GOCHANG, HWASUN AND GANGHWA SITES

 The Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites are the location of hundreds of stone dolmens which were used as grave markers, and for ritual purposes during the first millennium BCE when the Megalithic Culture was prominent on the Korean Peninsula. Korea is said to contain more than 40% of the world's dolmen, which are mostly concentrated in these three sites.

Dolmen in Korea have been dated to the 7th century BC in locations such as Gochang and the practice ended around the third century BCE. The dolmen culture is linked with the Neolithic and bronze cultures of Korea.

Dolmens are generally classified as two types in East Asia. The table/northern-type and the go-board/southern-type. In the former, four stones were positioned to make the walls of a box and were capped by a stone which lay on top of the supports. The latter is characterized by underground burial with stones that supported the capstone.

Excavation at the sites did not begin until 1965. Since then, multiple digs have been sponsored and an extensive program of inventory and preservation has been initiated by the Korean government.

Recognized by UNESCO in 2000, dolmens in Gochang, Ganghwa and Hwasun are considered the finest artifacts for studying the social structure of Korea in the Bronze Age and cultural exchanges with people in Northeastern Asia during the Prehistoric Era. In particular, the dolmens' exact construction process can be seen from existing quarries, providing vital materials in studying the history of dolmens and how they have changed over time.

ANAPJI

 

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.