The pond was originally named Wolji, meaning 'pond that reflects the moon,' before being renamed Anapji during the Joseon Dynasty.
Archaeologists discovered a bronze vessel here inscribed with the name 'Wolji,' which led to the official restoration of the original name.
The complex layout follows a principle where the pond's border is shaped like a curved line to create the illusion of a larger, boundless body of water.
During the Silla period, the palace grounds were used for hosting royal banquets and welcoming foreign dignitaries.
The 33 excavated wooden buildings were identified via foundation stones, allowing for the precise reconstruction of the current three pavilions.
Over 30,000 historical items recovered from the pond bed are now housed in the nearby Gyeongju National Museum.
The garden contains carefully placed stones and hills meant to emulate the legendary peaks of the Silla cosmology.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, served as the secondary palace site for the crown prince during the Silla Kingdom. The site features an artificial pond constructed in 674 AD, designed with a winding shoreline to ensure the entire pond is never visible from any single vantage point. The reconstructed wooden pavilions reflect Silla architectural styles based on historical archaeological findings. Excavations conducted between 1974 and 1976 uncovered over 30,000 artifacts, including Buddhist statuettes and wooden tablets. The site is a primary example of ancient Korean garden design, integrating geometric pond shapes with naturalistic rock formations. It functions today as a key archaeological park managed by the Gyeongju Facilities Management Corporation. The area is illuminated at night to highlight the reflection of the architecture in the water.
The elevated boardwalk area directly opposite the three main pavilions, capturing the architectural reflection in the water.
Follow the clearly marked path that circles the entire pond to view the architecture from every angle.
Carry a portable power bank, as the evening illumination creates long-exposure photography opportunities that drain phone batteries.
Visit on a weekday evening to avoid peak crowd density near the pavilion reflection points.
Do not attempt to feed the koi or birds in the pond; avoid visiting during peak heat hours in mid-summer due to limited shade.
Stay on marked walking paths to protect the site's fragile landscaping; drone photography is strictly prohibited.
