Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.18

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 인왕동 517 번지 일대

Coordinates

35.834718, 129.226486

Located on the west part of Anapji Pond, this is the Imhaejeon Palace Site of the Silla Period. Anapji Pond was built in 674 during the 14th year of the reign of King Munmu after the unification of the Korean Peninsula. It has three central islands, and to the north and east are 12 hills -- a composition reflecting the Taoist philosophy. Beautiful trees and flowers as well as rare birds and animals were brought from all over to these islands and hills. A number of pavilions, including Imhaejeon, were constructed around the lake and used for state festivals and banquets and as a prince's palace. Anapji is an excellent example of garden and lake construction of that period. The reconstruction of the present lake and archaeological construction sites was undertaken during the period 1975-76 and completed in 1980. The original water conduit, drainage channel, and stone embankments were excavated and restored accordingly. A total of 26 building foundations and many relics were excavated from this site, including bowls, plates, and flower-patterned bricks where "The Second Year of Joro (680)" was inscribed. This was also the place where King Gyeongsun, the last monarch of Silla, hosted for Wang Geon, founder of the Goryeo Dynasty, a banquet to ask for his aid.

Location