Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond Night View Guide 2026

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Must-Visit in Gyeongju

Highly Recommended Night View at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

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Gyeongju is full of historical wonders, but the spot I was most excited to see after dark was Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

With super affordable admission and being just a short walk from Hwangridan-gil,

it's the perfect place for a post-dinner stroll!

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Formerly known as Anapji Pond,

this historical site offers absolutely breathtaking nighttime reflections.

It is an experience that is more than worth your time.

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Here is everything you need to know for your 2026 visit,

along with some of my favorite photos of the night view!

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1. Basic Information

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Since most of Gyeongju's historical sites are clustered near Hwangridan-gil,

staying in a traditional Hanok guesthouse nearby makes getting around a breeze.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is just a 20-minute walk away.

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📍 Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

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While there is a parking lot available,

Gyeongju gets quite congested with traffic during peak seasons and weekends.

If your accommodation is nearby, I highly recommend walking!

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2. Admission & Prices

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The entrance fee for Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is incredibly budget-friendly,

and you can easily buy tickets right at the gate.

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Adults: ~$2

Teens / Military: ~$2

Children: ~$1

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If you're spending a few days in Gyeongju,

you'll likely visit multiple sites. I highly recommend grabbing the

Silla Gyeongju Tour Pass (48 Hours)!

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It costs about ~$6 for 48 hours of access,

covering major sites like Donggung Garden, Poseokjeong Pavilion, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond,

General Kim Yusin's Tomb, King Muyeol's Tomb, and Cheonmachong Tomb.

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If you visit just three places during a 3-day trip, it pays for itself!

Standard adult admission to most sites

is usually around ~$2 to ~$3 each.

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[Gyeongbuk Tour Pass] Silla Gyeongju Tour Pass 48 Hours - Klook

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You can buy it up to an hour before your visit,

making it great for last-minute planners. Plus, unused passes are refundable,

so there's zero risk in getting one!

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I ended up visiting a lot of places before discovering this pass,

so definitely learn from my mistake and get it early! ^.^

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3. The Magical Night View

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Known as the detached palace of the Silla Crown Prince,

the site features a stunning central lake originally called Anapji.

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While the intricate architecture is beautiful during the day,

the magic truly happens after sunset.

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The illuminated pavilions reflecting perfectly on the glassy water

create an unforgettable sight.

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It's no surprise that this spot is always bustling

with both locals and international travelers in the evening.

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During the Joseon Dynasty, when the site was in ruins,

it was named "Anapji" because only geese (an) and ducks (ap) flocked to the pond.

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After modern excavations revealed it was the Silla Crown Prince's palace (Donggung),

and a pond reflecting the moon (Wolji),

its rightful name was restored to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond!

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The pond was brilliantly engineered with curved shorelines

so that you can never see the entire pond from any single vantage point—

a clever trick of Silla architecture that makes the space feel vast and endless.

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Taking your time to walk the perimeter, admire the structures,

and perhaps cross Woljeonggyo Bridge nearby takes about an hour.

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4. Souvenirs

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Korean cultural merchandise has gotten incredibly stylish lately,

and I always love picking up a small keepsake from historical sites!

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The souvenir shop here is fantastic because

it sells goods featuring not just Donggung Palace,

but other Gyeongju landmarks too.

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You'll find magnets, architectural models, enamel pins, and more.

I picked up a beautiful magnet capturing the palace's night view!

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The prices are a bit premium,

but the quality and aesthetic make them totally worth it as a memory of your trip.