A luxurious ancient palace within a metropolis, Deoksugung represents one of Seoul's five great Joseon dynasty palaces, and the only one combining traditional Korean architecture and Western-style buildings. A walled compound surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the palace features an impressive entrance gate and pointed-eave pavilion roofs. Cross the royal bridge and explore luxurious pavilions, whose intricately ornamented ceilings feature gilded carvings of dragons. If your timing is right, observe a colorfully costumed changing of the guard in the main courtyard. Architectural layers ranging from the 15th century to the 1900 Jeonggwanheon modernist building--the emperor's favorite coffee place-make this palace a perfect setting for the national art museum on site. Put Deoksugung on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Seoul online trip planner.
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Deoksugung reviews
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C ( 20.12.16 ) There was one of Choseon's palace in Seoul and located near City Hall Station. There had some Choseon's style palace and modern architecture. There was good to walk with old...
C ( 20.12.16 ) There was one of Choseon's palace in Seoul and located near City Hall Station. There had some Choseon's style palace and modern architecture. There was good to walk with old... more »
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Locating before City Hall, this place is easy to access comparing to other palaces of Seoul. With only 1,000 won, you can experience minor version of Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung. Good place to...
Locating before City Hall, this place is easy to access comparing to other palaces of Seoul. With only 1,000 won, you can experience minor version of Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung. Good place to... more »
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Historical place if you only have time for one palace. This is small enough to get through in an hour or so. You can get beautiful pics. Right outside there's a nice coffee and waffle stand that sells amazing watermelon juice
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Historical area in the middle of modern architecture. It was so amazing being there. For me sunset is the best time to visit Deoksugung. Be aware that the temple closes at 9 p.m.
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