Busan to Gyeongju: How to Get There by Train and Bus

Short answer: the fastest way from Busan to Gyeongju is the KTX from Busan Station to Gyeongju Station, which takes only around half an hour. The slower but often cheaper rail option is the Donghae Line (ITX-Maum and other trains) from Bujeon Station, at roughly an hour and a quarter or more. The intercity bus from Busan's Integrated Bus Terminal at Nopo is a simple alternative that drops you closer to central Gyeongju. Any of the three works well for a day trip.

This guide explains each option, where it arrives in Gyeongju, and how to get from the station to the tombs, temples and Hwangnidan-gil.

Option 1: KTX from Busan Station (fastest)

KTX trains on the Gyeongbu high-speed line run from Busan Station (subway Line 1) to Gyeongju Station. The ride is short, making it the quickest choice if you are staying near Busan Station, Nampo or Jung-gu.

Watch the station name

Gyeongju's high-speed station used to be called Singyeongju. When the old downtown Gyeongju Station closed in December 2021, the KTX station took the name "Gyeongju Station". Older blogs and maps may still say Singyeongju, but today they are the same place. The old downtown station no longer has trains.

How to book

Book on the Korail website or app (there is an English version), or buy at a ticket machine or counter at Busan Station.
Weekday trains often have seats on the day, but book ahead for weekends, holidays and cherry blossom season in spring.
Have your passport ready if you buy a Korail Pass or a foreigner-only ticket.

If you have already taken the KTX from Seoul, the booking steps are the same as in our KTX Seoul to Busan booking guide.

Option 2: Donghae Line trains from Bujeon (scenic and cheaper)

The Donghae Line runs up Korea's east coast from Bujeon Station in central Busan (near Seomyeon, on subway Line 1). Since the line was upgraded, ITX-Maum and other regular trains link Bujeon with Gyeongju Station. They take longer than the KTX, roughly an hour and a quarter to an hour and three quarters depending on the train, but fares are usually lower.

Good for: travelers staying around Seomyeon, Busanjin or Dongnae, and anyone with a Korail Pass who wants to save KTX seats.
Arrives at: the same Gyeongju Station as the KTX.
Tip: Bujeon is not the same as Busan Station. Check which station your ticket is from before you set off.

Some Donghae Line trains also stop at stations near Haeundae, which can help if you are staying by the beach. Look up the stations nearest your hotel in the Korail app.

Option 3: Intercity bus from Nopo (simple and central)

Buses to Gyeongju leave from the Busan Integrated Bus Terminal right next to Nopo Station, the northern end of subway Line 1. The ride is usually about an hour, depending on traffic, and buses run frequently through the day.

Arrives at: the Gyeongju Express and Intercity Bus Terminals, which sit side by side close to the city center. From there you can walk or take a short taxi to the Daereungwon tomb area and Hwangnidan-gil.
How to buy: at the terminal ticket machines or counter, or on Korean bus booking apps. Tickets are usually easy to get on weekdays.
Watch out for: weekend and holiday traffic, which can make the bus noticeably slower than the train.

If you are staying in western Busan, check whether buses also run from the Busan West Bus Terminal at Sasang, which may be closer.

From Gyeongju Station to the sights

Gyeongju Station is several kilometers outside the historic center, so you will need a bus or taxi to get to the main sights.

City buses: several routes connect the station with downtown, the bus terminals and the Bulguksa area. Use Naver Map or Kakao Map to find the right number and stop, because routes change from time to time.
Taxi: the easiest choice with luggage or in a group. The taxi rank is outside the station exit.
Bulguksa and Seokguram: these temples are east of the center. Buses run there from downtown, but many visitors take a taxi to save time.

Once you arrive, our guide to Gyeongju in one day suggests an easy route through the tombs, Cheomseongdae, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and Hwangnidan-gil.

Which option should you pick?

Want the fastest trip and staying near Busan Station: KTX.
Staying near Seomyeon or traveling on a budget: Donghae Line from Bujeon.
Want to arrive close to the old town without changing: intercity bus from Nopo.
Day trip with an early start: take the train out and the bus back (or the other way around) for flexibility.

A friendly tip from POPORO CITY's Hana: "Leave Busan early. Gyeongju's tombs look softest in the morning light, and you'll beat the tour buses."

Quick tips

"Singyeongju" and "Gyeongju Station" are now the same KTX station.
Busan Station (KTX) and Bujeon Station (Donghae Line) are different places.
Gyeongju Station is outside the center, so plan a bus or taxi to the sights.
Book weekend and holiday trains ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
Check current fares and timetables on Korail and the bus terminal websites before you go.

FAQ

How long does it take from Busan to Gyeongju?

About 30 minutes by KTX from Busan Station, around 1 hour 15 minutes or more on Donghae Line trains from Bujeon, and about an hour by intercity bus from Nopo, depending on traffic.

Is Singyeongju the same as Gyeongju Station?

Yes. The KTX station formerly called Singyeongju has been named Gyeongju Station since the old downtown station closed in December 2021.

Can I do Gyeongju as a day trip from Busan?

Yes. It is one of the easiest day trips from Busan. Leave in the morning and you can see the tombs, Cheomseongdae, Hwangnidan-gil and Bulguksa before an evening return.

Is the bus or the train better?

The KTX is fastest, while the bus drops you nearer the old town. If you are staying near Nopo or want to avoid getting from Gyeongju Station into town, the bus is very convenient.

Can I use a Korail Pass to Gyeongju?

Korail Passes generally cover KTX and regular Korail trains, including those to Gyeongju. Check the current pass rules and seat reservation conditions on the official Korail site.