Deoksugung Palace, Royal palace and art museum in Seoul, South Korea
Deoksugung is a former royal palace in Seoul that now functions as a museum and public park, welcoming visitors with stone walls, wooden structures, and modern exhibition halls. The grounds blend traditional Korean construction with Western architectural styles from different periods.
The site began as a royal villa in the 14th century before King Gojong converted it into an imperial residence in 1897, marking the establishment of the Korean Empire. This shift reflects Korea's historical transformation during a pivotal period.
The palace reflects Korea's journey between East and West through its mix of building styles and art collections on display. You can see this blend in the structures themselves, the gardens, and exhibitions throughout the grounds.
The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when crowds are lighter and the light is pleasant. The grounds are easily walkable and well-marked, so visitors can navigate on their own without difficulty.
An ancient ginkgo tree on the grounds is over 500 years old and often overlooked by visitors, yet it stands as a quiet witness to the site's long history. The Western-style garden is the only example of its kind among Korean royal residences, giving the place a distinctive character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Cheonggyecheon
398 m
Deoksugung
5 m
Hammering Man
487 m
Seoul City Hall
246 mHwangudan
451 m
Seoul Museum of Art
250 m
Seoul Finance Center
377 m
Spring
393 m
Seoul Metropolitan Library
246 m
Bumin-gwan
210 m
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
39 m
Ilmin Museum of Art
475 m
Gyeongungung Palace Yangijae
100 mSimpson Memorial Hall of Ewha Girls' High School
338 m
서울 구 신아일보 별관
250 m
대한성공회 서울주교좌성당 모자이크 제단화
100 mStone drums
412 m정동전망대
195 mChanging of the Royal Guards
187 mOld Russian Legation
377 mCecil Cinema);제일화재세실극장 (Jeilhwajaesesil Cinema
104 mJeongdong Theater
193 mCitistar Mall
286 m얼굴동상
340 mScenic viewpoint
220 m현암기념관
266 m유관순기념관
471 m덕수궁
62 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes