Deoksugung Palace: A Royal Oasis in the Middle of the City

Deoksugung Palace: A Royal Oasis in the Middle of the City

Imagine stepping out of a bustling subway station and suddenly finding yourself inside a quiet royal courtyard, surrounded by historic buildings, old trees, and the sound of guards marching in colorful uniforms. That’s the magic of Deoksugung Palace.

Located right across from Seoul City Hall, Deoksugung is the only palace in Seoul that blends traditional Korean architecture with Western-style buildings. It’s compact, peaceful, and full of charm—perfect for a quick royal escape without leaving the city center.

What Makes Deoksugung Special?

Unlike the larger palaces like Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, Deoksugung has a unique, cozy vibe. Originally a prince’s residence, it became a full-fledged palace during the late Joseon period and played an important role during Korea’s transition into the modern era.

One of its highlights is the Seokjojeon Hall, a neoclassical stone building built in the early 1900s. It looks more like a European mansion than a Korean palace—and that contrast makes Deoksugung so interesting to explore.

Top Things to See

  • Changing of the Guard Ceremony: Held in front of Daehanmun Gate, this colorful and rhythmic ceremony is a great photo opportunity and happens 3 times a day (except Mondays).
  • Seokjojeon Hall: The Western-style building with a mini-museum inside. You can take a guided tour (reservation required) to learn about Korea’s modernization period.
  • Junghwajeon Hall: The main throne hall, beautifully restored with intricate designs and surrounded by open space.
  • Deoksugung Stone Wall Road: A scenic walkway that wraps around the palace. It’s romantic, especially in fall—and made famous in Korean dramas.

How to Get There

Subway: Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station (Exit 2). The palace entrance is directly across the street—super convenient!

Opening Hours & Admission

  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last admission 1 hour before closing)
  • Closed: Mondays
  • Tickets: 1,000 KRW for adults (combo tickets with other palaces available)
  • Language: English brochures available. Guided tours in English are sometimes offered—check the schedule in advance.

Best Time to Visit

Evening visits are a must. Deoksugung is the only palace in Seoul that stays open at night, and the warm lighting adds a whole new atmosphere to the royal grounds. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage also make the palace especially photogenic.

Final Thoughts

Deoksugung Palace may not be the biggest, but it might be the most charming. It’s where history meets city life—where kings once walked and today’s office workers come to unwind on their lunch break.

If you're short on time but want a meaningful slice of Korean royal history, Deoksugung is the perfect stop. Don’t forget to stroll along the Stone Wall Road and catch the guard ceremony—it’s little moments like these that make Seoul unforgettable.

Popular posts from this blog

How to Use Seoul’s Public Bike ‘ddareungi’ – A Simple Guide for Foreigners

How to Use Seoul’s Public Bike ‘Ddareungi’ – A Simple Guide for Foreigners If you’re visiting Seoul and want to explore the city in a fun, cheap, and eco-friendly way, you’ll love ‘Ddareungi’ —Seoul’s public bike rental system. It’s green, it’s easy to use, and it’s everywhere. The best part? You don’t need to be a Korean citizen to ride. I’m here to break it down for you step by step, with tips to make your first ride smooth and stress-free. Whether you want to cycle along the Han River, through quiet parks, or just skip the subway for a day, here’s how to get rolling. What is Ddareungi? ‘Ddareungi’ (따릉이) is Seoul’s official public bike-sharing system. You’ll see green-and-white bikes parked all around the city—in parks, near subway stations, and at busy intersections. The bikes are sturdy, have adjustable seats, and even come with a small front basket. You can rent one for as little as 1,000 KRW (under $1) and return it at any station. The system is available 2...
Read more

Seongsu-dong: Seoul’s Coolest Neighborhood You Absolutely Have to Check Out

Image
Ever find yourself wondering where Seoul’s trendiest locals hang out when they’re not snapping selfies at palaces or sipping bubble tea in Myeongdong? Say hello to Seongsu-dong —the city's artsy underdog that's quickly becoming the place to see and be seen. Once a gritty, industrial zone crammed with shoe factories and dusty warehouses, Seongsu-dong has pulled a full 180. It’s now a colorful, creative playground buzzing with quirky cafes, indie boutiques, and enough Instagrammable corners to fill your camera roll twice over. Some folks even call it the Brooklyn of Seoul —and honestly, they’re not wrong. Let’s dive into what makes Seongsu-dong such a standout. Why Seongsu-dong Feels So Different What makes this neighborhood so special? It's the way it embraces its past without getting stuck in it. Old factories haven’t been bulldozed—they’ve been reimagined. You’ll find art galleries tucked inside former workshops and cafés blooming in spaces that once smelled like rubber an...
Read more

Which Han River Park Is Best? A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Riverside Spot in Seoul

Which Han River Park Is Best? A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Riverside Spot in Seoul There’s something magical about the Han River —how it runs through the heart of Seoul, catching golden hour light, dotted with picnickers and cyclists, couples, and kids. But with over a dozen different parks along the river, the big question is: which one should you go to? I’ve lived in Seoul for over 10 years, and I've visited pretty much every major riverside spot. So here’s a comparison of some of the most popular Hangang Parks , depending on what kind of experience you’re after. Stick around until the end for my personal favorite. 1. Yeouido Hangang Park – Best for Festivals & City Views Good for: Picnics, night views, cherry blossoms, watching fireworks. Yeouido is probably the most famous Han River spot, and for good reason. It’s wide, centrally located, and gets packed during cherry blossom season and summer festivals. The skyline view of the 63 Building and the Ma...
Read more