Deoksugung Palace Complete Guide 2025: Where East Meets West in Seoul's Royal Heritage
About Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace holds a unique position among Seoul's five grand palaces. It's the only palace where traditional Korean hanok architecture from the Joseon Dynasty harmoniously coexists with Western-style buildings from the Korean Empire era, making it a living stage showcasing Korea's turbulent transition into modernity.
Unlike other palaces, Deoksugung is situated not within fortress walls but in the heart of downtown Seoul, forming a special time-space within the city's 600-year history. The palace's history, dating back to the 15th century, goes beyond being merely a royal residence—it preserves the complete narrative of Joseon's fall, the Korean Empire's birth, and the traces of modernization.
The Flow of History
Beginning as the Residence of King Sejong's Eldest Brother
Deoksugung's history traces back to the 1460s. Originally, this site was the private residence of Grand Prince Imyeong (임영대군), the eldest son of King Sejong and brother of King Munjong. When King Sejong died in 1468 and 13-year-old King Sejong ascended to the throne, he moved out of the main palace to this residence, beginning its history as a royal palace. At that time, it was named Gyeongungung Palace (慶運宮).
King Seonjo and the Japanese Invasions
When the Japanese invasions broke out in 1592, King Seonjo had to abandon Hanyang and flee to Uiju. Upon returning from his refuge, Seonjo lacked the resources to rebuild the burnt Gyeongbokgung Palace, so he temporarily used Gyeongungung as his residence. From this point, Gyeongungung served as the main royal palace for about 300 years.
Notably, this is where King Gwanghaegun was enthroned, and where the Injo Restoration (1623) took place. Thus, Gyeongungung was the site of important political events in the late Joseon period.
Birth of the Korean Empire and Emperor Gojong
In 1897, Gojong, the last king of Joseon and first emperor of the Korean Empire, returned from his asylum at the Russian legation and renamed this place Deoksugung Palace, holding the proclamation ceremony for the Korean Empire. From this moment, Deoksugung became a symbol of the new era.
Gojong actively embraced Western culture to pursue modernization of the Korean Empire. This determination was reflected in Deoksugung's architecture, creating a unique landscape where traditional hanok and Western-style buildings coexist.
Seokjojeon and the Symbol of Westernization
Completed in 1900, Seokjojeon Hall (石造殿) symbolizes Deoksugung's Westernization. This Western-style building was very modern for its time and was used for diplomacy and receiving foreign dignitaries. The three-story building, featuring a central dome and wings extending on both sides, was a magnificent Western-style building rarely seen in East Asia at the time.
Through Seokjojeon's architecture, Gojong aimed to demonstrate domestically and internationally that the Korean Empire was an equal nation among Western powers. Today, this building is evaluated as an important historical site in Korean modern architectural history.
Architectural Features of Deoksugung Palace
Harmony of East and West
The most significant feature of Deoksugung Palace is the harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western architectural styles. Traditional Korean roof curves and colorful dancheong decorations stand alongside Western stone buildings, creating a feeling as if the flow of time has gathered in one place.
- Junghwajeon Hall (中和殿): Maintains the appearance of a traditional royal throne hall, being the oldest building in Deoksugung.
- Gyeonghyejeon Hall (景孝殿): Once housed the royal portraits of Emperor Gojong, showcasing the elegance of traditional hanok style.
- Seokjojeon Hall: A masterpiece of Western architecture, showcasing the technology and design sensibilities of its time.
- Hamnyeongjeon Hall (咸寧殿): A Western-style wooden building built during the Japanese colonial period, where Gojong and Emperor Sunjong resided.
Spatial Layout and Meaning
Unlike other palaces, Deoksugung has irregular building arrangements due to its smaller site. Despite these constraints, it achieved harmonious spatial composition.
At the center of the palace stands Junghwajeon Hall, with traditional hanok buildings like Jumyeongdang (浚明堂) and Seonhuigung (宣喜堂) behind it. To the west, Western-style buildings including Seokjojeon are arranged, creating a structure where Eastern and Western spaces naturally connect.
