Gyeongju Trip: Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

This is a blog that provides travel information about historical sites and Natural in Korea.

Gyeongju Trip: Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond was a secondary palace of the Silla Kingdom, used for celebratory banquets and hosting important guests. Formerly known as 'Anapji,' its original name 'Wolji,' meaning 'a pond where the moon reflects,' was restored following archaeological excavations. It is a must-visit destination in Gyeongju, offering a serene garden atmosphere by day and a spectacular night view of the illuminated pavilions reflecting in the pond.

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond


[Table of Contents]

1. Gyeongju Trip Itinerary Map

2. Visitor Information

3. Gyeongju's Night Jewel: Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

4. Touring Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

5. Concluding the Trip

 

1. Gyeongju Trip Itinerary Map

Gyeongju can be overwhelming when you don't know where to begin. You might wonder what else is around Donggung and Wolji. Since this city holds so much history, it’s hard to choose where to go first! To make the most of your trip without wandering around aimlessly, it’s always a good idea to check the map and plan your day efficiently.

※ Click on the image to view a larger version.

Gyeongju Tourist Map (English)


Gyeongju Tourist Map (Chinese)


2. Visitor Information

  • Date of Visit: October 3, 2025
  • Address: 102, Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
  • Hours: 09:00 – 22:00 (Last entry at 21:30) / Open all year round
  • Admission:
  • Adults: 3,000 KRW
  • Youth (13–18): 2,000 KRW
  • Children (7–12): 1,000 KRW
  • Parking: Free parking at the Donggung & Wolji Lot (Address: 504-1 Inwang-dong)
  • Official Website: Click here 👆


3. Gyeongju's Night Jewel: Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Rain, rain, go away! I was so excited to visit Donggung and Wolji, but the autumn rain is just endless today. What's up with all this rain? 😂

If you’re traveling to Gyeongju, you have to stop by Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. You might know it better as 'Anapji,' but it's officially been renamed.

It’s so serene and calm during the day, but the real magic happens at night when the illuminations turn on. It shows a totally different, enchanting side of Gyeongju!



💡 Visitor Guide (Operating Hours & Admission)

Operating hours are from 09:00 to 21:30, and since the lights turn off automatically at 22:00, you have to leave by then. The admission fee is 3,000 KRW for adults, 2,000 KRW for youth and soldiers, and 1,000 KRW for children. You could say it’s expensive or you could say it’s cheap, but I guess it's a necessary cost to maintain and preserve our cultural heritage.


💡Travel Tip

dmission is FREE for seniors (65+), children under 6, and people with disabilities (must show valid ID). Also, if you wear a Hanbok during the Lunar New Year or Chuseok holidays, you might even get in for free!


4. Touring Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Maybe because of the rain, there aren't many visitors inside. Everyone is exploring the grounds with an umbrella in one hand as the light rain falls endlessly. The wide lawns are kept so neat and tidy, making it a lovely, relaxing walk.

Wait, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond? I’ve always known it as Anapji, so what’s the difference?

Well, through fragments engraved with the word "Wolji" found during excavations and records like Samguk Sagi, this place was confirmed to be called Wolji. "Donggung" refers to the site of the detached palace of the royal complex. As for "Anapji," it’s a name that became widely known during the Joseon Dynasty, meaning a pond where wild geese and ducks play in the ruins. Today, the official name is "Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.



The first building you encounter is Building No. 1, a pavilion restored in 1980. The building sites are numbered 1 through 5, starting from the southernmost point. The view of the pond, Anapji, looking down from the pavilion is truly beautiful. I don't know exactly what it looked like in the distant past, but if the weather had been clear, it would have looked just like a scene from a painting.



Fitting for its former name, Anapji, two birds that look like wild geese are perched on the fountain in the middle of the pond, preening their feathers. However, looking at the overall scenery, "Wolji"—meaning a pond where the moon reflects—seems much more fitting.



During the restoration of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, it is said that the site was designed and constructed based on historical research, using a 1:50 scale model. This model was created using the building sites and architectural elements identified during the excavation surveys as a foundation.




Ah, if only the weather had been clear, it would have been even better; this autumn rain is leaving me with such a sense of regret. Under the gray sky, raindrops continue to fall without end onto the pond where small yellow water lilies have bloomed. The scattering raindrops draw countless tiny circular ripples on the water's surface, while the pavilions and the leaves of the trees along the walkway are quietly reflected above them.


Walking slowly along the pond with an umbrella in one hand, it feels as if the drizzling rain is absorbing all the noise, making everything even quieter. Like a calm painting, the crowd of visitors seems to find a sense of peace, making the moment feel a little more special.


Although the persistent autumn rain is a bit inconvenient, being able to enjoy and appreciate this vast pond garden all to myself leaves a surprisingly wonderful lingering impression.




It would be lovely to take a light stroll along the walkway lined with lush, ancient trees and truly soak in the scenery of Wolji Pond.



5. Concluding the Trip

"Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond: A Thousand Years of Time"

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is more than just an ancient palace; it is a space where history and nature harmonize. It is well-known as a place where you can enjoy the quiet, serene atmosphere of an old palace by day and a fantastic, magical night view after dark. If you want to take a journey back through time into history, why not visit Gyeongju's Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond today?



#Gyeongju #VisitKorea #DonggungPalace #WoljiPond #KoreaTrip #HistoricSites #KoreanArchitecture #TravelGram #RainyDayVibes #AncientCity #UNESCOWorldHeritage

Location: 대한민국 경상북도 경주시 원화로 102

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