Deoksugung, previously called ‘Gyeongungung’, is the major royal palace of ‘Daehan Empire’ which was proclaimed in 1897
Deoksugung palace has served as a temporary palace since 1593(the 26th year of King Seonjo), naming it the temporary palace in Jeongneung-dong, just one year after the Japanese invasion in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo) when all palaces in the capital were destroyed. Later in 1611 (the 3rd year of King Gwanghae), it was named Gyeongungung Palace and became an official palace with a court. When Changdeokgung Palace was rebuilt, Gyeongungung Palace became a secondary palace.
As Emperor Gojong declared the Korean Empire in 1897 (the 1st year of Gwangmu Emperor) and assumed the throne as an emperor, Gyeongungung Palace served as the imperial court and palace of the Korean Empire. Later, its status was elevated to befit the dignity of an empire. Western-style buildings were built inside the palace, blending the traditional and Western styles. In 1904 (the 8th year of Gwangmu Emperor), however, many of its buildings were lost in a great fire. The palace was again renamed Deoksugung Palace after Emperor Gojong abdicated the throne due to pressure from the Japanese Empire in 1907. When Korea was under Japanese rule (1910–1945), the palace shrank in size significantly, resulting in the demolition of most of its buildings. Making things worse, Deoksugung Palace became a part of the Japanese Empire’s park development project, losing its dignity as a royal palace. From 1946 to 1947, Deoksugung Palace’s Seokjojeon Hall hosted the 1st and 2nd US–Soviet Joint Commission. The palace restoration project has continued since then, transforming it into the palace that we see today.
from Royal Palaces and Tombs Center
History
| Classification | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1593 (the 26th year of King Seonjo) | The private manor of Grand Prince Wolsan was used as a temporary court (Temporary Palace in Jeongneung-dong) |
| 1611 (the 3rd year of King Gwanghae) | Status elevated to Gyeongungung Palace |
| 1618 (the 10th year of King Gwanghae) | Queen Inmok, the queen consort of King Seonjo was imprisoned in the palace, and the status was degraded to Seogung Palace (meaning “west palace”) |
| 1623 (the 1st year of King Injo) | Returned most of the buildings of Gyeongungung Palace to their original owners |
| 1897 (the 2nd year of Geonyang) | Emperor Gojong returned to Gyeongungung Palace after his exile to the Russian legation |
| 1897 (the 1st year of Gwangmu Emperor) | Declared the Korean Empire; Gyeongungung Palace became the imperial palace |
| 1904 (the 8th year of Gwangmu Emperor) | Buildings were lost in a great fire |
| 1906 (the 10th year of Gwangmu Emperor) | Began the restoration project for major buildings |
| 1907 (the 1st year of Yunghui Emperor) | Renamed as Deoksugung Palace |
| 1910 | Completed the construction of Seokjojeon Hall |
| 2007 onward | Commenced the Deoksugung Palace restoration project |
Another reason for its popularity is its location: Deoksugung sits directly next to modern office towers and Seoul City Hall, making it a powerful symbol of old and new coexisting in the heart of the city.
Deoksugung offers a rare visual contrast within a single palace complex. Traditional wooden halls with tiled roofs stand alongside Seokjojeon, a neoclassical stone building influenced by Western architecture. This contrast reflects Korea’s struggle to preserve tradition while adapting to global change.
One of the highlights is the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, a scenic path running alongside the palace that is especially popular in spring and autumn. At night, the palace is softly illuminated, creating a calm and elegant atmosphere that feels very different from the busy streets just outside the gates.
Editor comment
“If a couple walks along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, they will break up.”
If you’re from Seoul, this is a story that most people have probably heard at least once. It’s a well-known local belief that couples or even married partners who walk together along the beautiful Deoksugung Stone Wall Road are destined to separate.
Interestingly, this superstition does have a historical background. In the past, the stone wall road led directly to the Seoul Family Court. Many couples on their way to file for divorce would walk along this path, and over time, the association gave rise to the story.
Today, it’s best understood as a playful urban legend—a piece of local folklore that adds a touch of intrigue to one of Seoul’s most picturesque walking routes.
Deoksugung is an excellent stop for first-time visitors to Seoul, offering history, architecture, and urban scenery in a single, easily accessible location.
Visiting Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday
- If Monday falls on a public holiday, the site will be closed on the following day
- Last Admission: 1 hour before closing
Inquiries: +82-2-771-9951
Admission Fees
- Adults (ages 25–64): KRW 1,000
- Seniors (65 and over): Free
- People with disabilities, national merit recipients: Free
- Youth (24 and under): Free
- Foreign visitors (ages 19–64): KRW 1,000
- Visitors wearing traditional Korean attire (Hanbok): Free
Admission policies may change depending on official regulations. Please check the latest information before your visit.
Size and Scale
- Approximate area: 61,000 square meters
Compared to larger palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung is relatively compact. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to explore a royal palace without spending several hours walking.
Inside Deoksugung Palace, you’ll find the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung.
If you’re visiting the palace, it’s well worth taking the time to stop by and explore it as well.
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