Name: Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
Address: 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Telephone: 054-750-8655
Rating: 4.5

Palace complex & manmade pond with 3 islets, dating to circa 674 CE & filled with lotus in summer.

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Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were constructed by order of King Munmu in 674 CE, during the Silla Dynasty.

Construction Date

The pond features three small islands, adding to its scenic beauty.

Island Count

The original name of the pond, Wolji, translates to 'water that reflects the moon,' highlighting its serene and picturesque nature.

Name Meaning

For centuries, the pond was known as Anapji, but it was renamed Wolji in the 1980s after the discovery of its original name.

Former Name

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla Dynasty, a powerful kingdom that ruled Korea for over a thousand years.

Historical Significance

The heritage site is located in Gyeongju National Park, in central Gyeongju, South Korea, near the site of the main Silla palace at Banwolseong.

Location

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, nestled within Gyeongju, served as the secondary palace for the Silla crown prince. Constructed during the reign of King Munmu after the unification of the Three Kingdoms, its primary function extended beyond mere residence. It was a venue for important state banquets and receptions, a testament to Silla's power and sophistication. Wolji Pond, originally known as Anapji, is an artificial pond meticulously landscaped with three islands, symbolizing mythical mountains. The pond's irregular shoreline, a unique design choice, ensured that it appeared different from every vantage point, creating an illusion of vastness. Excavations have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including exquisite pottery and architectural components, providing invaluable insights into Silla's artistry and daily life. Interestingly, the pond's name was changed to Wolji, meaning "moon pond," reflecting a later interpretation of its romantic ambiance and the reflections it cast. The palace complex offers a glimpse into the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the Silla royalty and their commitment to creating spaces that blended functionality with artistic expression.

Introduction

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, constructed in 674 CE by order of King Munmu, served as a secondary palace within the ancient Silla kingdom (57 BCE – 935 CE). Positioned on the northeast edge of Wolseong Palace in Gyeongju, the oval-shaped pond, measuring 200m by 180m and containing three small islands, was integral to the palace complex. Originally known as Anapji, the pond's name was later restored to Wolji, meaning "a pond that reflects the moon," following the discovery of pottery fragments with the inscription "Wolji."

Historical records from the Goryeo dynasty mention Imhaejeon Hall but not Anapji Pond, reflecting the site's decline after the fall of Silla. Excavations beginning in 1975 unearthed approximately 33,000 relics, offering insights into Buddhist art and daily life within the Silla kingdom. These artifacts, including roof tiles, architectural materials, pottery, gilt bronze Buddha figures, jewelry, and everyday items, highlight the opulence of the Silla royalty.

Recent investigations by the Korea Heritage Service suggest that Donggung, the crown prince's palace, was located east of Wolji Pond, challenging previous assumptions. This conclusion is supported by the discovery of a large building site on the eastern side of Wolji, complete with a sophisticated flush-style toilet system dating back to the Unified Silla period (668-935), demonstrating advanced engineering skills. The pond and its artifacts mirror Silla's history, from King Munmu's construction to King Gyeongsun's banquet for Wang Geon of Goryeo.

Silla Dynasty Palace

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, originally constructed in 674 CE by order of King Munmu, served as a significant site for royal receptions during the Silla Kingdom era. The pond, formerly known as Anapji, is located on the northeast edge of Wolseong Palace. A notable historical record mentions a royal reception hosted by King Gyeongsun at Anapji in 931 CE, a period when the Silla Kingdom was already in decline. This event underscores the pond's continued importance as a venue for royal gatherings even as the kingdom faced instability.

Donggung, meaning "Eastern Palace," functioned as a secondary palace used by the crown prince and also served as a banquet site for important national events. Rare animals were brought to the area, creating an exotic garden fit for royalty. The pond itself, measuring 200 meters east to west and 180 meters north to south, featured three small islands and a manufactured landscape of twelve small hills to the northeast, enhancing its aesthetic appeal for such occasions. After the fall of Silla, the pond fell into disrepair for many centuries. The excavation and restoration work beginning in 1974 unearthed evidence of stone walls and five buildings on the west and south sides of the pond, further illustrating the scale and grandeur of the site during its use for royal receptions.

Royal Reception History

Wolji Pond, an artificial pond within the palace complex of ancient Silla, was constructed in 674 CE by order of King Munmu. The pond, oval in shape, stretches 200 meters east to west and 180 meters north to south, featuring three small islands. Originally known as Anapji, its name was restored to Wolji following the discovery of a lock inscribed with "Donggunga," revealing its connection to the Donggung Palace and its landscape management division, Woljiakjeon.

Historical accounts suggest Wolji Pond may have been previously referred to as "Dongji Pond," with the name changing after significant maintenance in 674 CE that included the construction of a stone retention wall. The pond's design considered the natural geography, as it is fed by the greatest erupting spring in the Gyeongju Basin, with water flowing into Balcheon Stream. This positioning, north of Gaeseokgok Valley, ensured a constant water supply, ideal for a royal garden.

Excavations around Wolji Pond uncovered 26 building sites, wall sites, and water systems, yielding nearly 33,000 artifacts. These findings, including pottery vessels inscribed with "Sinsim Yongwang," suggest the pond held ritual significance, possibly linked to the dragon mythos and royal authority. The pond's design and the artifacts recovered reflect the extravagant daily lives of the Silla royal family and aristocrats, offering insights into Buddhist art and Silla's culture.

Wolji Pond's Design and Significance

Excavations at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond have yielded a wealth of artifacts, offering insights into the daily life and Buddhist art of the Silla royalty. The most significant excavation project, spanning from 1975 to 1986, unearthed approximately 33,000 relics from the pond and surrounding building sites. These discoveries included uniquely designed roof tiles, architectural materials, pottery, gilt-bronze Buddha figures, jewelry, accessories, and other everyday items. The relics, remarkably well-preserved due to their burial in vast, unsealed fields, provide a unique window into the culture of the Silla royal family.

Among the notable finds was a lock inscribed with "Donggunga," which confirmed the pond's original name as Wolji and its association with Donggung Palace. This discovery also shed light on the role of Woljiakjeon, a division responsible for landscape management within Donggunga. The artifacts recovered from Wolji Pond differ significantly from those found at Silla graves or temple sites, as they consist primarily of palace building materials and daily necessities used by the royal family. The abundance and variety of these relics have allowed researchers to reconstruct aspects of Silla's history, from King Munmu's initial construction of the pond in 674 CE to King Gyeongsun's reign, the last Silla king. Approximately 730 relics are on display at the Anapji Exhibition Hall within the Gyeongju National Museum.