Banwolseong (Gyeongju)

 fortification, historic landmark

Banwolseong (半月城, literally “Half Moon Fortress”), also commonly known as Wolseong Palace, is the site of the royal palace compound of the Korean Silla monarchy at their capital in Gyeongju during the Silla and Unified Silla periods (57 BCE-938 CE). The name comes from the approximate outline of the palace walls which were shaped like a crescent moon. Banwolseong has been also known as Sinwolseong or Jaeseong, which means where the king resides.

Banwolseong was built in 101 by King Pasa to protect the royal palace. Today the ruins of the palace can still be visited as part of the Gyeongju Historic Area and is designated as Historic Site #16.

Seokbinggo,a famous ice-house on the site, was used during the Joseon Dynasty. The storage facility is considered important for its architectural technique and the magnitude of the structure. Seokbinggo is Treasure #66.

The site is home to two-century old trees that get regular attention by tree specialist.