Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

8.2Km    2024-10-31

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

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.

Omokjip Cityhall(오목집 시청)

Omokjip Cityhall(오목집 시청)

8.2Km    2020-10-30

38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-6882

A pig's trotter(s) specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs'' feet. Jokbal (pig's trotter) is a representative food loved by Koreans.

Gyodae Icheungjip Sicheong (교대이층집 시청)

Gyodae Icheungjip Sicheong (교대이층집 시청)

8.2Km    2020-10-30

2F, 38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-6882

A barbecue specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. A store famous for flower-shaped pork belly. The most famous menu is grilled pork belly.

Jangeo Nara (장어나라 본관)

Jangeo Nara (장어나라 본관)

8.2Km    2024-02-16

6, Kkachi-ro 6beon-gil, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Jangeo Nara specializes in nutritious Jangeogui (Grilled eel) dishes, featuring fresh, plump eels grilled over charcoal right at the table. These flavorful dishes are accompanied by a variety of side options such as Muchojeorim (Pickled radish), Kimchi, Ssamchaeso (Vegetables for wraps), Buchumuchim (Chive salad), and garlic, all of which are readily refillable at the self-service counter. Additionally, the restaurant offers Jangeotang (Eel Soup) and the refreshing Kimchimariguksu (Kimchi noodles). The reasonable prices make Jangeo Nara a popular choice among visitors seeking quality eel dishes.

AL MATTO (알마또)

AL MATTO (알마또)

8.2Km    2021-03-30

41-1, Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-794-4616

It is a place that sells Italian-style oven pizzas. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is wood-fired pizza.

Hwanghakjeong Pavilion (황학정)

Hwanghakjeong Pavilion (황학정)

8.2Km    2020-04-02

15-32, Sajik-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-5785

Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was built in 1898 by decree of King Gojong’s. It was originally set up close to the northern wall of Hoesangjeon in Gyeonghuigung Palace for archery practice. In 1922 when the Japanese colonial government sold buildings of Gyeonghuigung Palace to the public to build Gyeongseong Middle School in the location, the Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was bought and restored at the current location, which is an old site of Deunggwajeong Pavilion located to the North of Sajik Park.

It is relatively large for a pavilion, but the structure is plain and simple. There is a well behind the pavilion to the southwest. A rock behind the well has an engraved poem about eight beautiful scenes of Hwanghakjeong. Located to the right of the pavilion building (northeast of the building) is Hancheongak Pavilion, which has unique roof. To the west of the pavilion is Sauhoegwan Hall that was built with reinforced concrete.

Olive Young - City Hall Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 시청역)

Olive Young - City Hall Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 시청역)

8.2Km    2024-04-22

1, Sejong-daero 16-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Gwanak Kang Gam-chan Festival (관악강감찬축제)

Gwanak Kang Gam-chan Festival (관악강감찬축제)

8.2Km    2025-01-08

77 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
+82-2-828-5765

The Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is a historical and cultural event held to honor the patriotic spirit of General Gang Gam-chan, a famous general from the Goryeo Dynasty. The festival is known for its impressive night events, fitting for the location named after a falling star, and features a variety of parades and performances. 

◎ Gang Gam-chan and Nakseongdae 
General Gang Gam-chan of Goryeo is said to have been born at the place where the fourth star of the Big Dipper fell. This place is called Nakseongdae, which means “the place where the star fell.” 

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

8.2Km    2024-11-28

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Daewoo Motel [Korea Quality]대우모텔[한국관광 품질인증]

Daewoo Motel [Korea Quality]대우모텔[한국관광 품질인증]

8.2Km    2023-05-23

22-2, Sejong-daero 14-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-8067

Located in Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, the Daewoo Motel is 10 minutes’ walk from city sights such as Seoul Plaza, Deoksugung Palace and the Myeongdong shopping district. There are also many restaurants within a few minutes’ walk. The motel was remodelled and renovated in 2013, and rooms are equipped with all the usual amenities. A free breakfast plus luggage storage, laundry, and fax/photocopying services are provided.