Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

1.2Km    2024-10-31

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

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.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

1.2Km    2024-10-30

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon Dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year. 

PAULIN - Myeongdon Branch (폴인 명동)

PAULIN - Myeongdon Branch (폴인 명동)

1.2Km    2021-03-19

127, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-888-8957

Souffle pancake is a popular dessert in Korea. The representative menu is souffle pancakes. This is a cafe located in Myeong-dong, Seoul.

Olive Young - Myeong-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동역)

Olive Young - Myeong-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동역)

1.2Km    2024-04-22

127, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Songwon Bokjib (송원복집)

Songwon Bokjib (송원복집)

1.2Km    2021-10-22

39, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-3979

This restaurant serves traditional Japanese-style pufferfish specialties. With almost half-century of experience in pufferfish cuisine, the owner of Songwon was trained in Teppan, Japan and remains a special member of the Japanese Pufferfish Federation. The restaurant also offers eel, sukiyaki, and sushi dishes, all made in the traditional Japanese style.

EW Spao - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (EW 스파오 명동)

EW Spao - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (EW 스파오 명동)

1.2Km    2024-04-17

15, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

1.2Km    2020-03-12

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4683

This traditional tea ceremony experience takes place at Jagyeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace every Saturday and Sunday. Participation is by reservation on a first come, first serve basis.

The ceremony includes a tea culture demonstration and experience, making honey cakes, traditional etiquette introduction, and lectures related to tea culture. To participate in the tea ceremony, download the application form from the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website and submit the form through email.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

1.2Km    2024-03-11

24, Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path runs along the wall of Deoksugung Palace. It is beautifully lit and landscaped, giving it a romantic atmosphere even at night. There are street performances and flea markets, and the area boasts many famous cafes and restaurants along Jeongdong street. In autumn, the ginkgo trees and walls form a stunning scene. Close to major cultural facilities such as the Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul Museum of History, it attracts numerous visitors come for a stroll.

Spao - Myeongdong Branch (스파오 - 명동점)

Spao - Myeongdong Branch (스파오 - 명동점)

1.2Km    2020-05-07

15, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-319-3850

Spao is a global clothing brand shop offering various items from casual wear to men's suits, women's suits, children's clothing, underwear, sportswear, and accessories. Spao works on star marketing in collaboration with SM Entertainment and offers product lines co-produced with top-notch designer, Chang Kwang-hyo.

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

1.2Km    2024-10-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-1645

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.