Deoksugung Palace is one of the five grand palaces of Seoul. This palace was built during the Joseon Dynasty. What makes this palace more special than the other four palaces is the presence of modern style architecture along with the traditional one. The Palace is also famous for the Stone Wall road and Changing of Royal Guards Ceremony.
Deoksugung Doldam-gil (Deoksugung Stonewall Walkaway)
The walkway used to be a regular road later developed into an urban space and became a popular walking spot. Many people come here to take pictures. The stonewall road is stretched around 1 kilometer. Alongside the stonewall road, various benches have been put for visitors. The stonewall walkway is famous for its fall foliage view. The way looks really beautiful with yellow-red colored trees. When leaves fall on the ground, it seems someone has put a red-yellow carpet on the whole road. If you are visiting Seoul during the fall, make sure to visit Doldam-gil.
Various drama scenes were being shot at this stonewall road. Some of the famous dramas are Goblin, The Beauty Inside, Soul Mechanic, One Spring Night, and many other dramas. If you have watched any of these dramas, why don’t you visit the walkaway and reminiscence some of these drama scenes?
Deoksugung Autumn View
Deoksugung Palace is famous particularly for its autumn view. Not only scenery inside the palace is mesmerizing, but the stone wall road surrounding it also makes it more attractive.
If you are looking for the best autumn view or an aerial shot of the palace, I recommend you visit the Jeongdong Observatory. The view of the Deoksugung palace from the observatory is stunning.
I visited observatory on weekdays, but still, it was so crowded. I had to wait for a while to get a view of the palace. The observatory also has a cafe. You can order your coffee and admire the beautiful view while sipping your coffee. Sadly, I could not do this. Because the day I visited there was no empty seat left in the cafe. If you want to secure a good place to see the view, I recommend you to visit the observatory in the morning. The observatory is situated right beside the stonewall road.
There is no entry fee to visit the Observatory.
Royal Guards Changing Ceremony
The Changing of Royal Guards Ceremony is held thrice in a day at the main gate of Deoksugung Palace. If you are interested in history, I highly recommend you to see this ceremony. The ceremony is reenacted the same as it used to be held during old times.
I was fascinated to observe the ceremony, marching of the military band with the drumbeat and all other instruments, those names I don’t know. The ceremony is held at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. The Changing of the Guards Ceremony is not held on Monday. However, due to the COVID situation, the ceremony is not taking place until further notice.
Information on Deoksugung Palace
| Admission Fee | Individual | Group |
| Adults | 1,000 | 800 |
| Children | 500 | 400 |
The entry is free if you wearing Hanbok, Korean traditional clothes, or visiting the palace on the last Wednesday of a month.
Operating Hours: 09:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The palace is closed on Monday.
Reaching There: Take subway line 1 or 2 and get down at City Hall Station.
Address: 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 99
To find more about Deoksugung palace click on the website given below.
Website: www.deoksugung.go.kr
