Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond)

Overview

Wolji Pond (historically known as Anapji) is a beautifully restored banquet garden of the Silla crown prince's palace (Donggung), dating to 674 CE. The artificial pond, with its three islands and reconstructed pavilions, is one of Gyeongju's most photographed sites, especially at night when the buildings' reflections shimmer on the water.

Highlights

• Night Reflections: The floodlit pavilions mirrored in the still pond create an iconic nighttime tableau that draws photographers from across Korea.
• Excavated Artefacts: Over 33,000 items — including a gold-bronze gilt Buddhist statue and a 14-faced wooden die used for drinking games — were recovered when the pond was drained in 1975.
• Three Artificial Islands: Representing the legendary mountains of Taoist mythology, each island was planted with rare flowers mentioned in Silla court poetry.

History

Commissioned by King Munmu in 674 CE to celebrate Silla's unification of the Three Kingdoms, the garden served as the royal leisure residence and state banquet hall. After Silla's fall in 935, the pond silted over and geese settled there — earning the folk name "Anapji" (Goose-Duck Pond). Restoration to the original "Wolji" name came after an inscribed roof tile was excavated in 2010.

Visitor Tips

• Go at night: Open until 22:00 — the after-dark lighting is spectacular and less crowded than sunset.
• Combined visit: Adjacent to Wolseong Fortress and the National Museum.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.