About Deoksugung (Palace)

The Asian king with a European sweet tooth; King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty loved to have European cakes and coffee in the cool shade of Deoksuguru Palace, which became his main palace from its earlier status of a subsidiary one. The architecture reflects western Neoclassical influences blended into Korean structures. One of the 'Five Grand Palaces' built by the monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty only to be heavily destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea, this palace is a treasure left behind by time. History leaves its mark here. The embellished throne and the folding screen, which reflects the emblems of royalty will be etched in South Korean history for years to come. As travelers, we can only stop by to admire.

Must See

  • The embellished throne in the main hall
  • The folding screen featuring the five mountains, the sun, and the moon, which are the emblems of the Joseon royalty
  • The Neoclassical complex of Seokjojeon
  • The large pear blossom, which is the emblem of Daehanjeguk 
  • The restored fountain in the palace grounds
  • Jeonggwanheon - a pavilion with European leitmotifs
  • Statue of King Sejong the Great
  • The forested gardens
  • National Museum of Art

How to reach

The distance from Seoul City Hall, the city center to the palace is 250 meters, which is a 6-minute walk. 

The nearest subway station is City Hall Station.

Line 2 City Hall Station: 5-minutes walk from Exit 12   
Line 2 City Hall Station: 5-minutes walk from Exit 2   

The fare will be 450 KRW for Child and 1350 KRW for Youth and Adult. If you have a T-Pass, you get 100 KRW adult ticket discounts and more for Youth tickets. 

Tips

  • Don't miss the Change of the Royal Guards.
  • Try playing ancient games and sports.
  • Visit the Museum of Art.
  • Hire a Guide for better understanding. 
  • Enjoy a live band performance of a Korean band.
  • Walk further into the Neoclassical complex of Seokjojeon. 
  • Click a photo by the fountain.
  • Visit Jeonggwanheon, the pavilion with western leitmotifs.

Visit Time

Sunday:         9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Monday:        9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday:       9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday:  9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thursday:      9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday:          9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday:      9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony Schedule: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays). Junghwajeon Hall is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes
  • Adults (ages 19 to 64): 1,000 won / Group: 800 won (over 20 people)
  • Teenagers (ages 7 to 18): 500 won / Group: 400 won (over 10 people)
  • Children (age 6 & below): Free
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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 Hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 24.62°C

 

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