Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, located in Gyeongju, South Korea, is a stunning historical site from the Silla Dynasty, featuring a beautifully restored palace and a serene pond that reflects the area’s ancient beauty, especially at night.

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Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is a beautiful palace site from the Unified Silla period, located in Gyeongju, South Korea. It was a secondary palace used by the crown prince and for hosting foreign dignitaries. The pond and its surrounding landscape are particularly beautiful, especially at night, making it a popular tourist destination.

Key Features and Highlights:

Historical Significance:

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were constructed during the reign of King Munmu of Silla and served as a secondary palace for the Silla royal family.
It is an important historical site that provides insights into the opulent court culture of the Silla period.
Originally called ‘Wolji,’ the name was changed to ‘Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond’ after pottery fragments inscribed with ‘Donggung’ were discovered during excavations.

Beautiful Pond and Pavilions:

Wolji Pond is a representative artificial pond from the Silla period, featuring islands and bridges that create a harmonious landscape.
The surrounding area includes restored pavilions from the Silla period, such as Imhaejeon Hall, allowing visitors to imagine the grandeur of the ancient palace.
The night view, illuminated by lights, is particularly stunning.

Excavated Artifacts:

Excavations at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond have yielded various artifacts, including gilt-bronze Buddhist statues, pottery, and roof tiles.
These artifacts provide valuable information about the art and culture of the Silla period.

Visiting Information:

Location: 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00 (Open year-round)

Admission Fees: Adults 3,000 won, Teenagers 2,000 won, Children 1,000 won

Nearby Attractions: Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Gyeongju National Museum, and other various Gyeongju historical areas.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond offer a chance to admire the beautiful gardens and palace architecture of the Silla period. A visit at night is especially recommended for its romantic atmosphere and beautiful night views.

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4.5

Based on 19400 reviews

Teddy Nguyễn

15:19 12 Mar 25

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju is an absolutely enchanting place, especially during sunset. We were incredibly fortunate to visit on a clear, sunny day, which allowed us to witness the breathtaking sunset reflecting off the pond's still waters. The palace ruins, silhouetted against the fiery sky, created a truly magical and unforgettable scene.Even without the sunset, the site is remarkable. The reconstructed buildings offer a glimpse into the architectural elegance of the Silla Dynasty, while the tranquil pond, dotted with pavilions and surrounded by lush greenery, exudes a sense of peace and serenity. It's easy to imagine the royalty of the Silla Kingdom strolling through the gardens and enjoying the beauty of this place.Visiting at night adds another dimension to the experience. The illuminated buildings and the reflections on the water create a mystical atmosphere. It's a completely different, yet equally captivating, perspective.I highly recommend visiting Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, ideally during sunset, to fully appreciate its beauty and historical significance. It's a must-see destination in Gyeongju.

Zhee Bardos

19:00 30 Jan 25

This is my second favorite spot we visited during our Klook tour and I love how the structures were well lit giving so much drama and allure to the site. They also had a souvenir shop nearby and a bathroom in case you need it. If you do get hungry, there are small shops outside before the entrance. Great historical place - it looks like there will be some construction set at the entrance. Absolutely lovely!

Ms K

00:05 29 Nov 24

It was quite small to visit and had to paid 3000won per person. It’s the best to visit around sunset time so you can see the night view of the palace with the lights on. They also have the presentation about the architecture in the room that next to the exit. Free WiFi also available and free parking on the site.

14:18 07 Nov 24

Went at night. The lights in and around the Palace and the grounds provided a stunning sight. Make an effort to see the place at night. It is well worth it.

Eva Ekengren

02:13 11 Oct 24

I visited early in the morning, just after the sight opened, and it was calm and beautiful. Recommend and early visit so you can walk the grounds in your own temp. Buses stop just outside. Small entrance fee and possibility to watch educational video.The Weolseong fortress is on the other side of the road.

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