About
Deoksugung Palace stands in the middle of Seoul, at 99 Sejong-daero in Jung-gu, and is also known as Deoksu Palace. It is one of the city's historic royal palaces, and it is easy to reach on foot from the surrounding streets of the city centre.
What sets Deoksugung apart is its mix of styles. Traditional Korean halls sit alongside buildings in a Western manner, a reflection of the period when the palace served as the imperial palace during the Korean Empire. For many visitors, that contrast is the main reason to come, since it tells a different story from the more austere palaces elsewhere in the city.
What to look for
- The stone-wall road, a walk lined by a long stone wall that is one of the palace's best-known features.
- The changing of the guard ceremony, a performance that adds a lively element to a visit.
- The palace buildings, where Korean and Western architecture meet in one compound.
Planning your visit
Allow a relaxed hour or two to walk the grounds and take in the architecture. Check the palace's contact line, +82-2-771-9951, before you go, so you can confirm details of the guard ceremony and any other arrangements for the day.
Because the palace sits in the heart of the city, it pairs well with a wider walk around Jung-gu, where you can combine the visit with other sights and with the cafés and shops nearby.
