Deoksugung Palace in Korea

Deoksugung Palace, originally named Gyeongungung Palace, served as the imperial palace of the Korean Empire when it was established in 1897. Initially, this site was not a royal palace but the private residence of Prince Wolsan, the elder brother of King Seongjong, the 9th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. It later became the residence of Prince Wolsan's descendants. In 1592, during the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea), most of the palaces in Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) were destroyed. Starting in 1593, this location was used as a temporary palace, known as "Jeongneung-dong Temporary Palace." In 1611, during the reign of King Gwanghaegun, the palace was renamed Gyeongungung Palace and served as the official royal palace until Changdeokgung Palace was rebuilt. Afterward, it was used as an auxiliary palace. In 1897, Emperor Gojong proclaimed the establishment of the Korean Empire, and Gyeongungung Palace became the imperial palace. The palace underwent expansions to match its status and scale, incorporating Western-style architecture alongside traditional Korean structures, creating a harmonious blend of styles. However, in 1904, a devastating fire destroyed many buildings. In 1907, under pressure from Japan, Emperor Gojong abdicated in favor of Emperor Sunjong, and the palace was renamed Deoksugung Palace. During the Japanese colonial period, the palace's size was significantly reduced, with most buildings dismantled and the site transformed into a park, losing its original grandeur. After Korea's liberation, Deoksugung's Seokjojeon Hall served as the venue for the first and second U.S.-Soviet Joint Commission meetings in 1946–47. The Korean government has since undertaken restoration efforts, gradually bringing Deoksugung Palace to its current appearance.