Deoksugung Palace, Seoul - a group of people walking around a building
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Deoksugung Palace Seoul

4.6
·20k reviews·, South Korea

A historic royal palace in Seoul showcasing a unique blend of Korean and Western architecture, famous for its vibrant Changing of the Royal Guard cere...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Deoksugung Palace, Seoul - a group of people walking around a building

Deoksugung Palace Seoul

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic royal palace in Seoul showcasing a unique blend of Korean and Western architecture, famous for its vibrant Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.

4.6
(20k reviews)

"A beautiful and historically rich palace offering a free glimpse into Korea's royal past with a stunning guard ceremony."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Ceremony

The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony is popular. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.

👗 Rent a Hanbok

Enhance your visit by renting a Hanbok for beautiful photos. Many shops are located nearby.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 20,130 reviews

Type

Cultural landmark

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Changing of the Royal Guard

Changing of the Royal Guard

Main Gate

Witness a vibrant and colorful ceremony reenacting the ancient royal guard changing ritual. A true spectacle!

Deoksugung Palace Architecture

Deoksugung Palace Architecture

Various Buildings

Admire the unique blend of traditional Korean and Western architectural styles, a testament to its historical significance.

Seokjojeon Hall

Seokjojeon Hall

Western-style Building

Explore the elegant Western-style building, which now houses a museum showcasing the palace's history.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting Deoksugung Palace during weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon. The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony is a must-see, but it draws a crowd, so arrive early for a good view. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for a more serene experience.

Hanbok & Photography Tips

Many visitors rent Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) to explore the palace grounds, creating stunning photo opportunities. While Gyeongbokgung is more popular for this, Deoksugung offers a unique backdrop. Check rental shops nearby for packages and consider visiting on a sunny day for the best shots.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
During Changing of Guard
Why
Iconic ceremony
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

พระราชวังที่พำนักขององค์หญิงองสุดท้ายใน #เกาหลี Korea 🇰🇷 📍พิกัด Changdeokgung Palace #TikTokพาเที่ยว #kvibefesta #imagineyourkorea #hallyukpass #SecretGarden
@loi_story
155K likes • 5.3M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Ceremony

The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony is popular. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. Instagram

👗 Rent a Hanbok

Enhance your visit by renting a Hanbok for beautiful photos. Many shops are located nearby. TikTok

พระราชวังแห่งสุดท้ายของกษัตริย์แห่งราชวงศ์โชซอนที่ปัจจุบันกลายมาเป็นสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวที่สวย สงบ และมีเสน่ห์ที่สุดในโซล ใครมีแพลนจะมาเที่ยวเกาหลีต้องห้ามพลาดเลย 📍Changdeokgung Palace #KvibeFesta #imag...
@llllittlebear
67.4K likes • 4.7M views
다가오는 배롱 시즌, 여기 가실래요?💗 ⠀ 어쩌면 무료✨ 또는 단돈 1,000원이면 볼 수 있는 제맘속 배롱나무 명소 No.1 덕수궁💖 @만 24세 이하 친구는 무료랍니다!🍀 *덕수궁 배롱나무는 7월부터 8월까지 볼 수 있는데, 올해는 개화 시기가 어떻게 될지 모르겠네요🥲 예쁘게 피면 바로 소식 알려드릴게요! 🌸 ❝ #덕수궁 ❞ 📍서울 중구 세종대로...
shining._.ra
667 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the palace grounds to appreciate the unique blend of traditional and Western architecture. TikTok

🏛️ Visit Seokjojeon Hall

Don't miss Seokjojeon Hall, a Western-style building with an informative museum inside. TikTok

📍 Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace Sejarahnya, Secret garden ini dulu adalah tempat anggota keluarga kerajaan bersantai n beristirahat. Waktu kesini jadi ngebayangin ada pangeran yg lagi istiraha...
@pinkemuhly
36.9K likes • 407.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Guard Ceremony

The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony is popular. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. Instagram

👗 Rent a Hanbok

Enhance your visit by renting a Hanbok for beautiful photos. Many shops are located nearby. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the palace grounds to appreciate the unique blend of traditional and Western architecture. TikTok

🏛️ Visit Seokjojeon Hall

Don't miss Seokjojeon Hall, a Western-style building with an informative museum inside. TikTok

💰 Free Admission

Admission to Deoksugung Palace is free! Some special exhibitions or areas might have a small fee. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(20k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Deoksugung Palace for its free admission, unique architectural blend, and the captivating Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. It's seen as a peaceful escape in the heart of Seoul, offering great photo opportunities, especially when wearing traditional Hanbok. Some find the palace smaller compared to others, and the crowds during peak times can be a drawback.

