Where in Korea have you been to?
<Deoksugung Palace>
Now, we are on our third royal palace, Deoksugung palace.
Originally, Deoksugung palace was not a royal palace.
It was built as a secondary palace, but after the Japanese invasion of Korea there was no where else for the royal family to stay at. That is how it became one of the five royal palaces.
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
Deoksugung palace is located at one of the busiest places in Seoul, near Seoul City Hall.
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
This is the Changing of the Guards Ceremony, which is held everyday in front of Deoksugung palace.
It is held at 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm.
During the ceremony, there are chances for you to experience it yourself, so if you get a chance to visit Deoksugung palace during the ceremony, ask for help to get an opportunity! :)
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
This is Jeonghwajeon Hall, which is the main hall of Deoksugung palace. State afairs, official meetings and foreign envoys were received here.
(Image from: Deoksugung)
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
Seokjojeon Hall is a western styled building, which shows that Emperor Gojong was willing to accept foreign culture.
Foreign envoys were accepted here since it was built, but after 1930, the building was used for various other reasons.
Therefore, it lost its original interior structure. Thankfully, the original look was reproduced and opened as a historical museum in 2014.
(Image from: Deoksugung)
(Image from: Deoksugung)
Seokjojeon Hall reception hall, 1918 and 2014.
(Image from: Deoksugung)
(Image from: Deoksugung)
Seokjojeon Hall dining hall of 1918 and 2014.
Isn't quite awesome to see a scene of the past and compare it to how it looks now?
Definitely, they have done a good job of reproducing the past, but personally, the photos of 1918 bring out a more unique, vintage look.
Like Gyeongbokgung palace, Deoksugung palace also celebrates Royal Culture Festival from April 30th ~ May 8th.
There are several different events such as concerts and exhibitions, so try to visit during this period!
For specific events of the festival, please refer to Deoksugung palace website.
The opening hours of Deoksugung palace are as follows.
09:00~21:00
Closed every Monday
(Tickets close at 20:00)
The entrance fees are as follows.
Adults 1,000
Children (7~18 yrs) 500
Deoksugung palace website: http://www.deoksugung.go.kr/
Deoksugung palace Tel: 02)751-0734
