Visiting Deoksugung Palace (City center, Seoul) costs only 1,000 won, making it an incredibly affordable yet rewarding experience. You can enjoy two hours of history, architecture, and nature for such a small price. So let’s begin the tour!

To the right of the palace stands Seokjojeon, a remarkable Western-style building within Deoksugung.

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This was once a resting area for King Gojong, where he would sip coffee and listen to music, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

 

Seoul’s Five Royal Palaces

[Changdeokgung], [Changgyeonggung], [Gyeongbokgung], [Gyeonghuigung]], [Deoksugung].

Each has its charm, but Deoksugung is known for its strong Western influence, making it a fascinating place to explore.

While Jongmyo Shrine, where ancestral rites were performed, is relatively simple in design, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces are famous for their natural beauty. Deoksugung, however, offers the most distinct Western ambiance, setting it apart from the rest.

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Unlike other royal palaces in Seoul, Deoksugung stands out with its unique fusion of Korean and Western architecture, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

 

Seokjojeon

- Seokjojeon is a building designed by Englishman Harding and completed in 1909. It was built to be used as the office of Emperor Gojong and as a reception room for foreign envoys, but after the Japanese colonial period and liberation, it was also used as a national museum and palace relic exhibition hall. Since 2014, it has been remodeled into the Korean Empire History Museum and is welcoming visitors.

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Since Seokjojeon requires an advance reservation, I wasn’t able to go inside this time. However, I’ll be sure to book a tour in advance for my next visit.

While entry is restricted, visitors can still take beautiful photographs from the upper level, capturing the elegance of this unique palace.

I pass by Deoksugung Palace every day, yet I have never stepped inside until now. Only recently have I come to truly appreciate its beauty and historical significance.

It’s amazing to think that such a breathtaking palace exists right in the middle of Seoul, a serene escape from the city's fast-paced energy.

Deoksugung Palace may not be as large as Gyeongbokgung or as famous as Changdeokgung, but its charming blend of history, architecture, and nature makes it a hidden gem worth visiting.

If you ever find yourself in downtown Seoul, take some time to step inside and experience the palace’s quiet beauty, you might just discover a new favorite spot in the city.

 

Address : 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-771-9951

Operation Hours : Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 - 21:00 (Monday closed)

Website : www.deoksugung.go.kr

Admission fee : 1,000 won

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/frangdas/223194337313

Writer : frangdas

Special thanks to frangdas

 

deoksugung palace seokjojeon seoul

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