Gyeongju Anapji (安邑池) is an artificial pond

Anapji (安邑池) is an artificial pond constructed during the Unified Silla period. It is officially known today as Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, as it was located near Donggung (東宮)—a royal palace area thought to have been used for royal banquets and entertaining important guests. The following is a comprehensive look at its creation, evolution, and architectural, historical, and religious significance.

1. The Name and Origins of Anapji

Changes in Naming

During the Silla period, it was originally called “Wolji (月池)”, meaning “a pond that reflects the moon,” as recorded in the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms).
After the Joseon period, oral tradition led to the name Anapji (雁鴨池), meaning “a pond where geese and ducks swim.”
Today, the historical name “Anapji” and the official name “Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond” are both used.

Construction Period and Purpose

Historical records state that King Munmu of Unified Silla had the pond built in the 14th year of his reign (674 CE) near Donggung (the residence of the crown prince). It likely served as a venue for royal gatherings, VIP entertainment, and other princely events.
According to the Samguk Sagi, the king commanded his officials to “collect the essence of the mountains and waters to make a beautiful pond,” thus creating it artificially.
Surrounding the pond were palaces, pavilions, and artificial islets, designed to harmonize natural beauty with man-made aesthetics.

2. Architectural and Landscape Features

Unique Shape of the Artificial Pond

Instead of a simple circular or square shape, Anapji was formed in an irregular, curving pattern reminiscent of natural topography.
The pond’s banks (hoan, 護岸) were constructed by layering stones, fitted closely together to ensure stability, as confirmed by archaeological excavations.

Layout of Pavilions and Islets

There were three artificial islets within the pond, likely connected to the banks by small bridges or wooden walkways.
Around the pond, stone pavement (posek, 舖石) created pathways, and pavilions or towers were erected so that royals and guests could enjoy banquets in a refined setting.

Nighttime Scenery

Historical evidence suggests that nighttime illumination was deliberately planned in the Silla period since records describe royal family members gathering near the pond to enjoy festivities under the moonlight.
Today, the site is lit up at night for tourism, making the reflections of the buildings on the water and the moonlight a famous attraction.

3. Historical Significance and Evolution Over Time

A Symbol of the Unified Silla Golden Age

In the late 7th century, Silla consolidated its control over the Korean Peninsula and undertook extensive construction of palaces, temples, and royal facilities to strengthen royal authority.
Anapji exemplifies the grandeur and cultural-political development of this era, serving as a prime example of royal garden landscaping (gungwon, 宮苑) during Unified Silla.

Decline Through the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties

After Unified Silla fell, and the Goryeo Dynasty rose, Gyeongju lost its status as the capital and became a provincial city.
Maintenance of Anapji waned, leading to the collapse and deterioration of some of its structures.
By the late Joseon period, the name “Anapji” had become more widely known and used.

Modern Excavation and Restoration

From the 1970s onward, large-scale excavations of Silla sites in the Gyeongju area began in earnest, including extensive work at Anapji.
The excavation yielded tens of thousands of artifacts, such as gilt-bronze Buddha statues, bronze bowls, roof tiles, and wooden objects, offering critical insights into the royal life and garden culture of the Silla period.
Based on archaeological findings and historical research, parts of the original buildings and pond have been restored and are now open to visitors.

4. Religious and Cultural Context

Influence of Buddhist Culture

During the Unified Silla era, Buddhism was the state religion and flourished, so the royal court frequently incorporated Buddhist ceremonies and symbols.
Excavations near Anapji uncovered numerous Buddhist relics (e.g., fragments of Buddha statues, reliquaries, and ritual tools), suggesting that royal Buddhist ceremonies or decorations may have taken place in the area.

Confucian and Daoist Thought

In the later Silla period, the kingdom’s interactions with Tang China intensified, adding Confucian and Daoist elements to court ceremonies and scholarship.
The man-made replication of nature and placement of artificial islets in Anapji has been interpreted as a reflection of Daoist ideals—mirroring mythical isles of immortals like Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou in Chinese legend.

A Symbol of Royal Authority and Aristocratic Culture

Since Anapji was a royal pond within the palace grounds, it symbolized the monarchy's power and showcased the cultural sophistication under state patronage.
It likely served as a venue for aristocratic feasts, welcoming foreign envoys, celebratory events, and various cultural gatherings, such as music, dance, and poetry recitals.

5. The Value and Significance of Anapji

Architectural and Artistic Value

The engineering techniques used for creating an artificial pond, the construction of the embankment, and the design of pavilions and bridges are crucial examples of palatial garden landscaping in the Unified Silla era.
Artifacts discovered at the site reveal the advanced artistry of Silla, including metalwork, woodworking, and pottery craftsmanship.

Historical and Archaeological Importance

Anapji is one of the key sites that illustrates the daily life of the Unified Silla royal court. Artifacts found there represent the politics, culture, and religion of the period.
Together with nearby sites—such as Cheomseongdae, the Daereungwon tombs, and the Hwangnyongsa Temple site—Anapji helps researchers explore both Silla’s global connections (with Tang China, Japan, etc.) and its unique indigenous culture.

A Resource for Tourism and Cultural Content

Now known officially as “Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond,” the site offers evening tours featuring enchanting reflections of pavilions on the water.
As part of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, it is close to major UNESCO World Heritage landmarks and attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists.

Conclusion

Gyeongju Anapji was a royal pond of the Unified Silla dynasty, reflecting refined landscaping, palace culture, a mix of Buddhist and Daoist influences, and late Silla’s global exchanges.
Though it fell into neglect for centuries, modern excavations have unearthed its significance, making it a prime tourist attraction in Gyeongju today.
Its distinctive architectural beauty and religious-cultural background offer valuable insight into the artistic and ideological aspects of the Unified Silla court and remain an essential window into Korea’s ancient history and cultural heritage.

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