Deoksugung Palace - (덕수궁)

Introduction
Located at the corner of Seoul's busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is also the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery. Deoksugung Palace originally belonged to Wolsandaegun (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469 - 1494) of the Joseon Dynasty. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575 - 1641) ascended the throne and gave the palace the name Gyeongungung in 1611. Afterwards, the name was then changed back to its original title of Deoksugung.

Upon entering Deoksugung Palace and Daehanmun, visitors will cross the wide bridge of Geumcheon. The king's carriage would pass over this bridge during ancient times. The Beopjeon Building Junghwajeon is very stately, revealing of its long history. The Jeukjodang Building received its name from Gwanghaegun and In-Jo both ascended to the throne here. The front sign on Jeukjodang was written personally by Go Jong in 1905 after he became king. Hamnyeongjeon was where Go Jong slept, and Hamnyeong was named so to wish Go Jong lasting peace. The East Wing served as the King's room, and the west wing was for the Queen. Jeonggwanheon was the first western style building built in the palace in 1900. Go Jong enjoyed drinking coffee and spending his free time here. The back of the building had secret passageways to the Russian Emissary, which still exist today.

Seokjojeon is the other western-style building that still remains in Deoksugung, and it was in the process of being built by a British man for his company when in 1905 the property rights were transferred to Japan. It was finally completed in 1910. After Gojong's death, Seokjojeon became a Japanese art gallery open to the public. After the Korean Declaration of Independence, the American-Russian joint commision was held here as well in May 1946. The east wing of Seokjogwan building now serves as a Palace Treasure Exhibition, and the west wing is used as part of National Modern Arts Center.

The Junghwajeon (Junghwa Hall) was the center of politics during the period of Daehanjeguk (the Great Korean Empire) and served as the backdrop to critical discussions on national affairs among the country's great leader. The elaborateness of the hall's interior is said to reflect the confidence of King Gojong (26th king of the Joseon Dynasty, reigning 1863-1907) in his ability to effectual lead the country into the 20th century. One of the most striking parts of the building is the pair of dragons that decorates the canopy above the throne of the king. These dragons can be also seen on the ceiling of Junghwajeon and were representative designs of the Deoksugung (Palace), the imperial palace at that time. Though the Junghwajeon was originally built in 1902 as a multi-roofed building, it was redesigned as a single roofed building in 1906 after it caught on fire in 1904.

The Junghwa hall is one of the historical centers of Deoksugung (Palace), which stands proudly alongside other notable buildings at the palace, such as: Seokeodang, Junmyeongdang, Jeukjodang, Jeonggwanheon, Deokhongjeon, Borugak, and Jagyeokru.

Activity

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard - Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)
Deoksugung Palace has held a guard-changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard -Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day (11:00/14:00/15:30) in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. As each ceremony follows the same procedure and lasts for thirty minutes, visitors can choose whichever time is most convenient. The ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.
As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.
 
Ceremony Schedule: 11:00, 14:00, 15:30 (Closed on Mondays)
Ceremony Course:
Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace - Seoul Plaza - Cheonggye Plaza - Gwangtonggyo Bridge - Bosingak Bell **Bosingak Bell Ringing Ceremony takes place at noon.

Operating Hours
09:00 - 21:00 (Ticketing 09:00 - 20:00)
Junghwajeon Hall is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00

Address
57, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울특별시 중구 남대문로1길 57 (태평로2가)

Directions
City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 2), Exit 2.

Type
Palaces
(Historic Site No. 124)
Closed every Monday

Homepage
www.deoksugung.go.kr
(Korean, English)

Video



Source: Visit Korea, Visit Korea