Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park, South Korea. It is an oval shape; 200m from east to west and 180m from north to south. It contains three small islands.
Anapji was originally located near the palace of Silla dynasty called Banwolseong. It is written in Samguk Sagi. "During the era of King Munmu, a new pond was made in the palace and flowers and birds flourished in this pond". There is also mention of a royal reception held by King Gyeongsun in 931, when Silla was already crumbling. After the fall of Silla, the fell into disrepair for many centuries. The name Anapji appears in the 16th century, Joseon era document Augmented Survey of the Geography of Korea with the explanation that King Munmu made the pond with Taoist aesthetics.
It also served as a banquet site for important national events and important visitors. The pond features three small islands, and a landscape of 12 small hills to the northeast. In the 1980s, a pottery fragment with the letters "Wolji" (a pond that reflects the moon) carved onto it was found, revealing the true name of the pond. After the discovery, the site was renamed to the current Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Anapji pond is an architectural beauty. The area around the Anapji Pond is filled with the lotus flower. If possible, plan the visit accordingly to witness the spectacular view.
The beauty of this place increases many folds during the night. The whole place is lit up with beautiful light. The reflex in the pond gives it a surreal feel.
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