This is a royal detached palace built in the 14th year of King Munmu of Silla (674 AD).
Constructed to showcase the powerful national strength of Unified Silla, this palace consists of Donggung,
where the prince resided, and Wolji Pond, which means “pond where the moon shines.”
From Anapji to Regaining Its Original Name: During the Joseon Dynasty, when the palace fell into ruins,
it came to be called “Anapji” because the pond was said to be filled only with wild geese (雁) and ducks (鴨).
Subsequent excavation proved that the site was originally “Wolji,” and it regained its original name in 2011.
Silla’s Diplomatic Gateway: Imhaejeon Hall, the central building of this site, was the venue for welcoming distinguished guests of the nation or hosting banquets.
True to its name, which means “facing the sea,” Wolji Pond was like a vast ocean to the people of Silla.
The Magic of the Endless Lake: Wolji Pond was designed with a winding coastline so that the entire lake cannot be seen at a glance from any vantage point.
Experience firsthand the unique garden design techniques of the Silla people, who sought to make a narrow space feel like an infinite ocean.
Mirror Reflections Rising on the Water Surface: When the sun sets and the lights come on, the vibrant colors of the Dancheong (traditional decorative painting) and the curves of the roof are perfectly projected onto the water.
This spectacular view, resembling a “Floating Palace,” is a favorite spot among photographers and influencers.
The “Juryeonggu” in the Exhibition Hall: The “Juryeonggu,” a 14-sided die discovered during excavation,
showcases the refined lifestyle of Silla aristocrats. Reading the descriptions of the penalties performed during drinking parties allows you to feel a sense of closeness with the people of a thousand years ago.
Operating Hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00 (Last admission 21:30).
Admission Fees (On-site payment and online reservation available)
Adults (Ages 19–64): 3,000 KRW
Youth/Military Personnel (Ages 13–18): 2,000 KRW
Children (Ages 7–12): 1,000 KRW
Tip: You can conveniently purchase tickets using a kiosk, or purchase mobile tickets in advance via services like Naver Reservation.
Pets: Entry is strictly restricted for pets, with the exception of guide dogs for the visually impaired.
Since the night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond attracts the largest crowds in Gyeongju, parking is a key factor.
Dedicated Parking: A free public parking lot with approximately 232 spaces is available in front of the main gate (504-1 Inwang-dong).
Alternatives for Full Parking: The entrance parking lot fills up quickly on weekends or during peak season evenings.
In this case, the quickest option is to use the nearby Gyeongju National Museum parking lot (free) or the Hwangnyongsa History & Culture Center parking lot.
Walking Recommended: Cheomseongdae, Daereungwon, and the Gyeongju Museum are all located within a 15–20 minute walk of each other.
It is much better to leave your car in one place and take a leisurely stroll to fully experience the atmosphere of Gyeongju.
The night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is overwhelmingly attractive. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare various shooting settings.
Since darkness is not exactly the right environment for photography, it is advisable to be prepared with several things in mind.
First, it is recommended to bring a tripod. In dark environments, you need to apply a slightly higher exposure value;
however, if you set the shutter speed slowly, the image will be blurry without a tripod.
Additionally, while it is good to bring a strobe (flash, light), please familiarize yourself with how to use it before you go.
This is because if you focus solely on the subject and pay attention only to the immediate surroundings, the background will become a mess.
Please minimize the flash value and adjust it so that the background stands out. In other words, please use a low flash.
Although the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond offer flexible shooting conditions depending on the location,
knowing the structure and environment in advance will allow you to take more stunning and stable photos.
Please take a look at the video below beforehand.
Language and Docents: Main information boards are equipped with multilingual explanations.
For more detailed explanations, please use the audio guide provided at the entrance.
Best Timing: Enter about 30 minutes before sunset. You can experience both the tranquility of the day and the splendor of the night,
and the most beautiful photos are taken during the ‘Magic Hour’ before the sky turns completely black.
Stroller and Wheelchair Rental: Strollers and wheelchairs are available for free rental for those with mobility issues, making it convenient for families to visit.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are more than just historical sites to view; they are a space where you can step directly into the wisdom and tranquility of Silla.
After admiring the night view, heading to the nearby Hwangnidan-gil to enjoy Korean fusion desserts and traditional tea would make for a perfect day.
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