Deoksugung Palace Ultimate Visiting Guide

So you’re looking for something different among the Joseon palaces in Seoul? Deoksugung will definitely have you covered. Not to mention the romantic stone wall street right outside of it!

Unlike Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, which only have traditional Korean buildings, Deoksugung palace has a mix of those and some grand western mansions with marble columns.

After visiting several times, I know the palace grounds like the back of my hand. And I’ve unintentionally memorized the museum tour hours, which I can now share with you.

From how to get there, when’s the best time of day to visit, and how ticketing works for multiple parts of the palace, this immersive travel guide’s got your back on this visit!

Disclaimer: It was raining pretty brutally on the day I re-visited the palace, so I apologize in advance for the rainy photos. The palace is usually quite serene!

What’s Special About Deoksugung Palace?

Located in the most central location of Seoul among the 5 palaces, Deoksugung also holds the highest significance as the only imperial palace in South Korea.

Here, King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty declared the establishment of Korea’s Daehan Empire in 1897, raising its status to an independent sovereign state equal to China, Japan, and the Western powers.

Thanks to his progressive ideals, we can see the wildest blends of traditional Joseon-style buildings and Western-style marble columns here in Deoksugung. This is something you won’t see anywhere else in Korea.

The History of Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung is actually much older than the Daehan Empire. It’s been around since the reign of King Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, back in the 15th century.

It passed through a few hands when the royal family moved around different palaces after the Japanese Invasion of 1592 (Imjin War), but became an auxiliary palace called the West Palace by 1618.

Becoming Daehan Empire’s Imperial Palace

Fast forward almost 300 years later in 1895, King Gojong left Gyeongbokgung and sought refuge at the Russian legation to avoid assassination after his wife was murdered by Japanese agents.

When he returned a year later, he moved into Seogung, seeing its significance as the place where his forefathers overcame the 1592 Japanese invasion.

There, he claimed the founding of the Daehan Empire, establishing Korea as a modern, independent sovereign state equal to China, Japan, and western powers.

Japanese Occupation and Palace Downsizing

Ironically, the name Deoksugung came after Emperor Gojong was forced to abdicate the throne in 1907. He continued residing in Deoksugung until he passed away in 1919. Then, hell rained down on the palace.

Originally 3 times its size today, the Japanese were quick to tear down most of the palace, turning it into a public park. The imperial palace building itself was converted into an art gallery.

After Korean liberation, Deoksugung hosted the US-Soviet Joint Commission from 1946-1947. Its restoration has continued after that, turning it into what we see today.

How to Get to Deoksugung Palace

You can get to Deoksugung Palace via Metro Line 1 or Line 2 at the “City Hall” station. Use exit 2 or 12. Alternatively, you can walk 20 minutes south from Gyeongbokgung.

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

There are a few different closing hours for different sections of the palace. Read carefully so you don’t show up after hours.

Hours

• Deoksugung Palace: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last admission 8:00 PM)
• Dondeokjeon Hall: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last admission 5:00 PM)
• Jungmyeongjeon Hall: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Last admission 5:00 PM)
• Closed on Mondays

Admission Fees

• Individual: 1,000 KRW (Free for those under 19 or over 65)
• Groups (10 or more people): 800 KRW per person
• Palace Pass: 6,000 KRW (4 palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, Changdeokgung Secret Garden excluded)

Main Highlights of Deoksugung Palace

In this section, I will briefly walk you through some of the buildings and their backgrounds. If you’d rather learn everything when you visit, you can skip to the tour options section.

The Imperial Entrance: Daehanmun Gate (대한문)

This is the first thing you’ll see when you visit.

The front gate carries the name of the Korean Empire, “Daehan.” However, this name was only assigned in 1906 during one of its restorations. Before, it was Daeanmun (대안문), which means “the gate of great comfort.”

The gate used to be 33 meters north of where it is today. When the street in front was being expanded in 1968, the city moved the gate south.

The King’s Quarters: Hamnyeongjeon Hall (함녕전)

The first thing that will feel unusual to you here in Deoksugung… You reach the king’s bedchambers before you reach the throne hall.

But this is only because the main gate was originally to the south, behind you if you’re facing Hamnyeongjeon, now demolished and leaving only a plain wall.

This hall was where the kings spent their private time. Emperor Gojong also preferred to sleep here despite having a Western-style bedroom in the imperial building as well. He resided here until his death in 1919.

Another unusual trait is that you won’t find a queen’s bedchambers here in Deoksugung Palace. This is because Emperor Gojong never remarried after the assassination of his wife.

The Unique Pavilion: Jeonggwanheon Hall (정관헌)

Built in 1900 as the emperor’s entertainment venue, this pavilion is the most unusual-looking structure in the palace.

Notice the mixing of the Korean roof and patterns with Western architectural styles.

The Traditional Throne Hall: Junghwajeon Hall (중화전)

This traditional Joseon-style throne hall was built in 1902 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of King Gojong’s coronation (1864).

It was originally built with a two-tiered roof, just like the throne hall in other palaces. But it was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1904.

Rebuilt in 1906 during a turbulent time for the country, they had to forego the second tier due to budget constraints.

If you wonder why you see a gate in front of the hall, but no walls surrounding it, there used to be. The walls were dismantled when the palace became a public park after 1919.

Inside the throne hall, you’ll see a throne painted in gold. The gold color is symbolic of the Daehan Empire, while red symbolizes the Joseon Dynasty, so you’ll see red thrones in other palaces.

