description Deoksugung Palace Overview
Deoksugung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon dynasty, located in central Seoul, South Korea. Originally a residence for royal family members, it became a primary palace in 1897 when Emperor Gojong established the Korean Empire and took up residence there following his return from Russian legation protection. The palace compound is notable for containing both traditional Korean palace architecture and Western-style buildings, including Jeonggwanheon, designed in part by Russian architect Afanasy Seredin-Sabatin.
help Deoksugung Palace FAQ
Why was Deoksugung important to Emperor Gojong?
In 1897, Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire and made the palace, then called Gyeongungung, the imperial court. He returned there after staying at the Russian legation in Seoul. [Korean Cultural Heritage Administration](https://royal.cha.go.kr/ENG/contents/E104010000.do)
Was Deoksugung always a royal palace?
It originally served as the residence of Wolsan Daegun, a royal family member. After the Japanese invasion destroyed Seoul's main palaces, it became a temporary palace in 1593 and was formally named Gyeongungung in 1611. [Korean Cultural Heritage Administration](https://royal.cha.go.kr/ENG/contents/E104010000.do)
What is Seokjojeon Hall inside Deoksugung?
Seokjojeon is a Western-style stone hall built during the Korean Empire period, alongside the palace's traditional Korean buildings. Construction was completed in 1910, making it a visible symbol of Gojong's modernization program.
Why is Deoksugung's stone-wall road famous?
The road beside the palace is a popular walking route in central Seoul and highlights the site's mixture of royal, modern, and urban history. The palace was renamed Deoksugung in 1907 after Gojong was forced to leave the throne. [Seoul Metropolitan Government](https://english.seoul.go.kr/deoksugung-palace-2/)
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