"Impressive and architecturally stunning! A great showcase of culture and history, such beautiful grounds which were significantly more extensive than I originally had anticipated. A wonderful palace to spend a few hours strolling about. And entrance fee is only 3000 won, which can either be paid for by cash or card. On a hot day, definitely bring drinks to hydrate and an umbrella/parasol for shade! These made exploring the palace all the more enjoyable and manageable in the heat."

Karina O'Flynn

"Very nice palace and green space. We didn't see the changing of the guards or see it at night, and I've heard it is beautiful then, but it's lovely on a warm spring day with the sun shining too. Great for kids and families, but we also saw lots of couples strolling the grounds. There is not a great deal of historical information provided here at each building compared to other places -- it's just a really nice place to be."

Shawn Pendley

"Deoksugung Palace wraps history in quiet elegance right in the center of Seoul. The soft stone paths the graceful rooftops and the blend of old and modern architecture make it feel like a gentle pause in time. It is not the biggest palace but it has heart and beauty. A peaceful place to wander reflect and take in the city from a calmer angle.."

Mia Vera

What People Like

Free admission
Unique architecture
Royal Guard ceremony

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Smaller than other palaces

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Deoksugung Palace is easily accessible via Seoul's subway system. Take Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station (Exit 12) or Line 1 to Seoul Station (Exit 1). It's a short walk from either station. TikTok

Yes, Deoksugung Palace is centrally located in Seoul, close to Myeongdong shopping district and other historical sites, making it convenient for a day of sightseeing. TikTok

The Seoul subway is highly efficient and recommended for getting around. Consider purchasing a T-Money card for easy tap-and-go travel on subways and buses. TikTok

Limited parking is available at the palace, but it's often full. Using public transportation is highly recommended to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Seoul. You can tell the driver 'Deoksugung Palace' or show them the address. It's a convenient option, especially if you have luggage. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Deoksugung Palace is generally free for all visitors. This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction in Seoul. Instagram

Deoksugung Palace is typically open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last admission at 8:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

Advance booking is not required for general entry as it's free. However, if you plan to join a guided tour or visit specific exhibitions, it's advisable to check their booking policies. Reddit

Since entry is free, there are no discounts. However, wearing a Hanbok may grant you free entry to some other palaces, but Deoksugung is already free. Instagram

To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, while a highlight, will naturally draw more people. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

This is a daily reenactment of the traditional ceremony where royal guards changed shifts. It's a colorful and engaging spectacle with traditional costumes and music. TikTok

The ceremony typically occurs twice a day, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, except on Mondays. It's best to confirm the exact times on the day of your visit. Instagram

Yes, you are welcome to wear a Hanbok. Many visitors rent them nearby to take photos and immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere. TikTok

Guided tours are often available in Korean and sometimes in English. Check the palace's official website or inquire at the information center for schedules and availability. Reddit

Take your time to walk around the grounds, admire the architecture, and visit the Seokjojeon Hall museum. The palace offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The main gate with the guard ceremony, the unique blend of traditional and Western buildings, and the palace grounds offer excellent photo opportunities. Renting a Hanbok can elevate your pictures. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas and courtyards. Inside some buildings, especially museums like Seokjojeon Hall, photography might be restricted. Look for signage. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful natural light, especially during the 'golden hour,' which can enhance your photos. Weekdays will also mean fewer people in your shots. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around historical sites like Deoksugung Palace to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy capturing the contrast between the traditional Korean architecture and the modern Seoul skyline visible from certain vantage points within the palace. TikTok

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