Deoksugung
Deoksugung
4
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
This mid-15th-century palace houses the Royal Museum.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Jung-gu
How to get there
- Gwanghwamun • 9 min walk
- Euljiro 1-ga • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,547 within 3 miles
Attractions
829 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- NICHOLAS TDubai, United Arab Emirates10,916 contributionsBeautiful palace and groundsThis is a great place to downs some time in downtown Seoul. There are a number of impressive traditional buildings and lots of open space and blossom trees. There is also a small lake next to an art shop and cafe which offers great gifts, drinks and light bites and seating by the lake. The 1,000 won ticket price is more than reasonable.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 6, 2024
- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,618 contributionsHas other attractions inside the compound!I visited this attraction after my DMZ Tour Bus dropped me off across from it. Note that seniors can enter this attraction for free, just show your proof of age. There is a beautiful fountain at the center of the area. There are 3 buildings to visit here, my favorite one is the one that shows intricately embroidered panels. Took a lot of photos of the embroidered exhibits here. The other 2 buildings have their own exhibits. Feeling tired of walking, I simply took their pictures from outside.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 3, 2024
- danybambiBagolino, Italy7,805 contributionsTo see...First visit was this palace opposite Seoul Square and is a complex of buildings and palaces that were inhabited by the royal family until the Japanese occupation. At the entrance a large door with painted beams and guards in typical clothes. Admission costs 1000 KRW (€0.70). You can also see the changing of the guard that takes place at 11, 14 and 15.30 in front of the Daehanmun Gate. The palace is closed on Mondays. The buildings inside are well preserved and worth a visit.Visited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten October 25, 2024
- wang2383Longjing, Taichung71,718 contributionsThe Royal Palace Guard will be changing classesLocated on the busiest street in Seoul, Duchamp Palace is famous for its romantic stone walls. In the palaces of Seoul, only the Duchy Palace stands side by side with Western architecture, creating a different view. There is a stone temple that preserves Korea’s earliest western architecture, and an old-fashioned, spacious courtyard. In addition, the Grand Canyon is the entrance to the Duchy Palace. Military liturgy is frequently held in the square in front of the door and the royal palace guard will have a change of class. As a performance of traditional Korean court culture, the change ceremony provides a great opportunity for viewers to experience traditional culture. The ceremony is interpreted in Korean, English and Chinese. The order of the whole ceremony, clothing and vocabulary are strictly tested and very worth looking at.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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1,093 reviews
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424
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501
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Trekker2024
Madrid, Spain2,585 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
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 a Sunday afternoon and while there were many people, it did not feel crowded. If pressed for time, I highly suggest visiting this palace to get a taste of the magnificent architectural styles of the Korean Peninsula.
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuel W
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A worthy visit that cost only 1000 won. There are free guided English tours at 1045am (not sure about other timings). The tour ended around 1115 and we went to the Seokjojeon Hall for a tour at 1150 (max 20 pax so sign up early).
The tour guide name is Jung (Oct 7th) and he was very engaging and patient in explaining everything! Good job!
The tour guide name is Jung (Oct 7th) and he was very engaging and patient in explaining everything! Good job!
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
THOMAS CHANG
Sanchong, New Taipei343 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
One of the five major palaces in Seoul, in addition to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most impressive one is Deoksugung Palace located next to City Hall Station. This is the residence of King Gojong at the end of the Joseon Dynasty, recording the history of Korea's connection with the new Western culture in the old era.
Nowadays, Deoksugung Palace has become an attraction open to the public, and it is also an ancient palace that many overseas tourists must visit when traveling to Seoul. It is also close to Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. If you are interested in taking a historical tour, you may wish to go there later Come and visit Deoksugung Palace. Another major attraction in Deoksugung Palace is the changing of the guard (handover) ceremony. You can experience the reappearance of Korean tradition and history with your own eyes. As soon as you enter Deoksugung Palace, you can see the beautiful palace courtyard. If you choose a beautiful day to come, you can feel the quite warm atmosphere.
