Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park, South Korea. It was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla, constructed by order of King Munmu in 674 CE.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Official Website: https://gjfmc.or.kr/gjsiseol/facility/facilityTab1.do?menuNo=221&classId=TOUR&itemId=T0000006
Information: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=94404&menuSn=351
Main Positive Reviews:
The nighttime views are absolutely stunning. The reflections in the pond create a magical atmosphere.
A beautiful place with rich history. The lighting at night is spectacular.
Well-maintained and serene. A must-visit for history and nature lovers.
The pond and palace are beautifully lit up at night. Great for a peaceful evening walk.
Lovely historical site. The scenery is breathtaking, especially during sunset.
Very beautiful place to visit in the evening. The lights highlighting its architectural features and it is just stunning. Spend at least an hour to enjoy the whole ground.
Main Negative Reviews:
Can get crowded, especially on weekends. Best to visit early.
A bit underwhelming during the day. The night view is the main attraction.
Limited information in English. Could use more descriptive plaques.
Entrance fee is a bit high for what it offers during the day.
Not much to do apart from walking around. Could benefit from more interactive exhibits.
Someone said: I visited Wolji Pond during the day and found it quite underwhelming. Suggests a pond and palace, but it’s essentially just a few large pavilions with what appears to be palace models inside. The scenery isn’t particularly special, which may be why it’s more attractive at night with the lights. The pond requires a ticket, which I personally don’t think is worth it.
The activities here seem more suited for children. The zoo isn’t big, with few animals except for a lot of birds. Typically, the hall houses birds and animals (rabbits, turtles, donkeys, goats, a few monkeys, parrots).
The cost is about 20,000 KRW, with an entrance fee around 6,000 KRW (I can’t remember the exact price). The plant greenhouse isn’t particularly special.
Due to the large number of people, taking photos is difficult. The night view is still beautiful.
Overall Analysis
Cost: The entrance fee for Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond is around 800 - 3,000 KRW per person.
Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond scores highly on both Google and Tripadvisor, with an average rating of 4.5/5. Visitors frequently praise its nighttime beauty and historical ambiance. The main drawbacks are potential crowds, especially during peak times, and limited activities apart from sightseeing. Despite these minor issues, it remains a highly recommended destination for those interested in Korean history and scenic views.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Yes, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond is highly recommended for its historical significance, scenic beauty, and cultural value. Visitors often highlight the picturesque nighttime views and well-preserved structures as key attractions.
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