Deoksugung Palace, Seoul

Deoksugung Palace, Seoul

Deoksugung Palace is the smallest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. This residence became a royal palace after the other palaces burned in 1592. King Gwanghaegun and King Injo were crowned in Jeukjodang Hall in the 1600s.

Deoksugung Palace was heavily damaged during colonial rule. The palace is now only about one-third of its original size. Hamnyeongjeon Hall was the sleeping residence for King Gojong after he moved to the palace in 1897.

Deoksugung Palace has many interesting architectural features. It includes buildings made from stucco, stone, and wood with architectural style blend eastern and western designs. Visitors will also find a beautiful western-style garden and fountain.

The neoclassical Seokjojeon Hall was built in 1910. With its triangular roof and tall collonades, this building is a striking departure from traditional Korean architecture. The Daehan Empire History Museum is located inside Seokjojeon Hall.

Jeonggwanheon, built around 1910, combines eastern and western styles. Kings in the Joseon Dynasty had their portraits enshrined here.

Don't miss the colorful changing of the guard outside Daehanmun Gate.

Why You Should Visit:
This is the only palace in Seoul where you can take photos with the Royal Guards after the changing ceremony. Unlike other palaces, you can also enter the grounds at night to enjoy a moonlit stroll. Beyond the palace, you can explore the historic neighborhood and the famous Stonewall Walkway along the palace walls.

Tip:
Going inside the castle, you'll need to pay a fee, unless you're wearing a 'hanbik' – then it's free!
Make sure you check out the Jeongdong Observatory, located next door to the palace. From the observation deck (18th floor) you can capture panoramic views of the Deoksugung Palace grounds, CBD skyline, City Hall grounds and other landmarks – and its free! You'll get some amazing photos as a souvenir.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seoul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Deoksugung Palace on Map

Sight Name: Deoksugung Palace
Sight Location: Seoul, South Korea (See walking tours in Seoul)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Seoul, South Korea

Create Your Own Walk in Seoul

Create Your Own Walk in Seoul

Creating your own self-guided walk in Seoul is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Seoul Introduction Walking Tour

Seoul Introduction Walking Tour

The capital of South Korea, Seoul, is a bustling metropolis. Located along the banks of the Han River, the city boasts more than 2,000 years of history. Back in the ancient times, three kingdoms – Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla – fought over the possession of this strategic location. After the Joseon Dynasty came to power in 1392, Seoul was named their capital.

Most of the historic landmarks...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Insa-dong Walking Tour

Insa-dong Walking Tour

Once an old market area, today Insa-dong is a buzzing shopping and dining district where the past meets the present. It started off 500 years ago as a residential quarter for government officials. During the Japanese occupation in the 1940s, wealthy Koreans were forced to move out and sell their belongings, at which point the district became a center of antique trading.

After the Korean War of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Bukchon Hanok is a well-preserved Korean traditional village found near downtown Seoul. The place is famous for its numerous narrow alleys and old houses preserved in a 600-year-old urban setting.

A hanok, traditional Korean house, was designed and first built in the 14th century under the Joseon Dynasty. Ancient Korean architecture was heavily influenced by Chinese Feng Shui teaching which...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


17 Uniquely Korean Souvenirs to Buy in Seoul

17 Uniquely Korean Souvenirs to Buy in Seoul

Back in the mid 20th century, a certain gentleman once spoke of Korea saying, it won't be possible to grow a rose in a waste bin. Certainly, one would hardly subscribe to his point of view today in every respect, given the image of contemporary South Korea and its capital city of Seoul in...