attractions

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

About

Step back in time at Deoksugung Palace, a grand historic site that spans centuries of Korean royal life. Visitors can explore the architectural evolution of the palace, witnessing its transformation from a noble residence to a key royal retreat. This site is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in Korea's layered past. While beautiful year-round, visiting during the mild spring or autumn months offers the best strolling experience. *Note: Check official listings, as the palace has specific closure dates.*

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* Special closure on March 21, 2026 Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Information

Phone

Information not available

Website

royal.khs.go.kr

Hours

[General admission] 09:00-21:00 (Last admission 20:00)[Exhibition] Seokjojeon Hall 09:30-17:30 (Last docent 16:30)Dondeokjeon Hall 09:00-17:30 (Last admission 17:00)Jungmyeongjeon Hall 09:30-17:30 (Last admission 17:00)

Closed

Mondays (Closed the following business day in the case of Monday being a national holiday)

Parking

Not available

Fee

Information not available

Visitors also explore Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행), Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문) and Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대) near this location.