Deoksugung Palace

Smart planning can make a visit to Deoksugung Palace smoother and more fulfilling. With its central location, reaching the palace is easy by subway, bus, or on foot from nearby attractions. Spring and autumn add extra color to the grounds, and the crowds thin noticeably during weekday mornings. Tickets are affordable and usually available at the gate, but special performances may draw more people. Paths are mainly flat, so families and seniors will find the grounds manageable. Evenings add a special charm, with buildings lit softly against the dusk.

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for color; weekdays or early morning to avoid crowds; evenings for night lighting.
• How to get there: City Hall subway station (lines 1 & 2), Exit 2—just steps from the main gate. Bus stops are also close.
• Accessibility: Most areas are stroller and wheelchair friendly. Benches and shaded spots offer plenty of rest.
• Average visit duration: 1–2 hours, though history buffs might linger longer, especially during exhibitions or performances.

Exploring the grounds reveals a palace that feels alive with both tradition and small surprises. The main hall, Junghwajeon, is a centerpiece for royal events and elaborate architecture. Around every corner, smaller pavilions, stone sculptures, and a western-style building called Seokjojeon hint at a fascinating mix of cultures. The changing of the guard ceremony delights both kids and adults, while the tree-lined walkway outside the palace gate remains a favorite place for photos. Meanwhile, smaller galleries and a peaceful pond invite quiet moments off the main paths.

• Key sights: Junghwajeon Hall, Seokjojeon Hall (western-style building), Jeonggwanheon Pavilion, ornate stone gates.
• Unique experiences: Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony (usually twice daily), nighttime illumination, small museum exhibits inside Seokjojeon.
• Photo-worthy locations: The wall along Deoksugung-gil for autumn leaves, reflections in the pond, palace gates against city buildings.
• Cultural facts: Deoksugung once housed more modern monarchs and features the only western-style stone mansion in all the Five Grand Palaces. It became a public park under Japanese rule and now blends history with Seoul’s everyday life.