Deoksugung Palace Audio Guide & Tour — Things to Do in Seoul, Korea

About

Deoksugung Palace, which was the imperial palace of the Korean Empire, is a place that retains a unique beauty where traditional wooden architecture and Western-style stone buildings coexist. It is a historical site where Gojong dreamed of the country's independence amid pressure from foreign powers, and the majesty of the main palace, Junghwajeon Hall, and the exotic scenery of Seokjojeon Hall harmonize together. It is a quiet resting place in the city center and is also loved as a night view attraction that shines even more under the lights at night.

Experience living history by watching the royal guard changing ceremony.

Stories you can hear here

17 stories · about 32 min

IntroThe Two Dragons Carved in the Emperor's Palace30 sec
SpotDaehanmun GateThe Palace Gate Pushed Back 33 Metersabout 2 min
SpotGwangmyeongmun GateThe Gate That Returned to Its Place After 80 Yearsabout 2 min
SpotJunghwamun GateThe Empire's Gate Guarded by Seven Roof Figuresabout 1 min
SpotJunghwajeon HallThe Emperor's Main Hall Reduced to a Single Storyabout 3 min

Show 12 more

SpotHamnyeongjeon HallThe Emperor's Final Moments in the L-Shaped Buildingabout 2 min
SpotDeokhongjeon HallAn Imperial Reception Hall: A Traditional Hanok Outside, Western Insideabout 2 min
SpotSeogeodang HallMemories of the Apricot Tree at the Unpainted Two-Story Houseabout 3 min
SpotJeukjodang HallJeukjodang Hall: Where Two Kings Ascended the Throneabout 2 min
SpotJunmyeongdang HallThe Imperial Kindergarten Left in the Foundation Holesabout 2 min
SpotJeonggwanheon PavilionThe Emperor's Portrait Hidden in the Plum Blossom Railingabout 1 min
SpotSeokjojeon HallStone Pillars and the Plum Blossom in the Triangular Pedimentabout 2 min
SpotJungmyeongjeon HallThe Arched Corridor and the Secret Envoys to The Hagueabout 2 min
SpotDeoksugung Stone Wall WalkwayThe Breakup Legend of the 1,100-Meter Stone Wallabout 1 min
StoryFrom the Home of Grand Prince Wolsan to Deoksugung Palaceabout 3 min
StoryThe Royal Portrait Hidden Behind a Coffee Cupabout 1 min
StoryThe Tragedy of Jungmyeongjeon Hall and the Secret Envoys to The Hagueabout 2 min

Preview

Do you know of a palace where two dragons, rather than the usual phoenixes, are carved into the stone path leading up to the main hall? This site originally began as a private residence for the royal family. When the Korean Empire was proclaimed, it became the palace of an emperor who dreamed of independence. As you walk the paths where traditional wooden pavilions stand alongside the Western-style Seokjojeon Hall, you can begin to explore its turbulent history.

Keep listening in the app — stories play automatically by GPS as you get close.Keep listening in the app

Visitor info

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hours: [General Admission] - 09:00~21:00 (Last admission 20:00)[Exhibition Halls]- Seokjojeon Hall 09:30~17:30 (Last guided tour 16:30)- Dondeokjeon Hall 09:00~17:30 (Last admission 17:00)- Jungmyeongjeon Hall 09:30~17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
Closed: Every Monday ※ However, if the regular closed day falls on a public holiday or substitute holiday, it will be open, and the first non-holiday following it will be the regular closed day.
Admission: Adults 1,000 won