Yeongnam Road Trip: Daegu, Gyeongju, Pohang, Ulsan & Busan
A self-drive journey through southeastern Gyeongsang-do, from inland Daegu to east coast sunrise spots, heading south all the way to Busan.
This one-way road trip connects Daegu, Gyeongju, Pohang, and Ulsan—destinations that are often visited separately. The first half focuses on traditional markets, ancient temples, and Silla Kingdom ruins, while the second half takes you along the East Coast to see the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu, Homigot Sunrise Square, and Daewangam Park, ending in Busan. Because the coastal attractions are spread out and difficult to reach by public transport, self-driving or hiring a private car is highly recommended. This is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to venture off the beaten path. Note that Haeinsa Temple is in the opposite direction and is excluded.
Day by day
Day 1 · Daegu's Historic Alleys & Night Views
Daegu（Kim Gwang-seok Street、Modern History Street (Cheongna Hill)、Seomun Market Night Market、Apsan Observatory）
Take the subway from Dongdaegu Station to the city center (approx. 15 mins). Explore the city on foot and via subway, and take the cable car up Apsan Mountain in the evening.
The operating days of Seomun Night Market vary by season. Verify before you go.
Stay: Dongseongno–Banwoldang
Day 2 · Mount Palgongsan to Ancient Gyeongju
Daegu（Palgongsan Cable Car、Palgongsan & Donghwasa） → Gyeongju（Daereungwon Tomb Complex、Cheomseongdae Observatory、Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond）
Pick up your rental car and drive to Mount Palgongsan (approx. 40 mins), then take the expressway to Gyeongju (approx. 1 hour). Explore the city center on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Hwangnidan-gil·Daereungwon
Day 3 · Mount Tohamsan to the East Coast
Gyeongju（Bulguksa Temple、Seokguram Grotto、Gameunsa Temple Site、Underwater Tomb of King Munmu） → Pohang（Guryongpo Japanese House Street）
Drive from the city center to Bulguksa Temple (approx. 30 mins), cross the mountains to the Tomb of King Munmu (approx. 40 mins), and head north to Guryongpo (approx. 1 hour).
Stay: Guryongpo
Day 4 · Homigot Sunrise to Ulsan
Pohang（Homigot Sunrise Square、Space Walk (Hwanho Park)、Jukdo Market） → Ulsan（Daewangam Park）
Drive from Guryongpo to Homigot (approx. 20 mins), continue to Pohang city center (approx. 40 mins), and head south to Ulsan (approx. 1 hour 20 mins).
The Space Walk in Pohang may close during strong winds or rain.
Stay: Ilsan–Daewangam
Day 5 · Ganjeolgot Cape to the Busan Coast
Ulsan（Ganjeolgot Cape） → Busan（Haedong Yonggungsa Temple、Haeundae Beach）
Drive from Ilsan to Ganjeolgot Cape (approx. 40 mins), continue to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (approx. 40 mins), and drive to Busan Station (approx. 1 hour) to return your rental car.