Exploring Donggung and Wolji from Literary and Archaeological Perspectives

Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage 'Investigation and Research - Retrospect and Prospect' Academic Conference
7 Experts Present Topics... Exploring Future Directions for Investigation, Maintenance, and Utilization

A forum to examine ‘Gyeongju Donggung and Wolji (Historic Site No. 18)’ from literary and archaeological perspectives is being held for the first time. The National Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Research Institute and the Korean Ancient History Society will host the academic conference titled ‘The Palace and Garden Site of Unified Silla, Investigation and Research of Donggung and Wolji ? Retrospect and Prospect’ on the 16th and 17th at the Gyeongju Dream Center. Based on past investigation achievements and results, various views and research outcomes regarding the extent of Donggung and the nature of the pond site will be reviewed. Directions for future investigations, maintenance, and utilization will also be explored.

Seven experts will participate in the keynote presentations. Lee Sang-jun, former director of the National Buyeo Cultural Heritage Research Institute, will explain the current status and tasks of investigations and research. Kim Kyung-yeol, a researcher at the National Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Research Institute, will introduce excavation achievements and review the layout of building sites and spatial divisions. Yang Jeong-seok, professor of history at Suwon University, will present on the value and preservation of the site as a World Heritage. Lee Jae-hwan, assistant professor of history at Chung-Ang University, will compare and examine the Donggung of Silla and the palace systems of ancient East Asia. Lee Dong-joo, research professor at the Humanities Institute of Kyungpook National University, will discuss the structure and scope of the Silla Donggung. Lee Hyun-tae, curator at the Silla Royal Palace Core Site Restoration and Maintenance Project Promotion Team, will analyze the nature of the Silla Wolji Palace and the location of Donggung. Hashimoto Shigeru, professor at the Humanities Institute of Kyungpook National University, will present research trends on wooden tablets excavated from Anapji.

In the subsequent comprehensive discussion, debates will be held on the function, location, and extent of Donggung, as well as the relationship between Donggung and Woljigung. A research institute official stated, “We hope to clarify the archaeological and historical characteristics of Donggung and Wolji as the royal palace of Unified Silla and to establish an academic foundation to revitalize research on the Silla royal capital.” To prevent the spread of COVID-19, only those selected through prior application may attend the conference. It will also be broadcast live via the National Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Research Institute’s YouTube channel. For more details, please refer to the National Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Research Institute website.