Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Silla palace ruins mirrored in a night-lit pond.

Why go

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly Anapji) are the restored grounds of a Silla royal pleasure garden, most magical after dark.

Illuminated pavilions reflect in the still water — Gyeongju’s signature night view.

The pond was dug in 674 as part of the Silla crown prince's East Palace. Excavations in the 1970s recovered thousands of artefacts — from carved dice to a wooden boat, now shown at the Gyeongju National Museum — and roof tiles found here corrected its old name Anapji to Wolji, 'moon pond'.

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Good to know

• Come after sunset for the famous reflections.
• It is a short walk from Cheomseongdae.
• Check the closing time so you do not miss the evening view.
• Arrive before sunset to catch the pavilions in daylight and then lit up in the water; it's steps from Cheomseongdae and Daereungwon, and evening entry closes early — check the time.

Nearby

Official info

Travel facts are checked against official sources with a verification date. Prices, schedules and visa rules change — always confirm at the linked official source before you travel.