Deoksugung Palace

Overview

Deoksugung is a compact royal palace in central Seoul uniquely blending traditional Korean and Western neoclassical architecture, famous for its evocative stone-wall road and changing of the guard ceremony.

Highlights

• Seokjojeon: A Western neoclassical building designed by a British architect in 1910, now housing a modern art museum.
• Stone Wall Road (Deoksugung Doldam-gil): A romantic tree-lined walkway along the palace walls.
• Guard Ceremony: A colorful changing of the guard three times daily.

History

Deoksugung served as the royal palace from 1897 to 1907 during the Korean Empire period. Emperor Gojong lived here while trying to modernize Korea against Japanese pressure, hence the mix of Western and Korean buildings.

Visitor Tips

• Night Opening: One of the few palaces offering nighttime admission with beautiful illumination.
• Guard Change: 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM (not Mondays).
• Duration: 1 hour.