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Deoksugung Palace was the residence of King Gojong in the late Joseon period. At the time, Western powers were fighting over Joseon. Nonetheless, the king proclaimed the Korean Empire and became Emperor to announce to the world that Joseon was an independent nation. However, King Gojong’s intentions failed because of Japan. Eventually, the king had to abdicate, detained at Deoksugung Palace until his death. The residence of the emperor became a space of surveillance, full of threats of poisoning after King Gojong abdicated his throne. Let’s travel back in time to see how King Gojong felt and spent his time at the palace!
Deoksugung Palace is located on a relatively small plot of land compared to other royal palaces such as Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, and Gyeongbokgung Palaces. Here you can find Joseon Era wooden architecture harmonizing with Western-style stone buildings, creating a different atmosphere compared to other palaces. Deoksugung Palace provides free guide services in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English. You can find information on the guide services at Deoksugung Palace Management Office, Royal Palace Guardians, and Palace Guide. Deoksugung Palace is home to unique architecture entangled with interesting stories. The guided tour will help you to enjoy the palace with explanations by the guide.
After the proclamation of the Korean Empire in 1897, the country officially accepted the Western administrative system. The food, clothing, and shelter cultures at the court changed completely. Deoksugung Palace also went under large-scale maintenance work. Jeonggwanheon Hall was the first Western-style building constructed inside the royal palace at that time. It was located in an inlet of the rear yard of Hamnyeongjeon Hall in the palace. The handrail is Western-style ironwork, but it harmonizes well with the traditional Korean designs such as the pine trees, deer, bats, and so on. Jeonggwanheon Hall was built as a place for King Gojong to enjoy food and tea and host guests. Perhaps this is why its interior resembles a small café.
Seokjojeon Hall is a representative building constructed by imitating a Western-style building. The hall is small compared to other famous western buildings. Nonetheless, this new building style had a profound impression on Koreans. At the time, Seokjojeon Hall was considered a significant building as it was a symbolic building displaying the authority of the emperor. The hall was established as the office of affairs and residence of King Gojong. After the Japanese colonial era, it has been used as an art gallery and museum. The building was designed by a British architect which is why the entire structure of the building and the front garden offer a sense of British style.
Junghwajeon Hall and Junghwamun Gate were the main buildings of Deoksugung Palace. It witnessed the king’s coronation ceremony, felicitation of servants, reception of foreign envoys, and national events. It is also the place where King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire and where the regency ceremony of King Sunjong was held. The hall was originally built as a two-story building. After being burnt down in 1904, however, the current one-story building was rebuilt in 1906. Located in the heart of Deoksugung Palace, Junghwajeon Hall serves as the main building of the palace. Its splendid and graceful dancheong (traditional multicolored paintwork on wooden buildings) and roof figurines on the hip represent the distinction of Joseon construction found only among royal palace buildings. Junghwajeon Hall and Junghwamun Gate of Deoksugung Palace have been designated as Treasure No. 819.
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