Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)
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Junghwajeon, the main throne hall
Know Before You Go
Entrance into the National Museum of Art requires a separate entrance fee.
Admission is included with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces.
Changing of the Guard Ceremony occurs at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30.
Prince Wolsan, older brother of King Seongjong, lived at this location, which consisted of residential buildings for descendants of the royal family. At the time, the residence was not known as a palace yet.
During the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1592, the residential buildings became a temporary royal residence after all the other palaces were destroyed by fires.
In 1608, King Gwanghaegun was crowned king here. In 1611, the temporary residence was renamed Gyeongungung, thus making it a true royal palace. In 1618, Changdeokgung became the main palace after being rebuilt.
Gyeongungung, renamed Seogung (West Palace), became an auxiliary residence for the next 270 years and played no important role.
A statue at Deoksugung
In 1897, Emperor Gojong established the Great Han Empire and moved here, which he renamed back to Gyeongungung and became the central palace of the empire. Gojong was determined to modernize the country as seen in some of the western style buildings.
In 1907, after his reign was over, Gojong continued to live here. His successor, Emperor Sunjong, renamed it Deoksugung (덕수궁) in honor of Gojong. The name was meant to wish Gojong a long and prosperous life. Gojong lived here until here until his death in 1919 at Hamnyeongjeon Hall.
Many of the structures here have since been removed or sold. In 1933, all buildings except for a few central and western style buildings were removed. It was then made a park and opened to the public.
Since 2007, restoration work to restore the palace to its original specifications has been ongoing.
What To See
Daehanmun Gate - The main gate
Deokhongjeon Hall - Where King Gojong met with officials
Geumcheongyo Bridge - The oldest surviving bridge in Seoul dating back to 1411
Gwangmyeongmun Gate - Southern gate with clock, bell, and cannon
Hamnyeongjeon Hall - Hall where the king slept
Jeonggwanheon Pavilion - Korean and Western influenced pavilion used for rest and entertainment
Jeukjodang Hall - Where Gwanghaegun and Injo were crowned as kings
Junghwajeon Hall And Junghwamun Gate - Main throne hall
Junmyeongdang Hall - Where King Gojong handled palace affairs
National Museum Of Art - Museum featuring modern art, oil paintings, and sculptures
Seogeodang Hall - Hall where King Seonjo lived and died
Seokjojeon Hall - Western style neoclassical buildingDirections And Getting There
Option 1
Take Subway Line 1 to City Hall Station (Exit 2).
Option 2
Take Subway Line 2 to City Hall Station (Exit 12).
Operating Hours
9:00 - 21:00
Ticket office closes 1 hour before closing time.
Guided Tours in English are at 10:30, 13:40 on Saturdays (odd numbered months), 13:40 on Sundays (even numbered months).
Closed on Mondays.
Admission Fees
Adult : 1,000 won
Child : 500 won
Admission is included with the Integrated Ticket Of Palaces.
Map
GPS Coordinates (Longitude and Latitude) : 37.56526, 126.97638.
