Deoksugung Palace, in the heart of central Seoul, is the most accessible of the five royal palaces and the only one to combine traditional Korean palace architecture with Western neoclassical architecture. Here is the complete visitor guide.
Deoksugung (덕수궁) stands in central Seoul surrounded by the modern urban landscape of City Hall and the financial district. The palace served as the residence of Emperor Gojong during the turbulent period of Japanese pressure on Korean sovereignty. The Western-style Seokjojeon Hall was built in 1910 in a neoclassical European style, creating the unusual architectural blend that defines Deoksugung’s character.
Getting There
City Hall Station on Lines 1 and 2. Exit 2 leads to the palace entrance in about 3 minutes. The palace is within walking distance of the Myeongdong Shopping Guide area (about 15 minutes north). The City Hall area is connected to the Cheonggyecheon Stream starting point and Gwanghwamun Square.
Tickets
Entry: 1,000 won for adults, free for children under 24 months and seniors over 65, one of the most affordable palace admissions in Seoul. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm (extended hours make it possible to visit in the evening when other palaces are closed). Closed Mondays.
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Daehanmun Gate (main entrance) hosts a Changing of the Guard ceremony and is the most accessible among Seoul’s palaces. The ceremony takes place three times daily: 11 am, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Duration: about 20 minutes. Free to watch from the street outside the palace gate. The guards wear traditional Joseon military uniforms in red and blue.
The ceremony includes a procession from the guard house to the gate, the exchange of guard posts, and a ceremonial drill. The theatrical quality and central-city location make this the easiest palace guard ceremony to incorporate into any Seoul itinerary.
What to See Inside
Junghwajeon Hall: The main throne hall, slightly smaller than at Gyeongbokgung but well-preserved. The symbolic center of the palace.
Seokjojeon Hall: The Western neoclassical building that functions as the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. Entry to the museum is separate from the palace ticket (1,000 won). The building’s exterior is the main attraction, particularly the contrast with the traditional Korean buildings beside it.
Deokhongjeon Hall: The royal audience hall where Emperor Gojong conducted official business during the period of Japanese pressure.
Palace Stone Wall Walk: The path along the palace exterior stone wall (Deoksugung Doldam-gil) is one of the most romantic walks in Seoul, lined with trees that turn brilliant yellow in autumn. The walk from the main gate around the southern wall to the rear is about 900 metres and free.
Evening Visits
Deoksugung is one of the few palaces open until 9 pm, making it accessible for an evening visit after dinner in the Myeongdong or City Hall area. The palace is illuminated at night, and the atmosphere in the tree-lined grounds is significantly quieter than midday. The stone wall path at night is particularly pleasant. Consider combining a visit to Insadong with a walk in Myeongdong for an evening walk.
