Deoksugung was the residence of Emperor Gojong at the end of the Joseon dynasty and during the Korean Empire. That is why traditional wooden halls stand side by side with Western-style buildings such as Seokjojeon, a stone palace from the early 20th century.
Highlights
- Daehanmun Gate and Junghwajeon Hall — the guard changing ceremony takes place at the gate, and the throne hall lies inside.
- Seokjojeon — a neoclassical stone building from the Korean Empire period, now used as an exhibition hall.
The stone wall road
Deoksugung Doldam-gil, the road along the palace wall, is one of Seoul’s favorite walks — especially when the ginkgo trees turn gold in autumn. Continue along Jeongdong-gil to see old churches, schools and other early modern buildings.