Popular 体験・ツアー・観光・ガイドツアー in 東宮と月池 (雁鴨池)

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju are located in the heart of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, with several World Heritage sites nearby that can be visited together. We recommend visiting 'Cheomseongdae Observatory,' which is not far away, to experience the scientific wisdom of the Silla era. Afterward, walk to 'Daereungwon Tomb Complex' to see the magnificent royal tombs, especially 'Cheonmachong Tomb,' which offers a glimpse into the lavish burial artifacts of Silla royalty. These sites are close to each other and are perfect for a half-day or full-day cultural and historical tour. Especially in the evening, some of the ruins are illuminated, offering a different atmosphere than the night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

The best time to visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is in the evening, arriving about an hour before sunset. This allows you to first enjoy the palace and the scenic beauty of the lake and mountains during the day, experiencing its rustic charm and tranquility. As night falls, the palace and surrounding buildings are illuminated, their reflections on the water of Wolji Pond creating a dramatically different and splendid night view. We recommend allocating about 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to fully appreciate its dual daytime and nighttime charm and capture beautiful photographs. If you have ample time, you can also visit nearby attractions during the day and return specifically to enjoy the night view in the evening.

If you can only choose one site for a night visit, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond would be the more recommended option. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are renowned for their meticulously designed night illuminations, which transform the palace buildings and surrounding gardens into a dreamlike spectacle, with stunning reflections on the water that make it Gyeongju's most iconic night photography spot. While Bulguksa Temple is also a World Heritage site, it typically lacks the special, tourist-oriented lighting effects seen at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. Most areas are either closed or have only basic lighting at night, making the unique charm of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond superior for a night view experience.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond showcase unique scenery in different seasons. Autumn (late October to early November) is the best time for autumn foliage viewing. The surrounding trees are adorned with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, which, in conjunction with the ancient palace architecture and the azure waters of Wolji Pond, create a colorful and romantic panorama. In winter (December to February), if it snows, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are covered in white, presenting a silver world. The ancient buildings under the snow appear even more solemn and serene, and the frozen or semi-frozen pond offers a distinct charm. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the tranquil atmosphere of traditional Korean architecture in winter, especially not to be missed by photography enthusiasts.

Taking a bus is the most convenient public transportation method to get to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond from Gyeongju Station. You can board buses heading towards the Gyeongju Historic Areas from the bus stop in front of Gyeongju Station, such as routes 11, 600, or 601. Get off at the 'Wolji' or 'Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond' stop. From there, it's about a 5-10 minute walk to the entrance. Buses run frequently, and the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, making it a very convenient and economical choice. If you're carrying luggage or prefer convenience, a taxi is also a good alternative with a shorter travel time.

The top must-see highlight at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is its picturesque night view. The reflections of the palace complex and Wolji Pond on the water, illuminated at night, make for excellent photographic subjects. Besides the night view, you can also appreciate the architectural details and garden design of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond during the day. You can stroll along the path by the pond to feel the royal grandeur and leisure of the Silla Dynasty. Additionally, the site has an exhibition hall displaying historical artifacts excavated from Wolji Pond, offering a deeper understanding of its historical background and functions. Overall, it's an experience that seamlessly blends history, architecture, natural scenery, and a night light show.

In addition to the stunning night views of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, there are other recommended night attractions in the Gyeongju Historic Areas. You can visit 'Cheomseongdae Observatory,' the oldest astronomical observatory in the East, which is illuminated with colorful lights at night, making its unique architectural form appear even more mysterious and beautiful in the darkness. Furthermore, parts of 'Daereungwon Tomb Complex' are also illuminated at night. While not as dazzling as Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, the vast lawns and massive royal tombs under the lights present a different, solemn atmosphere. These sites are all located in the core area of Gyeongju and can be linked together for a night tour route, allowing you to experience different Silla nights.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:30 PM. It is advisable to arrive before the last entry time to allow sufficient time for your visit. For tickets, you can purchase them at the on-site ticket booths located at the entrance of the attraction. Alternatively, if you wish to plan your itinerary in advance and enjoy convenience, you can also book tickets through travel booking platforms. For instance, booking through KKday offers Chinese customer service support and flexible cancellation policies, saving you language communication hassles and making your trip smoother and more worry-free.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, originally named 'Wolji,' was built during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty. It served as a secondary palace and the East Palace where the crown prince resided. Historically, it was a place where the Silla royal family held important state banquets, received distinguished guests, and organized various recreational activities, symbolizing the peak of prosperity and grandeur of the Silla Dynasty at that time. Historical records indicate that its design was extremely ingenious, with garden landscaping that blended natural and artificial beauty. After the fall of Silla, the site gradually fell into disrepair. It wasn't until archaeological excavations in the 1970s that a stone inscribed with the characters 'Wolji' was discovered, leading to its re-naming and extensive restoration, recreating its former splendor and becoming an important window into Silla culture.

After visiting Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, there are many restaurants in the surrounding area offering authentic Gyeongju cuisine. You can try the famous 'Hwangnam Bread,' a unique red bean paste-filled bread from Gyeongju with a distinct texture; or experience traditional Korean 'Ssam밥' (rice wrapped in lettuce) served with a variety of side dishes, which is healthy and delicious. Additionally, Gyeongju's Hanjeongsik (Korean set meal) is also very characteristic, offering a rich local flavor through a set menu. If you want to try common street food, you can also look for stalls selling Tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes), Eomuk (fish cakes), and other street snacks. We recommend heading towards Daereungwon Tomb Complex or Cheomseongdae Observatory, as this area is home to many distinctive restaurants and cafes with diverse choices.