Deoksugung, Royal palace in Jung-gu district, Seoul, South Korea
Deoksugung is a royal palace compound in Jung-gu district, Seoul, South Korea, that includes several buildings, walled courtyards, and a garden with ponds. The site combines wooden pavilions with curved roofs, paved pathways, and stone walls that enclose the sprawling grounds near City Hall.
The court established the grounds in the late 14th century, but it only became a royal residence from 1593 onward. The ruler Gojong retreated here after coming under pressure and remained until his death in 1919.
The guards march in precise formations and perform rituals from the 15th century that once protected the ruler and his family. Visitors can watch the sequence from the steps and hear the rhythmic drumming that accompanies the handover of responsibility.
The compound is easy to explore on foot, as the paths are level and the courtyards manageable in size. Guided tours offer explanations in several languages, and the entrance is just a short walk from the subway station.
A Western stone building rises among the traditional wooden pavilions and displays classical columns and rows of windows. The structure dates to the early years of the 20th century and now houses exhibitions featuring furniture and artwork from that period.
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