Jeongdong Street and Surrounding Environment
Deoksugung is located in the Jeongdong (貞洞) area. From the late 19th century, Western diplomats began residing here, forming Korea's first Westernized street.
Today, the area around Deoksugung still has historic diplomatic missions like the Russian Embassy and British Embassy, along with cultural facilities like Jeongdong Theater and Seoul Museum of Art, serving as an important cultural center in Seoul.
Major Viewing Points
1. Junghwajeon Hall (中和殿)
The main throne hall of Deoksugung and its most important building. Originally from Gyeonghuigung Palace, it was moved here in 1904, showcasing the essence of traditional Korean architecture. Like other royal throne halls, it maintains hierarchy with the Geumcheongyo Bridge (禁川橋) within its walls.
Features: A two-story pavilion-style building with beautiful colorful dancheong and overlapping roof brackets. Standing on the woldae (月臺) platform enhances the building's dignity.
2. Seokjojeon Hall (石造殿)
A Western-style building completed in 1900, now used as the Royal Palace Museum. It displays over 400 royal artifacts from the Korean Empire period, offering a glimpse into life at that time.
Viewing Points:
- 1st Floor: Artifacts related to the Korean Empire proclamation
- 2nd Floor: Palace life artifacts, clothing, accessories
- 3rd Floor: Special exhibition space
- Basement: Royal kitchen artifacts
3. Jeonggwanheon (靜觀軒)
A pavilion located west of Seokjojeon, where Emperor Gojong would rest. It features a unique style combining traditional Korean wooden pillars with Western-style windows.
Features: This building, perched on wooden pillars, creates a beautiful landscape surrounded by pine trees. The contrast with Seokjojeon is particularly impressive.
4. Deokhongjeon Hall (德弘殿) and Hamnyeongjeon Hall (咸寧殿)
The spaces where Emperor Gojong lived, mixing traditional and Western styles. Hamnyeongjeon, in particular, is a Western-style wooden two-story building, offering insights into the lifestyle of that period.
5. Deoksugung Palace Walls and Stone Wall Path
The walls surrounding Deoksugung are considered among Seoul's most beautiful stone wall paths. The stone wall path on the west side of the palace is particularly charming and popular as a photography spot.
Cherry Blossom Season: From mid-April, cherry blossoms along the stone wall create a fantastic landscape.
6. Korean Empire Proclamation 120th Anniversary Memorial Hall
Recently opened, this memorial hall illuminates the history and meaning of the Korean Empire from various perspectives. Through 3D videos and interactive exhibitions, you can experience history vividly.
Cultural Experiences
Deoksugung Palace Night Opening
Deoksugung is the only palace among Seoul's five grand palaces with regular night opening. It's open until 9 PM every day, allowing visitors to appreciate the beautiful palace scenery after sunset.
Lighting Time: After sunset ~ 21:00 Features: Seokjojeon and major buildings glow with beautiful lighting, creating a mysterious atmosphere different from daytime.
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
Held daily at 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is another attraction at Deoksugung. You can watch guards in Joseon-era military uniforms change posts in traditional ceremony.
Duration: About 20 minutes Location: Junghwajeon Hall front plaza
Traditional Cultural Experience Programs
Deoksugung offers various traditional cultural experience programs.
- Hanbok Experience: You can rent and wear hanbok inside the palace and take photos.
- Traditional Performances: Weekend performances of palace music and traditional dance.
- Cultural Guide Tour: With advance reservation, professional guides lead tours of the palace.
Visiting Guide
Hours and Admission
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday-Sunday: 09:00 ~ 21:00
- Closed: Every Monday, January 1st
Admission Fee:
- Adults: 1,000 KRW
- Youth (7-18 years): 500 KRW
- Seniors (65+ years) and children under 6: Free
Integrated Ticket: Visit Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Jongmyo within 3 months for 10,000 KRW
Getting There
Subway:
- Line 1 City Hall Station, Exit 2, 5-minute walk
- Line 2 City Hall Station, Exit 12, 5-minute walk
- Line 2 Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 5, 10-minute walk
Bus:
- Blue Buses: 103, 150, 160, 260, 270, 370, 472, N16, N62
- Green Buses: 7011, 7012, 7013, 7014, 7016, 7017, 7018, 7019, 7020, 7021, 7022
- Circular Buses: 02, 04, 05, 07
Parking Information
Deoksugung has no parking lot. Please use nearby paid parking lots, though public transportation is recommended.
