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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A lot of palaces were just reopened this summer so we used the opportunity to visit Deoksugung, a beautiful temple in the heart of Seoul. There are many palaces within the Seoul area, all beautifully.... more
A lot of palaces were just reopened this summer so we used the opportunity to visit Deoksugung, a beautiful temple in the heart of Seoul. There are many palaces within the Seoul area, all beautifully.... more »
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We only get to see what the exterior of buildings looked like, and a fraction of what the grounds and gardens looked like when the King/Emperor of Joseon ruled from here and proclaim this city as the.... more
We only get to see what the exterior of buildings looked like, and a fraction of what the grounds and gardens looked like when the King/Emperor of Joseon ruled from here and proclaim this city as the.... more »
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One of the most symbolic, historically meaningful palaces of the country. Superb access by public transportation and highly walk-friendly. You’ll feel a hyper-real serenity at this place which magically fades out the city’s bustle and takes you back to the time.
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Would have put a five if the MMCA museum was opened. But it was closed for renovations. Overall a nice place to walk around and sit to enjoy the good weather we are having in Seoul now.
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