With a mix of classical architecture and western style, visiting Deoksugung Palace is one of the must-do things to do in Seoul. The Palace was the residence and Royal Palace of the last monarchs who reigned in the country. It was built as the private residence of Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), to later be the official residence of King Seojon (1552-1608) and Emperor Gojong, the last monarch to reign in South Korea.
In this post I tell you about what to visit in the Deoksugung Palace in Seoul, I add a bit of history and practical information.
VISIT DEOKSUGUNG PALACE, SEOUL
Daehanmun, the main gate
The Daehanmun is the main gate of the Palace, it is the entrance to the enclosure. It stands out for its height and for the beautiful doors it has to cross into the enclosure, from where you can appreciate the garden areas and a beautiful pond full of trees and flowers.
The Geumcheongyo
After crossing the main gate, the first thing you will find is the Geumcheongyo Bridge, a stone bridge that gives access to the central part of the complex and that crosses over the Geumcheon, the pond that we talked about in the previous point.
The hamnyeongjeon
This beautiful pavilion of traditional Korean architecture was the residence of King Gojong until his death.
The jeonggwanheon
The Jeonggwanheon is known for being the first Western building to be built within the palace complex. It was used as a rest pavilion and reception hall during the reign of Emperor Gojong. It was built by the Russian architect Sabatin in the year 1900 and inside there are a series of underground corridors that connected to the old Russian Embassy.
Junghwajeon, one of the most important buildings to visit in Deoksugung Palace
This building was built in the year 1902, to be used as the throne room. In addition, it was used as a ceremonies hall and a hall for receptions of international delegations.
The Seokjojen
This pavilion was built in 1910 and is the main western building of the complex. Its style is neoclassical, it seems taken from any European city. Seokjojeon was used as the emperor's private residence until his abdication. At his death, during the years of the Japanese occupation, Seokjojeon was used as an art gallery and at the end of World War II it was the headquarters of the USA-URRS conversions to resolve the situation in Korea.
In the year 1973, the eastern part of the building was opened as a hall of the National Museum of Contemporary Art of South Korea.
The changing of the royal guard at Deoksugung Palace
This totally took us by surprise. When leaving our visit to the Palace we found a lot of people grouped at the door and considering that the palace was empty inside, we were very surprised. When we approached we realized that a type of "show" with traditional costumes is starting, until we were informed that it was about the changing of the guard.
The Wanggung Sumunjang are the elite body that was in charge of the surveillance and security of the palace during the monarch's stay. In 1996, the ceremony was once again established for the enjoyment of visitors. The representation of this ceremony takes place outside the Daehanmun at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The ceremony is free.
INFORMATION TO VISIT DEOKSUGUNG PALACE
Deoksugung Palace Hours
Deoksugung Palace is open every day (except Monday) from 9am to 9pm.
Entrance fee to Deoksugung Palace
The price of the entrance to the entire Palace is 1000 wong.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
If you liked this article, subscribe to the blog so you don't miss out on upcoming destinations, curiosities, travel tips and inspiration for your trips.
A hug and see you soon!