Seoul Palace Tour: Part 4 - Deoksugung Palace

Seoul is a captivating city where modernity and history coexist in harmony. Amidst the complex urban landscape, serene palaces seamlessly blend together to display a unique charm. Let's take a journey to the majestic past with “Deoksugung Palace,” which has witnessed the turbulent history of the Joseon Dynasty.

The palace of the Korean Empire, Deoksugung Palace was originally the private residence of royal family. During the Imjin War, King Seonjo returned to Hanyang and began using this place as a temporary shelter, eventually turning it into a palace. Deoksugung Palace took its proper palace appearance in 1897 when King Gojong, who had sought refuge at the Russian legation, moved his residence here and proclaimed the Korean Empire. Most of the buildings, including Junghwajeon Hall, Hamnyeongjeon Hall, Jeonggwanheon Pavilion, and Seokjojeon Hall, were built during this period. As it was the era of the Korean Empire, Western-style architecture was also incorporated. It is a place where traditional Hanok (traditional Korean houses) and modern architecture blend together, creating the most unique scenery among the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.

Daehanmun Gate → Junghwamun Gate → Junghwajeon Hall → National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art → Seokjojeon Hall → Junmyeongdang Hall and Jeukjodang Hall → Seogeodang Hall → Jeonggwanheon Pavilion → Hamnyeongjeon Hall → Gwangmyeongmun Gate · Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes

It is a traditional cultural event that reenacts the ceremonial changing of the royal guard from the past. It takes place at the main gate, called “Daehanmun Gate.” At the designated time, The procession of guards, dressed in traditional attire and armed with weapons, follows the beat of the ceremonial music played by Chwitadae. The event faithfully portrays the appearance of the past based on actual historical records from the Joseon Dynasty. After the ceremony, the guards patrol all the way to Sungnyemun Gate.

Reconstruction work on a wide, square-shaped traditional podium, “Woldae” of Daehanmun Gate is currently underway to restore its dignity as the main gate of the Korean Empire. During the construction period, the royal guard changing ceremony will be scaled down and held twice a day (11:00, 14:00) from Tuesday to Sunday.

· Operating hours: 11:00, 14:00 · Location: Daehanmun Gate

There is a must-see experience called "Palace Night Tour" where you can witness the palace's tranquil beauty shining under colorful lights. This popular attraction sells out quickly each season, so it's best to book your tickets as soon as they become available. The palace always welcomes visitors every night throughout the year, and you don't need a separate reservation to enjoy the nighttime beauty of Deoksugung Palace. So, visit the palace and enjoy the night at your convenience.

· Operating hours: 09:00 - 21:00 (last admission at 20:00) · Fee: 1,000 won

Seokjojeon Hall, a modern-style stone building within Deoksugung Palace. It is currently used as Korean Empire Historical Museum and visitors can enter the inside. Based on historical records, the living room, bedroom, dining room, and meeting room of the palace at that time have been faithfully restored. The basement is open for admission at any time, while reservations are required for the 1st and 2nd floors, so please take note of that.

· Guided tour sessions in English: 11:50, 14:50 (twice a day) · Application location: Seokjojeon Daehan Empire History Museum information desk · Foreign identification required for application (passport, alien registration card) · Maximum of 20 people per session, on a first-come, first-served basis at the site reservation.

Along with Seokjojeon Hall, there is a Western-style royal library. It was used as a residence for King Gojong after the great fire of Deoksugung Palace in 1904. It is also a place of sad history, as it is where the forced Eulsa Treaty was signed in 1905. Currently, it is being utilized as a museum with exhibition halls inside. Originally part of the Deoksugung Palace grounds, it became separated during the period of Japanese colonial rule when the palace was reduced in size. It is not far from the palace, so if you visit there, make sure to explore it together.

Every May, the largest traditional cultural festival in Korea takes place. It is an annual event that is celebrated at five grand palaces of Seoul including Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace, along with Jongmyo Shrine and Sajikdan Altar. It is especially popular among family travelers as it coincides with Family Month, which includes Children's Day. Various programs such as theater performances, concerts, and traditional ceremonies that are hard to see regularly are showcased to highlight these palaces.

Brief information

· Date: Every May (subject to change each year) · Location: The five major palaces in Seoul, as well as Jongmyo Shrine and Sajikdan Altar

✓ Closed every Monday ✓ Free admission for children under age 6 and senior citizens over age 65 ✓ Free admission on the last Wednesday of every month ✓ Free admission when wearing a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) ✓ Enter directly by tapping your transportation card at the entrance, without the need for a separate admission ticket.