Imagine emperors sipping coffee. Right here stands Deoksugung Palace, one of Seoul’s five grand Joseon Dynasty palaces. Deoksugung is steeped in history. It offers a glimpse into Korea’s royal past.
Originally, this wasn’t even a palace. The residence belonged to Prince Wolsan. He was King Seongjong’s older brother. The late 1500s saw all other Seoul palaces burned during the Imjin War. Only Deoksugung remained. King Seonjo moved here. It became an official royal palace.
King Gwanghaegun was crowned here in 1608. He renamed it Gyeongungung in 1611. But in 1618, Changdeokgung was rebuilt. It became the main palace. Deoksugung became Seogung or West Palace. For 270 years, it played a minor role.
Emperor Gojong changed everything in 1897. After fleeing to the Russian legation, he returned. Gojong renamed it Gyeongungung again. It became the central palace of the empire. Gojong modernized the palace. Russian and British architects added Western-style buildings.
Notice the blend of styles. Deoksugung uniquely features both Korean and Western architecture. Jeonggwanheon Pavilion shows this blend. A Russian architect built it around 1900. It has Romanesque colonnades with Korean motifs. Dragons and vases decorate the wooden columns.
Emperor Gojong enjoyed coffee here. Imagine him entertaining foreign dignitaries. Korea was opening to the world. Even the roof is unique. It is made of green copper sheeting.
Walk through Daehanmun Gate. It is the main entrance to Deoksugung Palace. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony happens here. See it at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30. Just past the gate lies Geumcheongyo Bridge. Built in 1411, it’s Seoul’s oldest surviving bridge. Crossing it symbolizes purification.
Visit Junghwajeon Hall. This is the main throne hall. Joseon Kings held court here. The hall was rebuilt in 1906. It now has a single-level roof. Look inside. See the painting called Irwoloakdo. It symbolizes the wish for the emperor’s prosperity.
Don’t miss Seokjojeon Hall. Built in 1910, it’s a Western-style building. It served as Emperor Gojong’s residence. It later became an art museum. The architecture is 19th-century neoclassical. Ionic colonnades and a triangular roof stand out.
Emperor Gojong died in Hamnyeongjeon Hall. This palace has seen joy, coronations, fires, and even death.
In 1907, Gojong’s successor, Emperor Sunjong, renamed it Deoksugung. This name wished Gojong a long life. Deoksugung means “palace of virtuous longevity.”
Take a walk along the Deoksugung stonewall walkway. According to an urban myth in Seoul, all couples who walk down this road are fated to break-up.
Deoksugung offers a unique glimpse into Korean history. It showcases tradition and modernization. It is a place where emperors sipped coffee and Korea embraced the world. Enjoy the blend of East and West. Remember the stories within these walls.