Anapji Pond (Site of the Royal Palace)

Anapji Pond (Site of the Royal Palace)

Korea’s oldest historical record, the Samguk Sagi (compiled in AD 1145), states that in the 14th year of King Munmu of Silla (AD 647, Silla ruled from BC 57 to AD 935), the king ordered a lotus pond to be dug within the palace grounds, a small hill to be built, flowers and plants to be planted, and rare animals to be raised. Anapji Pond is the lotus pond that was created at that time, located on the northeastern side outside of Wolseong (a Silla-era fortress built in AD 101). According to an excavation survey conducted in 1974, Anapji Pond was originally shaped like a sphere, measuring 200 meters east-west and 180 meters north-south, with three small islands of varying sizes. The present-day Anapji Pond, which is closer to a circle, has been reconstructed along its revetment stones.

Originally a detached palace of the Silla royal court, it once served as the Donggung (the residence of the crown prince or heir to the throne). It came to be called the Site of the Royal Palace because the term “临海殿” (Imhaejeon / Royal Sea-viewing Palace) appears most frequently in historical records. During the initial excavation, the outlines of palace buildings, corridors, and five pavilions on the western side of Anapji Pond were discovered. Currently, several buildings have been restored based on investigation findings, while unrestored areas have only partial scaffolding in place.

Transportation

1. Bus

* Cross the street in front of Gyeongju Station, take bus No. 11 or 600 (every 15 minutes) – transfer to bus 609, and get off at Gyeongju National Museum Station. Walk for 3 minutes. Travel time by bus is about 10 minutes. * Take bus No. 11 or 600-609 at the bus stop in front of Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, and get off at Gyeongju National Museum Station. Walk for 3 minutes. Travel time by bus is about 10 minutes. 2. Taxi: From Gyeongju Station, Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, or Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, it takes about 5 minutes by taxi.

Detailed Information

1. Inquiry: Gyeongju Station Tourist Information Center +82-54-772-3843 (Korean/English/Japanese/Chinese)

2. Opening Hours: 09:00–21:00

3. Holidays: None

4. Admission Fee: Individual: Adults (19+): 1,000 KRW / Youth (13–18): 500 KRW / Children (under 12): 400 KRW / Group: Adults (19+): 800 KRW / Youth (13–18): 400 KRW / Children (under 12): 300 KRW * Group: 30 or more people ** Free admission for seniors (65+) and children (under 6)

5. Parking Fee: Small vehicles 1,000 KRW, Large vehicles 2,000 KRW Location: 26 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province Ticket Price: 1,000 KRW Opening Hours: 09:00–21:00

Gyeongju, South Korea