The traditional painting of the sun, moon, and five mountain peaks, however, can be seen behind the throne. This is characteristic of the Joseon Dynasty throne.

Junmyeongdang Hall (준명당) & Jeukjodang Hall (즉조당)

Behind the throne hall, you’ll see two buildings connected by a bridge.

The building on the left is Junmyeongdang, which was the king’s office where Gojong administered state affairs. Jeukjodang to the right was where Prince Gwanghae was crowned.

The 2-Story Hanok: Seogeodang Hall (석어당)

This is the only 2-storied traditional building in the palace.

Seogeodang was where King Seonjo passed away when Deoksugung served as a temporary palace. It is also the only traditional building left unpainted, so it looks like an ordinary Hanok home.

Seokjojeon Hall: Daehan Empire History Museum (석조전)

The main imperial palace building, where the emperor received his guests, looks like it doesn’t belong there. It’s a Western-style building, also with Western-style interior decorations.

You can only enter this building with the palace’s tour guide. To join a tour, open the front door and put your name in with the receptionist. You’ll need to show your passport for this, so don’t forget to bring it.

The English-language tour runs twice a day, at 11:50 AM and 2:50 PM. Each lasts about an hour and takes you through every room in the building, with information on the Daehan Empire.

Diplomacy and Banquets: Dondeokjeon Hall (돈덕전)

A short walk behind Seokjojeon is another stunning Western-style building.

This was where the emperor would receive diplomatic envoys and host banquets. Today, it’s a museum with temporary exhibitions.

The Unfair Treaty Site: Jungmyeongjeon Hall (중명전)

This is the last important building of the palace, which, ironically, sits outside the palace walls. Hear me out. It used to be inside but became separated during the 1919 downsizing of the palace.

To see it, leave the main palace through the back gate in front of Dondeokjeon and turn left. Turn right at the traffic circle and continue until you pass a theater, and you’ll see its sign. It’s hidden in an alleyway.

There are a few small exhibitions inside, including a rather spectacular scene of the 1905 Japan-Korea Treaty signing. Entry is free. You only need to change into their slippers before entering.

Understanding the Japan-Korea Treaty

This hall was exactly where the Japan-Korea treaty was signed in 1905. The treaty contained extremely unfair terms that disconnected Korea from all its diplomatic relations.

Knowing what was to come, King Gojong avoided the meeting, thinking it couldn’t get approved without his presence. At the meeting, Korean ministers who opposed were thrown into solitary confinement, while the 5 ministers who signed were labeled traitors.

That treaty went into effect without the emperor’s signature or his official stamp.

Emperor Gojong’s Envoy to The Hague

“Why did Emperor Gojong just let the Japanese get away with that treaty?”

He didn’t. After the treaty was signed without his approval, he sent special emissaries to The Hague to inform them of the treaty, a violation of international law.

However, with Japanese intervention, the emissaries were not permitted entry into the convention hall. Japan then used the envoy mission as a pretext for forcing Gojong to abdicate the throne 2 years later.

Colonization is wild stuff.

Deoksugung Palace Tour Options

There are a few types of tours you can join inside Deoksugung. Let’s quickly break them down.

1. Free Palace Tour (Exteriors Only)

The palace provides free guided tours.

However, their hours are subject to change, so you’ll have to ask for the time when you buy your ticket. The tour takes you around the main buildings’ exterior and lasts about an hour.

2. Daehan Empire Museum Tour (Inside Seokjojeon Hall)

There is a separate tour for the Daehan Empire Museum inside Seokjojeon Hall, which I highly recommend joining. I provided the details above, so click HERE to go back if you missed it.

The tour lasts about 50-60 minutes and only shows you the inside of Seokjojeon.

3. Private Historical Tours with Deoksugung

Alternatively, you can join a private tour if you don’t have a lot of time and would like to group multiple places into one day while getting important information on the culture.

This one below is particularly well-designed to get you quickly acquainted with the historical bits that have shaped the country.

For a tour specializing in Japanese colonial period history, this one below is fantastic. It includes a visit to Deoksugung Palace as well, but is presented under the context of Japanese control.

The Best Time to Visit Deoksugung

Season: I recommend visiting either in Spring or Fall, depending on your preference. Both seasons have the perfect weather for a stroll in the palace, just bring a jacket. I personally love Fall.

Time of Day: I recommend visiting in the afternoon, when you’ll get out after dark. That way, you can enjoy the magical night vibes on the Stone Wall Street, too. You might even find buskers playing music there!

How to Incorporate Deoksugung into Your Plan

Below are some of the best things you can visit that are within walking distance of Deoksugung.

• Gyeonghuigung Palace and Seoul History Museum
• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Cheonggyecheon Stream

If you’ve got as many as seven days in the city, I’ve coincidentally made an immersive itinerary that includes a stop at Deoksugung on the third evening. Feel free to run with it if you like it!

Don’t forget to bookmark my South Korea Immersive Travel page, where you can access all my guides. Chances are, you’ll want to plan another trip within the first day there!

Other Helpful Travel Tips for South Korea

Most visa-free visitors to South Korea need a K-ETA in order to enter Korea. Check if you need one and apply about a week before you travel. This replaces the arrival form.

• Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
• Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
• Must-have Apps: Papago AI Translator, Naver Maps, Kakao Metro

Don’t forget to learn some important dos and don’ts in Korean culture, as well as some useful Korean phrases, before you arrive!

Grab My South Korea E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

Find a Place to Stay in Seoul

Looking for somewhere to stay? Use this map below! Feel free to refer to my guide on Seoul neighborhoods and figure out which area suits your needs best!

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