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.
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