Anapji Pond, Gyeongju

Also called Wolji, the pond was made during the reign of King munmu of Siila kingdom. It was used as the secondary palace for the crown prince. Thus the palace was called Donggung. It also served as a banquet site for important national events and important visitors. After the fall of Silla, the site was abandoned and forgotten. The pond was referred to as "Anapji" during the Goryeo and Joseon period. In the 1980s, pottery fragment with 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.

Photo by Seyun Oh