Deoksugung Palace

  A combination of traditional and western building - The Deoksugung Palace , built in 15th century is one of the five grand palaces of Joseon dynasty period, located in Seoul, South Korea.

Deoksugung Palace

   Deoksugung palace is one of the beautiful palaces in Seoul with Korea's first western style buildings and garden. This palace is the smallest among all five grand palaces of joseon dynasty. It is famously known for its beautiful stone wall and is one of the most visited sites in Seoul because of its location on a busy street.

 The palace was residence of Grand Prince Walson (1454-1488), the elder brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494). During the time of japanese invasion when all other palaces were intentionally destroyed, Deoksugung served as the royal palace. King Seonjo was the first king of joseon dynasty to take shelter here. 

King Gwanghaegun who became king in this palace renamed it as 'Gyeongun-gung' () in 1611, after the official palace was moved to the Changdeokgung Palace which was rebuilt in 1618, Deoksugung served as a subsidiary palace was again renamed as 'Seogung'. When Emperor Gojong came in the palace he again renamed it as 'Gyeongun-gung'.

  In 1897, when Emperor Gojong started living in this palace he expanded the size of the palace to almost three times of today's palace. He built western style buildings and garden in palace. 

  In 1907, Emperor Gojong again renamed this palace as 'Deoksugung'. Deoksugung translates as 'Palace of virtue and longevity'.

Different Structures in Deoksugung Palace...

• Daehanmun Gate

Daehamun Gate

It is the main gate of palace. This gate was originally called 'Daeamun' but the name was changed to the current name in 1906 when it was rebuilt after japanese invasion.

• Junghwamun Gate

Junghwamun Gate

This is the main gate of Junghwajeon Hall.

• Junghwajeon Hall

Junghwajeon Hall

It is the main hall of Deoksugung palace. The king used this hall for official work and state affairs. This hall was originally a two story building but it was destroyed during Imjin war, it was rebuilt in 1906 but as a one story building. 

• Hamnyeongjeon Hall

This hall was used by Emperor Gojong as his sleeping area. Emperor Gojong used the east wing of the hall and the west wing was used by the empress. Each chamber was surrounded by many small rooms which was used by court ladies. 

  This hall has historical importance because a great fire was broke out here in 1904 and Emperor Gojong was also breathed his last in this palace.

  Both the incidents were strongly suspected to be done by Japan because at that time Japan was constantly trying to occupy the Han Empire and considered Emperor Gojong as a big barrier and poisoned to death.

 The sudden death of Emperor Gojong was a major factor of Independence movement which started in the same year 1919.

• Junmyeongdong Hall

This hall was used to greet honored guests and foreign delegates. 

 this hall was also once used as the kindergarten of Princess Deokhye, daughter of Emperor Gojong.

 She was born when Emperor Gojong was 60 years old. 

Junmyeongdang and Jeukjodong Hall

• Jeukjodong Hall

This hall is historically famous as two Joseon kings ascended throne here.

Emperor Gojong used this hall as his office. This hall is connected to Junmyeongdong Hall by a corridor. 

• Seogeodong

Seogeodang

This hall was used by Queen Inmok, During the japanese invasion in 16th century. Queen Inmok was wife of King Seonjo.

This is the only building in Deoksugung palace which is not painted and it also has two tiered roof.

• Deokhongjeon Hall

This hall was built by Emperor Gojong in 1911. He used this hall to receive foreign delegates here.

• Gwangmyeongmun Gate

This place was removed from its place during Imjin war. However it has been moved to its original place.

• Jeonggwanheon 

It was built in 1900 by Emperor Gojong. This is the first building of European architecture style ever built in royal palace. It was designed by a Russian architect Seredin Sabatin. Emperor Gojong used this place to rest it was also used as a party hall.

• Seokjojeon Hall

Seokjojeon Hall

This hall is a western style building built by Emperor Gojong. It was designed by a British architect G.R Harding. This building has three floors and every floor was used for different purpose. First floor was used as a waiting room for servants, second floor as a reception area and the third foor as the residence of Emperor Gojong. 

• Jungmyeongjeon Hall

Emperor Gojong used this building as his main office, after Deoksugung palace caught fire.

This is a three story western style building designed by Russian architect Sereddin Sabatin.

A Beautiful Garden.

Deoksugung is a unique palace because of its different architectural buildings. This palace also has a western style garden and fountain. This garden is particularly beautiful in autumn.

In the palace.

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. It was opened in 1988 In the Seokjojeon Hall. The hall is divided in two wings. Modern Art Centre in west wing and Palace treasure exhibition in east wing.

Around the palace.

Stone Wall Road ( Deoksugung Doldam Gil). This road is adjacent to the boundary wall of Deoksugung Palace. This is a beautiful palace with lots of trees. It is particularly famous in autumn. The tree trunks are beautifully decorated in this season. This location is also used in many k-dramas and movies.

Event 

Changing Ceremony of the Royal Guards. This traditional guard changing ceremony is 

performed here since 1996.  

this ceremony happens three times in a day at 11:00 AM, 02:00 PM and 3:30 PM ( except monday).

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