Gyeongju Poseokjeong Site

About this place

Poseokjeong on the western slope of Gyeongju's Namsan was once one of the detached palace gardens where the king could enjoy wine and poetry. Today only the stone channel for floating wine cups survives — the pavilion itself is gone. The channel was built during the reign of King Heongang (875–886), measuring about 35 cm wide, 26 cm deep on average, and 10 m total length. The tradition originated from Chinese 'winding-stream wine-cup' banquets (yusangoksu). The site was also used for Hwarang spiritual cultivation. Tragically, in 927 King Gyeongae of Silla was feasting here when Gyeon Hwon of Later Baekje attacked and the king died — marking a crucial moment in Silla's fall. A 1998 excavation 50 m south revealed evidence of major structures and ritual implements, suggesting Poseokjeong may have been a sacred ceremonial site rather than a mere pleasure garden.