Recommended Visiting Courses
Basic Course (About 1 hour): Main Gate → Junghwajeon → Jeonggwanheon → Seokjojeon → Deoksugung Stone Wall Path → Exit
In-depth Course (About 2 hours): Main Gate → Junghwajeon → Jumyeongdang → Seonhuigung → Seokjojeon (Royal Palace Museum) → Jeonggwanheon → Deoksugung Stone Wall Path → Korean Empire Memorial Hall → Exit
Night Course (About 1.5 hours): Visit during night opening hours, focusing on beautifully illuminated Seokjojeon and Junghwajeon.
Nearby Attractions
These are nearby attractions you can enjoy when visiting Deoksugung Palace.
1. Jeongdong Theater
Established in 1908, Korea's first Western-style theater, still presenting traditional performances today.
2. Seoul Museum of Art
Featuring various exhibitions of modern art, regularly presenting new exhibitions.
3. Russian Embassy
A historic building from 1890, symbolizing the Westernization of the Jeongdong area.
4. Seoul Fortress Wall
Near Deoksugung toward Baekbeom Square, connected to the fortress wall for a pleasant walk.
5. Seoul Plaza and City Hall
Seoul's central plaza, hosting various events by season.
Deoksugung in Four Seasons
Spring (March-May)
The season of cherry blossoms and royal azaleas in full bloom. Especially beautiful in April when cherry blossoms along Deoksugung Stone Wall Path reach their peak.
Summer (June-August)
Old trees provide shade for pleasant walks even in hot weather. Summer nights offer cool breezes during night opening hours.
Autumn (September-November)
The surrounding landscape becomes colorful with autumn leaves. Particularly beautiful from late October to early November.
Winter (December-February)
When snow occasionally falls, Deoksugung transforms into a fairytale landscape. Seokjojeon covered in snow is especially magical.
Photography Spots
- In front of Seokjojeon: Capture the contrast between Western architecture and traditional palace
- Deoksugung Stone Wall Path: Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season
- Junghwajeon Stairs: Great spot for capturing traditional architecture's grandeur
- Jeonggwanheon: Natural atmosphere harmonizing with pine trees
- Night Seokjojeon: Magical scenery with glowing lights
Lessons and Meaning
Deoksugung is more than a simple tourist attraction; it's an important place for contemplating Korea's modern history. Here we can:
- Harmony of Tradition and Modernity: See how Eastern and Western cultures collided and merged.
- National Sovereignty: Feel the Korean Empire's will for independence.
- Historical Pain: Witness the wounds of colonial period while seeing efforts to overcome them.
- Cultural Identity: Learn from our ancestors' wisdom in preserving Korean identity amid Westernization waves.
Closing Thoughts
Deoksugung may be the smallest among Seoul's five grand palaces, but its historical significance is by no means small. It contains Joseon's fall, the Korean Empire's birth, the dawn of modernization, and the nation's pain.
The landscape of Deoksugung, where traditional Korean roof curves coexist with Western straight lines, seems to show our ancestors' aspirations for opening a new era amidst turbulent history.
When visiting Deoksugung, I encourage you to go beyond simply looking at buildings and contemplate the history and historical context each building contains. Also, be sure to appreciate the beautiful night view of Deoksugung using the night opening hours.
Your time at Deoksugung will add deep historical meaning and emotion to your Seoul journey.
📍 Practical Information Summary
- Address: 21-1 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-771-9950
- Website: www.deoksugung.go.kr
- Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Closed Mondays)
- Admission: Adults 1,000 KRW
- Recommended Visit Time: After 4 PM (for night lighting viewing)
