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Trip Planner: Asia / South Korea / Seoul / Deoksugung

Deoksugung, Seoul

4.3

Architectural Building · Hidden Gem · Historic Site

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A luxurious ancient palace within a metropolis, Deoksugung represents one of Seoul's five great Joseon dynasty palaces, and the only one combining traditional Korean architecture and Western-style buildings. A walled compound surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the palace features an impressive entrance gate and pointed-eave pavilion roofs. Cross the royal bridge and explore luxurious pavilions, whose intricately ornamented ceilings feature gilded carvings of dragons. If your timing is right, observe a colorfully costumed changing of the guard in the main courtyard. Architectural layers ranging from the 15th century to the 1900 Jeonggwanheon modernist building--the emperor's favorite coffee place-make this palace a perfect setting for the national art museum on site. Put Deoksugung on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Seoul online trip planner.

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Deoksugung reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,078 reviews

Google

4.5

By Trekker2020

This smaller palace and the grounds around are very beautiful and easier to cover than the larger Gyeongbokgung Palace. It has been carefully restored and it is very well taken care of. I visited on..... more

This smaller palace and the grounds around are very beautiful and easier to cover than the larger Gyeongbokgung Palace. It has been carefully restored and it is very well taken care of. I visited on..... more »
By Ronald C

I guess this is one of the less visited palaces of Seoul near City Hall. But nevertheless, it is beautiful. The walls are where most KDramas were shot.

I guess this is one of the less visited palaces of Seoul near City Hall. But nevertheless, it is beautiful. The walls are where most KDramas were shot. more »
By GlobetrotterJ16

A lot of palaces were just reopened this summer so we used the opportunity to visit Deoksugung, a beautiful temple in the heart of Seoul. There are many palaces within the Seoul area, all beautifully.... more

A lot of palaces were just reopened this summer so we used the opportunity to visit Deoksugung, a beautiful temple in the heart of Seoul. There are many palaces within the Seoul area, all beautifully.... more »

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Google

By עדי אברג'יל

Deoksugung is a really nice place to visit in Seoul. You can feel the local culture there and learn a lot about Korean history. The palace is really big and there are a lot of buildings to see. You can also see the changing of the guards, which is really cool. The gardens are really beautiful and peaceful, with lots of trees and flowers. It's a good idea to bring a camera so you can take pictures of everything. Overall, I would definitely recommend visiting Deoksugung if you're interested in Korean history and culture. It's a really nice place to spend a few hours and learn something new.

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By Kyuwon Lee

One of the most symbolic, historically meaningful palaces of the country. Superb access by public transportation and highly walk-friendly. You’ll feel a hyper-real serenity at this place which magically fades out the city’s bustle and takes you back to the time.

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By Kiki Bhutia

For a very minimal fee, you get entrance into a beautiful walled courtyard of the royal family, from the Joseon Dynasty. Beautiful architectural structures that will amaze you. Excellent for a quiet evening. Place closes at 9pm

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By Floppy143

Would have put a five if the MMCA museum was opened. But it was closed for renovations. Overall a nice place to walk around and sit to enjoy the good weather we are having in Seoul now.

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By Angie Shin

I highly recommend this for those with toddlers. They may not be able to understand or appreciate the beauty of this place but it is a great place for them to run around and enjoy nature. It's only $1 per person and under 2 is free. We went in the fall and it was absolutely gorgeous and the weather happened to be beautiful.

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