How to travel to Gyeongju?

[joseph921]

Hi, can anyone help me find out how I can get to Gyeongju (near Busan)
from Gyeonggi-do area?  I know that KTX is an option but it's very expensive.
If I take the bus, how long would that ride take? 4-6 hours one way?
How about the train?  It's not as fast as KTX but is the cost and time pretty manageable?

[WorkingTitle3484]

You can take the bus/train to Daegu and then another to Gyeongju.

I fear the bus directly to Gyeongju may go a roundabout local way, making it 4-6 hours.

[joseph921]

Oh, so it's quicker to transfer from Daegu to go to Gyeongju?   I tried looking on the map and it doesn't look like there is a direct route to Gyeongju from Gyeonggi-do.

When you say train, do you mean KTX or is there a regular train too?

[WorkingTitle3484]

Daegu and Gyeongju are quite close to each other; I'd say about 45 mins away on a good day.  Because of the proximity, there's always a bus leaving maybe in 10-min intervals.

By train, I mean regular service.  I'd say the trip is maybe 35-45m?  However, I haven't taken a train in such a long time b/c you'll have to catch it at the exact minute.  It's been my luck that buses were always available.

In an orderly nut shell,

• the easiest, but most expensive method is KTX Seoul (surrounding area)- Gyeongju.
• Next, reg. train or bus from Gyeonggi-do to Daegu.  After, bus Daegu - Gyeongju

I live in Pohang, the easternmost city, so I'm usually taking trips to Daegu and Gyeongju.

[sejongthefabulous]

Gyeonggi province is big.  Depending on where you live, this may be an option: http://english.visitkoreayear.com/english/benefit/benefit_07_01_01.asp it's a free bus from near Seoul city hall to Gyeongju.

[joseph921]

thanks for the replies.  Wow that free shuttle bus seems like a good option....5 hours though but still, its free!

I might look into that if it doesn't work then it seems like ktx or train it is.