Deoksugung Palace
덕수궁 · Seoul · Palaces & heritage
* Special closure on March 21, 2026 Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.
| Type | Palaces & heritage |
|---|---|
| Region | Seoul |
| Address | 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul |
Getting there
On nearby while you're here
Events run on fixed dates — check these against your own trip. Trip Planner shows everything on for the days you are in Korea.
- Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony at Deoksugung Palace
- Sep 9, 2026 – Oct 18, 2026Deoksugung Palace: Night at Seokjojeon Hall
- Sep 9, 2026 – Sep 10, 2026Gumi Local Food Festa in Seoul
- Oct 22, 2026 – Oct 28, 2026Changjak-ing: Kkokdugak, A Play of Time
Within walking distance
Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate
Deoksugung Stone Wall Path
Jungmyeongjeon Hall
Appenzeller Noble Memorial Museum
Ewha Centennial Hall
Ilmin Art Museum
Sungnyemun Gate
