Deoksu Palace | |||
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Located in downtown Seoul across the street from City Hall, Deoksu
Palace vividly contrasts modern Seoul with traditional Korea. Built during the
mid-fifteenth century, it is the smallest of Seoul's palaces. The palace contains many
scenic areas and is a favorite among wedding photographers (who can overrun the area on
weekdays!). Many local business men and women use the picnic area during lunch as a short
escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown life.
In 1593, after all the royal palaces had been burnt down during the 1592 Japanese invasion,
King Sonjo took up temporary residence in a villa which had been built for prince Wolsan
(1454-1488). The ruler, King Kwangaegun, named the temporary residence Kyongun-gung.
In 1897, King Kojong expanded the palace to make it suitable as the seat of government.
King Sunjong later stayed here, renaming it Deoksu-gung (Palace of Virtuous Longevity).
This palace includes some of the best examples of royal architecture of the Chosun Dynasty
(1392-1910) and has been designated as Historic Site #124 by the central government for
preservation and protection. Sokchon-jeon Hall now
houses the Royal Museum.Hours: Mar. ~ Oct. - 09:00 ~ 17:00 (Saturdays, Sundays until 18:00) Nov. ~ Feb. - 09:00 ~ 16:30 Closed Mondays Admission: Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800 won) Children (7 to 18 years old) and soldiers: 500 won (groups: 400 won) * Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free Directions: Subway lines 1 & 2, City Hall Station, exits 3 & 12, towards Deoksugung (Palace) 
Taehanmun GateOriginally named Taeanmun, this main gate to the palace faced south. Later, it was moved to face the east and burnt down in 1904. Rebuilt in 1906, its name was changed to Taeanmun. The three Chinese characters for Taehanmun were written by Nam Chongchol, the Mayor of Seoul. Taehanmun is also the scene for the Changing of the Royal Guards ceremony. 
Chunghwa-jeon HallThe throne room and audience hall of Deoksu Palace has been designated Treasure #819. King Kojong used it after 1897 when he came to this palace (after leaving the Russian Legation where he had sought refuge after the murder of Queen Min). It stands on a broad, two-tiered stone terrace. In front is a courtyard paved in stone with stone markers that indicat the positions where officials would stand during royal ceremonies. 
The throne is between the two center-rear pillars. Inside the hall, behind the throne, is a folding
screen with a picture of the sun and moon and five peaks, one of the most famous scenes in Korea.
A splendid wooden canopy rises above the throne. The building was originally double-roofed, but
burned in 1901. It was rebuilt in 1906 with one roof.
The roof is hipped and gabled, the most ornate style of Choson period. There are double eaves
and especially ornate multi claster-brackets. Recessed in the ceiling are two carved dragons.
Bas-relief dragons and a Haet'ae (a mythical fire eating beast that guards from fire) decorate
the center stairs and other portions of the building.Chunghwamun Gate 
Chunghwa-mun gate (designated Treasure #819) is 3 kan (a
traditional unit of measure referring to the space between two columns) wide and 2 kan
deep. Architecturally similar to Chunghwa-jeon, it includes a multi-cluster bracket structure
and a hipped and gabled roof. Because the original Chunghwa-jeon was two-storied, it is assumed
that the original Chunghwa-mun was also larger than the present
version. The present gate is believed to have been built in 1906 at the same thime that
Chunghwa-jeon was rebuilt. The gate's columns, like those of the
hall, are higher than those of other palatial structures of comparable dimensions.Chunmyong-dang and Chukcho-dang Halls These two buildings are connected by a two-kan long covered corridor. King Kojong lived in Chunmyong-dang while Queen Om (his second consort) lived there. It is seven kan across the front and three kan on the sides, and has a hipped and gabled roof. 
Chunmyongdang: This building is 6 kan side across the front and 4 kan deep with a hipped and gabled roof. It is situated to the north of Chunghwa-jeon and west of Chukcho-dang. An inner building of the palace, Chunmyong-dang has an architectural style similar to Chukcho-dang and had similar functions. While the wooden floor of Chukcho-dang is on its eastern section, this building's wooden floor is on its eastern side. King Kojong lived here for sometime and used it to receive foreign diplomats. At one time, the portraits of King Kojong and Sunjong were enshrined here. In this L-shaped structure, presumed to have been built in 1897. Kingjong (r.1863-1907) resided and received foreign envoys. Portraits of Kojong and his son King Sungjong( r.1907-1910) were once enshrined here. The hall is connected to Chukchodang by a corridor. Between the column heads and bean ends are piececes of carved wood. Chukchodang: King Sunjong ascended the to throne in this building which is located to the north of Chunghwa-jeon. Burned in 1904, it was rebuilt later in the year. It is 7 kan wide across the front and 4 kan deep on the side, but this simple and well-proportioned building is not large enough for royal living quarters. An open wooden floor is provided in the east front of the building. The Woltae terrace is high in relation to the building and a corridor connects it with Chunmyong-dang to the west. Kings Kwanghaegun (r.1608-23) and Injo (r.1623-1649), the 15th and 16th rulers of the Choson Dynasty, ascended the throne in this hall. Kwibi Om, the royal concubine of King Kojong, resided here from 1907 until her death in 1911. This structure was built in 1904, the same year the original hall was destroyed by fire. A sub-floor heating system called ondol heats the two enclosed rooms. 
Changing of the Royal Guard 
When the unit watching the outer walls of the Royal Palaces arrives at the scene to relieve the unit
watching the Palatial Gates, the ceremony starts. A combination of verbal orders, flags, and musical
instruments is used. This ceremony is divided into three distinct parts, each of which is singled by
corresponding drumbeats.Date: Everyday (except Monday) Time: 14:00~15:30 (July and August: 15:00 ~ 16:30) Place: Maim gate of Deoksu Palace (Daehanmun)
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