Wolseong Palace Site, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.16

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

신라 파사왕 22년( 101)

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 인왕동 387-1번지

Coordinates

35.831801, 129.223004

Wolseong is the capital fortress where the royal palace of Silla was once located. This was constructed in 101 A.D., the 22nd year of the reign of King Pasa, to defend the royal palace, which was moved from Geumseong, the capital of Silla. It is called Banwolseong or Sinwolseong because, as the name implies, it is shaped like a half-moon. It was also called Jaeseong, meaning the fortress where the king resides. Legend has it that, before the fortress was built, a man called Hogong had lived there but was chased away by the magic of a young man named Talhae, who then made the place his home. When King Namhae heard of this, he thought that the young man was no ordinary boy and took him as his son-in law. The boy grew to become the 4th King of Silla, King Talhae. Namcheongang River flows along the south wall, providing a natural barrier. There are sites of Imhaejeon Hall and many other buildings. Seokbinggo, the famous Ice Storehouse, was moved here from the western part of Wolseong.

Location