Deoksugung Palace
About
Deoksugung Palace is unique among Korean palaces in having a modern seal engraving and a western style garden and fountain. Medieval and modern style architecture exists together in harmony in Deoksugung Palace. The Changing of the Royal Guard can be seen in front of Daehanmun (Gate) and is a very popular event for many visitors. During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guard was responsible for opening and closing the palace gate as well as patrolling around the gate area. Outside the palace is a picturesque road flanked by a stone wall which is much loved by visitors.
Originally, Deoksugung Palace was not a palace. The Imjin War (the Japanese invasions in 1592) left all the palaces in Korea severely damaged. When King Seonjo (the fourteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty) returned to Seoul from his evacuation, the primary palace Gyeongbokgung Palace had been burnt to the ground and other palaces were also heavily damaged. A temporary palace was chosen from among the houses of the royal family. This is the origin of Deoksugung Palace. King Gwanghaegun (the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty) named the palace Gyeongungung, formalizing it as a royal palace. Since then it has been used as an auxiliary palace by many Joseon kings. In 1897, Emperor Gojong (the twenty-sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty) stayed here and expanded it. The modern buildings such as Seokjojeon (Hall) were constructed during this period. In 1907, the palace was renamed Deoksugung.
The main gate of Deoksugung Palace, Daehanmun
▶ Daehanmun (Gate)Daehanmun (Gate) was originally called Daeanmun and was the eastern gate of the palace. The main gate was originally the south-facing Inwhamun (Gate). Due to the construction of new roads in front of Daeanmun, the east-side of the palace became the center of the city and Daeanmun took the role of main gate. The literal meaning of Daeanmun is “being greatly peaceful” but it was renamed Daehanmun after the maintenance work in 1906. The meaning of Daehan is “Seoul becomes prosperous”.
Junghwajeon, The throne hall of the palace
▶ Junghwajeon, The throne hall of DeoksugungJunghwajeon is the main hall of Gyeongungung (Palace). It was used for major state affairs including the coronation of new kings, meetings with officials and receiving foreign envoys. Two dragons are engraved on the stone panel in the middle of the stairs leading to the hall. This is a unique feature of the hall and none of the other palaces in Korea have this element. Junghwajeon is listed as a National Treasure of Korea together with Junghwamun (Gate).
The foundation area of Deoksugung Palace - Jeukjodang (Hall) area
▶ Deoksugung's only two-story building, SeogeodangThe Jeukjodang area consists of Junmyeongdang (Hall), Jeukjodang (Hall), Seogeodang (Hall). During the Imjin War (the Japanese invasions in 1592), King Seonjo stayed here temporarily. Junmyeongdang was used as royal living quarters and here the king managed state affairs and met his officials. Emperor Gojong (the twenty-sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty) used Jeukjodang as the main hall before he built Junghwajeon in 1902. Today Jeukjodang has a signboard written by Emperor Gojong himself. Seogeodang located next to Jeukjodang, is a wooden building and its architectural style reflects that of an ordinary building, and is absent from typical palace decoration.
Jeonggwanheon, the first café in Korea
▶ Jeonggwanheon (Hall)Jeonggwanheon is a recreational building built on the hill of the palace rear garden. It functioned in place of the pavilions traditionally found in Korean palaces. Built in 1900 by a Russian architect, the building beautifully combines western architecture and traditional Korean palace style. The pillars were made of wood rather than stone. The arches above the columns are decorated with traditional Korean patterns. Another interesting element is the veranda, which is not traditionally found in Korean buildings. Emperor Gojong enjoyed coffee here with foreign diplomats, so it is considered to be the first café in Korea.
The symbol of the modern country – Seokjojeon areaSeokjojeon was built by Emperor Gojong for use as royal quarters. The building work started in 1900 and took ten years to complete. It is a stone building influenced by Western neoclassical architecture. A distinctive feature of Seokjojeon is the veranda at the front and sides of the building. The fountain in front of the building was the first fountain to be built in Korea. It is believed that the erection of a western style building inside Deoksugung was part of the modernization policies in place during the Korean Empire period.
The changing of the royal guardThe changing of the royal guard and the patrol ritual can be seen in front of Daehanmun. During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guard was responsible for opening and closing the palace gate as well as patrolling around the gate area. The procedure of the ceremony and the costume of the guards were reproduced with the help of historical research. Today the event has become the pride of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and is one of the main tourist attractions. The changing of the royal guard takes around 20 minutes. After the ceremony, visitors can take pictures with the royal guards and have the chance to try on the guard's uniform, as well as to try on other traditional Korean dress.
The road from the main gate of Deoksugung Palace leading to Jeongdong-gil (Road) is prized for its picturesque beauty. The palace wall and the road together create a beautiful atmosphere. An old saying is that you will break up with your partner if you walk along this road together. This saying comes from the presence of a divorce court nearby.
The road from the main gate of Deoksugung Palace leading to Jeongdong-gil (Road) is prized for its picturesque beauty. The palace wall and the road together create a beautiful atmosphere. An old saying is that you will break up with your partner if you walk along this road together. This saying comes from the presence of a divorce court nearby.
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