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How to get from Busan to Gyeongju
The fastest way from Busan to Gyeongju is the KTX from Busan Station, about 30 minutes, but Gyeongju's KTX station is outside the city, so add 20–30 minutes by bus or taxi. The intercity bus from Busan's Nopo terminal takes about 50 minutes to 1 h and stops in central Gyeongju, close to the main sights.
Best option: Bus. The bus is cheap, frequent and drops you near the tombs and the old town, so door to door it is often as quick as the KTX.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Intercity or express bus from Busan Central Bus Terminal (Nopo, metro line 1) to Gyeongju's intercity/express terminal | about 50 minutes to 1 h | every 20–40 minutes or so | about 5,000–6,000 KRW | Gyeongju's terminals are a short walk or bus ride from Daereungwon and the old town. |
| train KTX from Busan Station to Gyeongju KTX station (formerly called Singyeongju) | about 30 minutes, plus 20–30 minutes to the centre | roughly every 30–60 minutes | about 11,000 KRW | The station is well outside the centre; local buses and taxis connect. Check current timetables on the Korail website. |
| car Expressway north from Busan | about 1 h | fuel plus small tolls | Useful for reaching Bulguksa and Seokguram, which are outside the city centre. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Nopo terminal is at the northern end of Busan metro line 1; allow 30–45 minutes to get there from Haeundae or Nampo.
- T-money transport cards work on Busan and Gyeongju city buses.
- Bulguksa temple is about 30–40 minutes by local bus from central Gyeongju.
- Gyeongju is busy on spring cherry-blossom weekends; travel early.
Common questions
Is the KTX or the bus better from Busan to Gyeongju?
The KTX ride is shorter, about 30 minutes, but Gyeongju's KTX station is outside the city, so you need another 20–30 minutes by bus or taxi. The intercity bus from Nopo takes about an hour and arrives near the centre. If you are starting near Busan Station, the KTX makes sense; otherwise the bus is simpler.
Can I do Gyeongju as a day trip from Busan?
Yes. Both bus and train take about an hour, and they run from early morning until evening. In one day you can see the royal tombs, Cheomseongdae, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and possibly Bulguksa if you start early. Check the last bus or train back before you set off.
What is the cheapest way from Busan to Gyeongju?
The intercity bus, at about 5,000–6,000 KRW one way, roughly half the KTX fare. It also saves the cost of getting from the KTX station into the centre. Buy tickets at the terminal machines or counter, or through Korean bus booking apps.
Do I need to book ahead?
Usually not on weekdays; buses and trains are frequent. On weekends, public holidays and especially Chuseok and Seollal, seats sell out, so book the KTX through Korail or buy bus tickets in advance. Arrive early at Nopo terminal on busy days.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.