Deoksugung Palace Guide: Hours, Admission Fee, Changing Of The Guard and Insider Tips

Many people skip Deoksugung Palace from their itinerary because it's the smallest of Seoul's five grand palaces. But it's actually the only palace in Seoul that features Western-style buildings and gardens. The sight of a Greek temple-like stone building next to traditional Korean hanok roofs is something you won't find at Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung.

Its location right in front of City Hall is also a major advantage. You can easily visit it in just 30 minutes while exploring Gwanghwamun or Insadong, yet many tourists pass it by due to its small size. This guide covers the admission fee, operating hours, guard ceremony schedule, and must-see points.

Deoksugung Palace Basic Information

Item	Details
Address	Sejong-daero 99, Jung-gu, Seoul
Subway	Exit 2, City Hall Station (Line 1 & 2), 1-min walk
Operating Hours	09:00~21:00 (Last entry 20:00)
Closed	Every Monday
Admission Fee	Ages 19-64 ₩1,000 / Ages 7-18 ₩500 / Under 6 & 65+ Free
Key Tip	Admission is free if you wear a hanbok

How To Get There

As soon as you exit from City Hall Station Exit 2, you'll see Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung. It's arguably the most accessible palace in Seoul.

If you're taking the bus, most routes stopping at City Hall will drop you off right in front of Daehanmun. Driving is not recommended due to constant traffic congestion in the area, so the subway is much faster. If you're new to the Seoul subway, check out the Seoul Subway Guide first.

Deoksugung History

Deoksugung wasn't originally built as a palace. During the Japanese invasion of 1592, when major palaces like Gyeongbokgung were burned down, King Seonjo used the private residence of Prince Wolsan here as a temporary shelter.

Later, King Gwanghaegun designated it as an official palace and named it 'Gyeongungung.' It was renamed 'Deoksugung' in 1907 when King Gojong, after abdicating the throne to Emperor Sunjong, took residence here.

What makes Deoksugung special is that it embraced Western architecture after King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire. This is why Western-style stone buildings like Seokjojeon are nestled among traditional wooden structures.

What To See

Daehanmun

As the main gate of Deoksugung, it's the first thing you'll encounter. The sight of a traditional wooden structure standing amidst the bustling streets of downtown Seoul is reason enough to snap a photo.

Junghwajeon

This is the main hall of Deoksugung, where the king held major state events with his officials. Although smaller than the main halls of other palaces, the rank stones in the front yard allow you to feel the formality of the Joseon royal court.

Hamnyeongjeon

This was King Gojong's actual residence where he lived and passed away. The well-preserved ondol (underfloor heating) structure and living space make it clear that this was a lived-in space, not just a display.

Seokjojeon

This building sets Deoksugung apart from other palaces. Reminiscent of a Greek temple, this Western-style stone building now serves as the Korean Empire History Museum. The interior is only accessible through a paid special tour, so check the visiting hours on the website before you go.

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Though not as grand as Gyeongbokgung's, Deoksugung also has a guard-changing ceremony. It takes place twice daily, at 11:00 and 14:00, from Tuesday to Sunday in front of Daehanmun, lasting about 40 minutes to an hour. Note that there are no ceremonies on Mondays, and they may be canceled in extreme heat or cold.

TIP: Visit around noon to find Daehanmun less crowded, right after the 11:00 ceremony ends. It's a good time to take photos without the crowds.

How To Make The Most Of Your Visit

Deoksugung is small enough to explore leisurely in about an hour, or 1.5 hours if you take lots of photos. Entering right at 9 AM, when it opens, allows you to enjoy a more relaxed visit before the tour groups arrive.

The recommended route is Daehanmun → Junghwamun → Junghwajeon → Hamnyeongjeon → Seokjojeon. This flow naturally transitions from traditional to Western architecture as you move inward from the main gate.

TIP: The 'Jeongdong-gil Stone Wall Road' along the palace wall is one of Seoul's most famous walking paths. After your visit, take a stroll along the stone wall towards Jeongdong.

Nearby Attractions

It's a shame to only see Deoksugung and leave. Jeongdong-gil, lined with modern buildings like the Seoul Museum of Art and Jeongdong First Methodist Church, is just a short walk away, making for a richer itinerary with just 30 more minutes.

Myeongdong and Insadong are also within walking distance or a short subway ride, so consider combining them into your day. Walking along the Cheonggyecheon Stream completes a historical tour of Seoul's downtown.

Comparison With Other Palaces

Seoul is home to five grand palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. If you're deciding whether to visit just Deoksugung or include others, refer to the table below.

Palace	Features	Size	Recommended For
Deoksugung	Only palace with Western architecture, best accessibility	Smallest	Those with limited time for a quick city visit
Gyeongbokgung	Largest and grandest, spectacular guard ceremony	Largest	Those who want to see just one Seoul palace
Changdeokgung	Secret Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site	Medium	Those interested in gardens integrated with nature
Changgyeonggung	Connected to Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung by a rear garden	Medium	Those seeking a less crowded palace
Gyeonghuigung	Quietest and free entry	Smallest	Those who want a peaceful walk

If you only have one day, Gyeongbokgung alone is enough. But if you have half a day or more, I recommend also visiting Deoksugung. It's the only palace where Western and traditional architecture coexist.

Accommodation Recommendations

If you're staying near Deoksugung, I recommend the areas around City Hall Station or Gwanghwamun Station. Both are within walking distance or a couple of subway stops from major palaces, Insadong, and Myeongdong, making them ideal base camps for exploring central Seoul.

If you're looking for a place to stay near Myeongdong, compare locations and price ranges directly on the map below.

Booking through this map allows TripKorean to earn a small commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission fee for Deoksugung?

It's ₩1,000 for adults, and free if you wear a hanbok. It's also free for those under 6 and over 65.

When is Deoksugung closed?

It's closed every Monday. The guard-changing ceremony also doesn't take place on Mondays.

How long does it take to tour Deoksugung?

Even at a leisurely pace, 1 to 1.5 hours is enough due to its smaller size compared to other Seoul palaces.

What time is the guard-changing ceremony?

It takes place twice daily at 11:00 and 14:00 from Tuesday to Sunday in front of Daehanmun. It doesn't occur on Mondays or during extreme weather conditions.

Is Deoksugung worth visiting?

Though it's the smallest, it's the only palace in Seoul where you can see Western architecture (Seokjojeon). Its location right in front of City Hall makes it the most accessible for a quick city visit.

Can I take photos?

Yes, most outdoor exhibition spaces allow photography. However, photography may be restricted during special exhibitions inside Seokjojeon.

Is it really free if I wear a hanbok?

Yes. Admission is waived for hanbok wearers at all five grand palaces in Seoul, including Deoksugung.

What else is there to see nearby?

Jeongdong-gil Stone Wall Road, Seoul Museum of Art, and Jeongdong First Methodist Church are within walking distance. Gyeongbokgung and Insadong are also easily accessible.

Deoksugung is like the 'final puzzle piece' of a Seoul palace tour. It offers a unique view of the overlap between the end of the Joseon Dynasty and the start of modern times, unlike the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung or the gardens of Changdeokgung.