Deoksugung

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  • Phone
    771 9951
  • Transport
    underground rail: Line 1 or 2 to City Hall, Exit 2

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Lonely Planet review

Originally an aristocratic villa, Deoksugung became a palace in 1593 when King Seojo moved in (after all of Seoul's other palaces were destroyed during the Japanese invasion). The palace contains small gardens and ponds amid an extraordinary mixture of architectural styles that include a grand wooden audience hall in traditional Korean style and a fusion-style tea pavilion, Heonggwanheon, which has pillars, a veranda and metal railings decorated with deer and bats - both auspicious creatures.

The stone mythical creatures in the main courtyard are haetae , who are supposed to protect the palace from fire but in 1904 they must have fallen asleep because most of the palace burnt down. Two large Romanesque buildings now house art galleries - Seokjojeon (built between 1900 and 1909) houses art and craft exhibitions (usually free admission), while the other houses the National Museum of Contemporary Art Annexe.

The changing of the guards ( , & Tue-Sun 15 Feb-31 Dec) is an impressive ceremony that involves 50 participants, who dress up as Joseon-era soldiers and bandsmen. It takes place either around the main entrance gate or over the road on Seoul Plaza.