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.
Tours to Deoksugung
Deoksugung reviews
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This smaller palace and the grounds around are very beautiful and easier to cover than the larger Gyeongbokgung Palace. It has been carefully restored and it is very well taken care of. I visited on..... more
This smaller palace and the grounds around are very beautiful and easier to cover than the larger Gyeongbokgung Palace. It has been carefully restored and it is very well taken care of. I visited on..... more »
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I guess this is one of the less visited palaces of Seoul near City Hall. But nevertheless, it is beautiful. The walls are where most KDramas were shot.
I guess this is one of the less visited palaces of Seoul near City Hall. But nevertheless, it is beautiful. The walls are where most KDramas were shot. 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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