Also a reminder, if you want to visit the quiet Deoksugung Palace, you can go early in the morning on weekdays. You will definitely have a quiet atmosphere that is completely different from the bustling Gyeongbokgung Palace🤓
The most famous place in Deoksugung Palace is the Stone Wall Road, a walking path that surrounds the palace buildings. It is a beautiful scenery wherever you take pictures. It is also the filming location of many Korean dramas. As for the Korean dramas filmed at Deoksugung Palace, the most famous one is "Goblin". Have you ever been here before?
Nowadays, Deoksugung Palace has become an attraction open to the public, and it is also an ancient palace that many overseas tourists must visit when traveling to Seoul. It is also close to Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. If you are interested in taking a historical tour, you may wish to go there later Come and visit Deoksugung Palace. Another major attraction in Deoksugung Palace is the changing of the guard (handover) ceremony. You can experience the reappearance of Korean tradition and history with your own eyes. As soon as you enter Deoksugung Palace, you can see the beautiful palace courtyard. If you choose a beautiful day to come, you can feel the quite warm atmosphere.
Also a reminder, if you want to visit the quiet Deoksugung Palace, you can go early in the morning on weekdays. You will definitely have a quiet atmosphere that is completely different from the bustling Gyeongbokgung Palace🤓
The most famous place in Deoksugung Palace is the Stone Wall Road, a walking path that surrounds the palace buildings. It is a beautiful scenery wherever you take pictures. It is also the filming location of many Korean dramas. As for the Korean dramas filmed at Deoksugung Palace, the most famous one is "Goblin". Have you ever been here before?

Written December 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Culinary-Consultants
Ferrara, Italy3,738 contributions
Jan 2020
There is a common believe that most South Korean Temples look pretty much alike and that is an undeniable truth. Nonetheless there is a hidden differential beauty on each one of them. Here at this temple we could appreciate the differences.
This palace also has a lot of dynamic history as has been occupied not only by the Korean Royal family. In 1897, after the incident when Emperor Gojong took refuge in the Russian legation, he returned to this place and named it Gyeongungung again. During the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1592, the residential buildings became a temporary royal residence after all the other palaces were destroyed by fires.
Many of the structures here have since been removed or sold. In 1933, all buildings except for a few central and western style buildings were removed. It was then made a park and opened to the public.
At the end of the trail you may walk you'll find a turquoise Blue Fountain. European looking. On the left of this you will find a smaller part of the palace (detached unit) and on the right of the fountain you'll be right in front of the Deoksugung National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art.
Its important at the door to purchase the full package ticket so that you can appreciate both. Palace and Museum.
Since 2007, restoration work to restore Deoksugung Palace to its original specifications.
This work has been ongoing. We do recommend extensively this palace although we couldn't appreciate the full beauty as it has been a bitter winter this January, but in Spring must be definitely wonderful.
Don't miss it.
This palace also has a lot of dynamic history as has been occupied not only by the Korean Royal family. In 1897, after the incident when Emperor Gojong took refuge in the Russian legation, he returned to this place and named it Gyeongungung again. During the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1592, the residential buildings became a temporary royal residence after all the other palaces were destroyed by fires.
Many of the structures here have since been removed or sold. In 1933, all buildings except for a few central and western style buildings were removed. It was then made a park and opened to the public.
At the end of the trail you may walk you'll find a turquoise Blue Fountain. European looking. On the left of this you will find a smaller part of the palace (detached unit) and on the right of the fountain you'll be right in front of the Deoksugung National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art.
Its important at the door to purchase the full package ticket so that you can appreciate both. Palace and Museum.
Since 2007, restoration work to restore Deoksugung Palace to its original specifications.
This work has been ongoing. We do recommend extensively this palace although we couldn't appreciate the full beauty as it has been a bitter winter this January, but in Spring must be definitely wonderful.
