Over 400 years ago, King Seonjo returned to Hanyang (now Seoul) and used this place as a temporary palace after most of the palaces were destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea. It was then called Jeongneung-dong Haenggung. When King Gwanghaegun ascended the throne, it was renamed Gyeongungung Palace. At one point, it was also the place where Queen Dowager Inmok was confined.
More than a hundred years ago, Emperor Gojong proclaimed himself emperor here and named the country the Korean Empire. To showcase the dignity of the nation, he began constructing European-style buildings. Even after Emperor Sunjong ascended the throne, Emperor Gojong continued to live here. To wish his father longevity, the palace was renamed Deoksugung Palace.
Visiting at -2 degrees Celsius, the clear blue sky reflects the coexistence of Western and Korean-style palaces, much like Korea's modern history. Behind Hamnyeongjeon Hall is Jeonggwanheon Pavilion, the earliest Western-style building where Emperor Gojong would drink coffee and hold parties. Designed by a Russian architect, the pavilion features a unique blend of Korean and Western styles.
The last Western-style building, Seokjojeon Hall, is now the Korean Empire History Museum, which can only be visited by reservation. Built in the then-popular European neoclassical style, the three-story building is adorned with Ionic columns. According to the introduction, the interior is decorated in Rococo style. The second floor served as the emperor's residence and the place where he received foreign envoys.
At Daehanmun Gate, you can watch the guard-changing ceremony three times a day at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30, except on Mondays.
🚗: Accessible from Exit 2 of City Hall Station on Subway Line 1.
📍Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
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