Korea","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":false}],"start_date":"","end_date":"","duration_days":"8","duration_nights":"7","pricing_options":[{"price_label":"Price From","price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"48680","price_unit":"Per Person"}],"promotions_grp":[],"download_itinerary_label":"","download_itinerary_attachment":[],"intro_content":"<p>Beyond the bustling metropolis of Seoul and ubiquitous K-pop culture lie a wealth of world heritage sites which trace the customs and histories of South Korea's storied past of ancient kingdoms.<\/p>\n<p>Let us bring you back to the times of Baekje and Silla empires between 57 BC and 935 AD, in the Chungcheong and Geyongsang provinces where a priceless repository of temples, fortresses, tomb complexes will bring to live the tales of these ancient dynasties.<\/p>\n<p>We will also visit Busan, the nation's second largest city, a seaside gem with historic sites and fantastic seafood.<\/p>\n","itinerary_highlight_title":"Itinerary Highlights","itinerary_highlights":"<ul>\n<li>Gain insights into the ancient capital of Baekje Kingdom off the beaten path at Gongju and Buyeo<\/li>\n<li>Journey through the World Heritage sites of Gyeongju with your expert guide sharing fascinating tales of the Silla dynasty<\/li>\n<li>Combine rich Buddhist heritage with scenic landscapes at UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","itinerary_offer_title":"","itinerary_offer_content":"","offer_button_title":"","offer_button_url":"","outline_section_title":"Itinerary 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- On the Trail of South Korea's Ancient Kingdoms","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stepmap-On-the-Trail-of-South-Koreas-Ancient-Kingdoms-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stepmap-On-the-Trail-of-South-Koreas-Ancient-Kingdoms-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stepmap-On-the-Trail-of-South-Koreas-Ancient-Kingdoms-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stepmap-On-the-Trail-of-South-Koreas-Ancient-Kingdoms.jpg 800w"}],"itinerary_note":"","day_by_day_itinerary":[{"itinerary_day_image":["13569"],"day_title":"Arrival in Seoul","itinerary_content":"Upon arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport, meet your driver at the arrival hall for your transfer to your hotel in Seoul.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;","day_hotel":"13582"},{"itinerary_day_image":["13571"],"day_title":"Seoul \/ Gongju \/ Buyeo","itinerary_content":"After breakfast, depart for <strong>Gongju<\/strong> (approx. 2.5hrs), the capital of the Baekje Kingdom from 475 to 538. Your first stop is <strong>Magoksa Gongju-si<\/strong>, one of the 7 Sansa UNESCO Heritage temples built during the unified Shilla Period.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter lunch (on own expense), continue on your tour to learn more about the Baekje period, stopping at <strong>Gongsanseong Fortress<\/strong>, which stretches over 2.6km long above the Geumgang riverside and makes for a nice walk while learning about its rich history and culture. Next, visit the <strong>Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri<\/strong>, which showcases the different tomb designs as well as reveals the cultural exchanges of the time, and finish with the <strong>Baekje History Museum<\/strong> before continuing on your drive to <strong>Buyeo<\/strong> (approx. 30min) where you will check-in to your hotel. Buyeo, the site of Sabi, which is the capital of the Baekje Kingdom for the later period (538 to 660).","day_hotel":"13605","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13572"],"day_title":"Buyeo","itinerary_content":"Kickstart your day with a visit to the <strong>Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri<\/strong>, which houses the kings of Sabi Baekje and members of the Royal Family, before entering the <strong>Jeongnimsa-ji Temple Site<\/strong>, one of the most well-known temples of that time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter lunch (own expense), continue to gain insight to the Baekje dynasty at the <strong>Archaeological Site in the Gwanbuk-ri Ruins<\/strong> and <strong>Busosanseong Fortress<\/strong>, which are located on the grounds of the royal palace of the Sabi Period. End the day browsing the rich collection of relics and artifacts in the <strong>Buyeo National Museum<\/strong>.","day_hotel":"13605","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13573"],"day_title":"Buyeo \/ Gyeongju","itinerary_content":"Depart Buyeo and drive to Gyeongju (approx. 3.5hrs), where you will enjoy lunch (own expenses) before discovering two UNESCO sites of strong Buddhist importance: <strong>Bulguksa Temple<\/strong> and <strong>Seokguram Grotto<\/strong> on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter dinner (own expenses), take a stroll to <strong>Donggung Palace &amp; Wolji Pond<\/strong> and enjoy the evening lights, with the buildings\u2019 reflections in the pond.","day_hotel":"13587","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13574"],"day_title":"Gyeongju","itinerary_content":"Kick start your day with a cultural and scenic hike (approx. 