Don't miss it.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kat
Seoul, South Korea2,165 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This is probably one of my most favorite Palace in Seoul, definitely in the top three. It seems like it lies in the center of Seoul the way it is positioned surrounded by modern architecture of Seoul, hotels, restaurants, the City Hall and other important buildings. It’s so easy to get to by train, bus or taxi and it is within walking distance to other attractions. The Palace house also a gallery and a shop. It’s great to stroll around these old buildings and imagine how life might have been way back in the Joseph Dynasty. Right outside of the Palace in the small street on the right of it lies a famous Belgian waffle shop which I’d recommend trying. It’s not Korean but it is claimed to be one of the top 5 dessert shops in Seoul.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTandP
Canberra, Australia141 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful place to visit! Especially in the spring with the cherry blossom, forsythia and azaleas in bloom. The buildings are beautiful and in the middle of the city there is a sense of space. It’s so easy to access as well - right at City Hall. Worth a visit.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JHL
Seoul, South Korea9,386 contributions
May 2020
Locating before City Hall, this place is easy to access comparing to other palaces of Seoul. With only 1,000 won, you can experience minor version of Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung. Good place to take a walk and have fun.
Stone fence around the palace is also popular to visitors. After watching palace, escape through the gate and circle around.
The best time to visit is from early to mid November with fall foliage.
Stone fence around the palace is also popular to visitors. After watching palace, escape through the gate and circle around.
The best time to visit is from early to mid November with fall foliage.
Written May 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma C
Godalming, UK3,043 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
I've been here a few times over the years and it never disappoints.
I love the fact that it has a changing of the guard ceremony (3 times a day I think) and other stuff going on too.
Once inside though it feels like a different world with a park like ambience plus a mixture of Korean and Western architecture which makes it unique for a Korean palace. I like to just sit and watch the world go by here.
I walked here, but it's close to City Hall metro station if you're using the underground.
I love the fact that it has a changing of the guard ceremony (3 times a day I think) and other stuff going on too.
Once inside though it feels like a different world with a park like ambience plus a mixture of Korean and Western architecture which makes it unique for a Korean palace. I like to just sit and watch the world go by here.
I walked here, but it's close to City Hall metro station if you're using the underground.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,489 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I saw all the other palaces in the day. From what I understand, this is the only one opened in the evening. Suggest if you can, to come then. June, 2022 open till 21:00, so we went at 19:00 as it started to get dark. Magical and mystical. Loved it. Not as big as the other ones. Easy to navigate yourself. Get an information leaflet plus there are boards with facts.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanisHan
Seoul, South Korea27,348 contributions
Dec 2020
C ( 20.12.16 )
There was one of Choseon's palace in Seoul and located near City Hall Station. There had some Choseon's style palace and modern architecture. There was good to walk with old atmosphere, and sometimes there had exhibition. Though there had cheap entrance fee, but it was worth to visit and walk. One of beautiful palace in Seoul.
There was one of Choseon's palace in Seoul and located near City Hall Station. There had some Choseon's style palace and modern architecture. There was good to walk with old atmosphere, and sometimes there had exhibition. Though there had cheap entrance fee, but it was worth to visit and walk. One of beautiful palace in Seoul.
Written December 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I haven’t seen the changing of the guard ceremony on my last visit, so I’m planning to see it tomorrow, are they also available to watch on Sundays?
Written January 19, 2019
Yes, it’s open on Sunday’s so you should be able to see the changing of the guard ceremony
Written January 19, 2019
徳寿宮の韓服の貸し出しは何時に行けばできますか?よろしくお願いいたします。
Written August 23, 2017
Katherine Y
Bremerton, Washington
We are planning a trip to the Philippines. We will have a 14 hour layover in seoul. What places are near the airport that are must see and how easy is it to get around? Should i book a tour for in between? I just nervous traveling with 3 kids.
Written November 14, 2016
I am assuming that you are in transit at Incheon Airport. It may be best to do a transit tour. Even though they are advertised as free, lunch and entrance fees to attractions are not included. Tours are between 1-5 hours and there are english speaking guides. There is sometimes a small contribution charged depending on the tour e.g US$10. This is a safe option without the hassle of trying to understand local transport, and on return to incheon airport there is lots to do including a cinema which offers children's movies in english.
The tour desks may be found at the Incheon Airport; 2F: in front of gates 25 and 29 - 1F: desks 41 and 42 ‘Hana Tour’ in front of gate 8
Written November 14, 2016
Yes & if you get there early & go through the gates & onto the palace grounds, you'll see the guards marching in their colorful costumes through the grounds & through the gate, which is a nice sight in & of itself.
Written September 27, 2015
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