Junghwajeon Hall

Junghwajeon is the principal throne hall of Deoksugung Palace, where Emperor Gojong held official ceremonies, coronations and audiences with foreign envoys. Built in 1902 atop two stone terraces, the hall's interior design reflects the imperial determination to project both authority and modernity as the 20th century began. The building stands as a significant example of early 1900s Korean royal architecture.

Seokjojeon Palace

Seokjojeon is a striking neoclassical building erected between 1900 and 1910 within the grounds of Deoksugung palace in Seoul. Built as an audience hall and residence for Emperor Gojong, its Western architectural style stands in stark contrast to the traditional Korean palace structures surrounding it, making it one of the most distinctive elements of the complex. Well worth visiting to see this unusual fusion of architectural traditions.

Hall of Eternal Harmony

Hamnyeongjeon served as the private residence and sleeping quarters of Emperor Gojong within Deoksugung Palace in Seoul. The building was divided into two separate wings: the eastern section for the emperor and the western section for the queen. The name was deliberately chosen to wish the emperor eternal peace and a long life.

Jeonggwanheon Hall

Jeonggwanheon is an eclectically styled pavilion situated behind the Deokhongjeon and Hamnyeongjeon halls. The 1900 structure, designed by Russian architect Afanasy Seredin-Sabatin, blends Western architectural elements with traditional Korean decorative detailing. It stands as one of the earliest examples of Western-influenced building work constructed within a royal palace compound in Korea. What to see here reflects the historical moment when Korea's architectural tastes began to shift eastward.

Daehanmun Gate

Daehanmun serves as the main entrance to Deoksugung Palace, positioned on its eastern side. It replaced the former Inhwamun, which previously functioned as the southern gateway, and now provides public access to the palace from Sejong-daero. This gate remains the principal entry point for visitors to what to see within one of Seoul's most significant royal sites.

Gwangmyeong Gate

Gwangmyeongmun is the gateway to Hamnyeongjeon, the official residence of Emperor Gojong within Deoksugung Palace. It once served as the principal entrance to the royal quarters, standing guard over the Emperor's private chambers. As a key architectural element within the palace complex, it remains an important structure for understanding the layout and hierarchy of this historic royal residence in Seoul.

Junghwamun Gate

Hall of Auspicious Virtue

Deokhongjeon is a pavilion built in 1911 situated next to Hamnyeongjeon, the residence of Emperor Gojong. It functioned as an audience hall for more intimate, everyday receptions rather than formal palace ceremonies. Unlike the grand ceremonial spaces elsewhere in the complex, this hall was designed for receiving officials and dignitaries in a notably less solemn setting. What to see here gives visitors insight into the private workings of royal court life during this period.

Pabellón Segeodang

Seogeodang is a two-storey pavilion situated behind the Junghwajeon throne hall and ranks amongst the oldest structures within Deoksugung Palace. Its name translates as 'the house where the ancient king resided', referring specifically to King Seonjo, who made it his temporary residence when the principal palaces were destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century. What to see here offers insight into this pivotal period of Korean palace history.

Jeukjodang

Jeuk-jodang, whose name translates as 'Hall of Ascending Thrones', stands as one of the oldest buildings within Deoksugung Palace. It served as the coronation venue for kings Gwanghaegun and Injo during the Joseon dynasty. Beyond its ceremonial role, the hall functioned as a royal residence and audience chamber throughout various periods of Korean history. A covered corridor connects it to the adjacent Junmyeongdang pavilion, where Emperor Gojong conducted state affairs. Visit to experience this significant piece of Seoul's imperial heritage.

Junmyeongdang Hall

Junmyeongdang is a traditional Korean pavilion situated to the left of Jeukjodang within the Deoksugung palace grounds. During the reign of Emperor Gojong, this building served as the royal administrative centre where the monarch conducted daily state affairs and received audiences with officials and visiting dignitaries. What to see here includes the well-preserved architectural details characteristic of late Joseon and early modern Korean design.

Jungmyeongjeon

Jungmyeongjeon is a Western-style building situated outside the main Deoksugung compound, though it became an official part of the palace complex in 2007. Built before 1897 and reconstructed as a two-storey structure following a fire in 1901, it stands as the earliest Western-style building within the palace ensemble. What to see here offers insight into late 19th-century architectural transition in Seoul.