2 \u2013 3hrs) up <strong>Mount Namsan<\/strong> in <strong>Gyeongju National Park<\/strong> \u2013 an open-air museum with scared sites from the Silla period and features temples, Buddha statues, stone pagodas amidst unique rock formations and picturesque trails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter lunch (own expense), visit the <strong>Daereungwon Tomb Complex<\/strong>, where the <strong>Tomb of Cheonmachong <\/strong>is located. Apart from its unique architecture, this is also famous for numerous artifacts and artwork that have excavated. We stop at the <strong>Cheomseongdae stargazing tower<\/strong>, the oldest astronomic observatory in Asia and declared a National Treasure in 1962. End the day with a visit to <strong>Gyeongju National Museum<\/strong> displaying the Silla Dynasty\u2019s cultural artifacts which puts into perspective the understanding of this important era of South Korea\u2019s history.","day_hotel":"13587","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13576"],"day_title":"Gyeongju \/ Busan","itinerary_content":"Drive to Busan (approx. 1hr). En route, you will stop at <strong>Haedong Yonggungsa Temple<\/strong>, one of the few temples along the coast with scenic sea views.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter lunch in Busan (own expenses), enjoy a panoramic tour, first stopping at <strong>Gamcheon Culture Village<\/strong>, often called the Machu Picchu of South Korea, with labyrinth-like alleys and houses that are beautifully painted in pastel colours, and used as a cultural space today. Visit <strong>Kukjae Market<\/strong>, with a bustling atmosphere of hundreds of vendors selling all kinds of merchandise from food to industrial goods. End the tour at <strong>Haeundae Beach<\/strong>, one of the city\u2019s popular spot with a beautiful beach backed by luxury hotels, and where various cultural events and festivals are held throughout the year.","day_hotel":"13598","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13577"],"day_title":"Busan \/ Seoul","itinerary_content":"After breakfast, a transfer will be arranged to Busan Train Station for your high speed KTX train back to Seoul. Upon arrival, a transfer will be arranged to your hotel for check-in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe day is at leisure to do some last minute shopping.","day_hotel":"13582","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13578"],"day_title":"Departure from Seoul","itinerary_content":"Meet your driver at your hotel lobby for your transfer to Seoul Incheon Airport (approx. 50min), for your onward journey.","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]}],"promo_pay_terms":"","book_now_url":"","inquire_now_url":"","includes_title":"Includes","excludes_title":"Excludes","includes_content":"<ul>\n<li>Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed &amp; breakfast basis<\/li>\n<li>All transportation &amp; transfer on an air-conditioned vehicle<\/li>\n<li>Local English-speaking expert guide throughout your trip<\/li>\n<li>All entrance fees in sights stated<\/li>\n<li>First class KTX Train from Busan to Seoul<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","excludes_content":"<ul>\n<li>International Airfare<\/li>\n<li>Lunches &amp; dinners<\/li>\n<li>Beverages in restaurants where meals are included<\/li>\n<li>Gratuities<\/li>\n<li>Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill &amp; laundry<\/li>\n<li>Visa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","tour_price_section_title":"","date":"","duration":"","price":"","traveller_type":"per_person","pre_post_countries_extensions":[],"featured_transport_group":[],"partner_showcase":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13563","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/itinerary"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68421,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13563\/revisions\/68421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14410"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"itinerary-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary-tags?post=13563"},{"taxonomy":"sub-region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sub-region?post=13563"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=13563"},{"taxonomy":"experience-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/experience-level?post=13563"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=13563"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=13563"},{"taxonomy":"journey-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/journey-type?post=13563"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=13563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}