Archaeologists Uncover New Insights into Silla Prince’s Residence at Gyeongju Site
Choi Eung-chon, head of Korea Heritage Service, briefs local reporters on the new findings from its decade-long excavation project on Silla palace site known as Wolseong, located in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, on Feb. 6 at COEX, southern Seoul. [NEWS1]
For nearly a thousand years, Gyeongju in Korea’s Gyeongsang region served as the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom, which ruled from 57 B.C. to 935 A.D. During this time, the city—then called Seorabeol—was the political and cultural heart of the kingdom, with Wolseong Palace at its center. While only remnants of the palace remain today, archaeologists have spent decades excavating the site, uncovering new insights into Silla’s history.
One of the most debated topics among scholars has been the precise location of Donggung, the residence of the crown prince. Until recently, it was widely believed that Donggung was situated west of Wolji, an artificial pond formerly called Anapji. However, a groundbreaking discovery by the Korea Heritage Service has now revealed that Donggung was actually located on the eastern side of the pond.
A scene of the excavation site of Gyeongju's Wolseong, a palace complex of the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) [KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE]
A Decade-Long Excavation Reveals New Findings
During a press conference held at COEX in Seoul, Choi Eung-chon, head of the Korea Heritage Service, announced the findings from a decade-long excavation conducted by the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. Among the key discoveries was the foundation of a large building on Wolji’s eastern side, which is now identified as the true location of Donggung. Additionally, archaeologists unearthed an advanced flush-style toilet system, believed to have been constructed during the Unified Silla period (668-935 A.D.).
A small piece of pure gold that measures 3.6 by 1.17 centimeters (0.11 by 0.038 foot), which was discovered at an excavation site of the Donggung Palace. It used to be a royal site during the Unified Silla period (668-935) in North Gyeongsang. Two birds and flowers are intricately engraved on this piece. [KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE]
“This discovery resolves a long-standing debate and significantly reshapes our understanding of Silla’s royal history,” Choi stated.
Why Was Donggung Misidentified?
Historical texts, such as "Samguk Sagi" (The Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms), describe how Silla’s King Munmu (r. 661–681) unified the Three Kingdoms in 676 and established Donggung three years later. However, the records did not specify its exact location, leading scholars to hypothesize—incorrectly—that it was positioned west of Wolji. Full-scale excavations, which began in 2022, ultimately disproved this assumption.
“We are about 95% certain that this is the true location of Donggung,” said Kim Gyeong-yeol, a senior researcher at the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage.
This revelation has also prompted archaeologists to reconsider previous theories about the western side of Wolji. Instead of being the prince’s residence, it now appears that this area was an extension of the main royal palace, used by the king himself.
“When looking at the elevation and scale of the structures, it becomes clear that the western complex was the king’s domain, while the eastern side belonged to the crown prince,” Kim explained.
A Glimpse into the Life of the Silla Crown Prince
Over the past decade, excavations near Donggung have yielded remarkable artifacts that provide insight into the daily life of Silla’s crown prince. In 2017, archaeologists uncovered a perfectly cube-shaped ivory die, likely used for gaming or divination. Then, in 2022, an astonishing find emerged: a delicate gold foil piece measuring just 3.6 by 1.17 centimeters (1.4 by 0.46 inches).
A graphic image of what an ancient stone toilet with flushable sewage system would have looked like based on the archaeological discoveries near Donggung. [KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE]
This intricately engraved artifact features two birds and stylized flowers, known as danhwa. The level of detail is extraordinary—the birds were carved at a thickness of just 0.05 millimeters (0.002 inches), finer than a human hair. This discovery highlights the sophisticated metalworking skills of Silla artisans.
Advanced Engineering: The Royal Flush System
One of the most significant discoveries at the site is an ancient stone toilet with a flushable sewage system. This advanced plumbing setup used flowing water to carry waste away, showcasing the impressive engineering capabilities of Unified Silla.
“This is one of the earliest examples of a sophisticated sanitation system, further proving that this was a royal facility,” Kim noted.
Ritual Practices and Sacrificial Offerings
An ivory die discovered near Donggung [KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE]
Excavations at the southwestern section of the palace site also revealed the remains of two dog skeletons, buried in a symmetrical arrangement. Archaeologists believe these animals were likely sacrificed as part of a ritual, possibly linked to state ceremonies or protective offerings.
These discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of Silla’s royal court, highlighting both the sophistication and rituals of this ancient kingdom. As excavations progress, researchers hope to uncover even more secrets hidden beneath Gyeongju’s historic landscape.