Lotus flowers bloom at Gyeongju's Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

The lotus complex at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, is drawing visitors with a spectacular display of blooms as summer arrives in full force, the city announced Tuesday. Lotus flowers have burst into color amid a sea of green leaves spreading across the wide pond, creating a scenic panorama. The view from the pavilion overlooking the complex evokes the feel of a traditional painting, drawing steady foot traffic and making the site a popular photography destination. Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young called the lotus complex "a signature summer tourist attraction where the history and nature of Gyeongju, a city with a thousand-year legacy, come together," adding that the city would work to provide a comfortable tourism environment and expand visitor offerings so that residents and tourists alike can enjoy the lotus flowers and the charm of Gyeongju.