Deoksugung (Longevity Palace) (Seoul)

Korea (South) / Soul / Seoul / Jeong-dong, 5-1
 museum, park, architectural ensemble/complex
www.deoksugung.go.kr/eng/index.asp

Deoksugung, or Deoksu Palace, also known as Gyeongungung (Palace of Virtuous Longevity), built during the mid-fifteenth century, is the smallest of Seoul's five palaces. Deoksugung is a walled compound of palaces in Seoul that were inhabited by various Korean royalties until the colonial period around the turn of the 20th century.

The buildings are of varying construction, including some of natural cryptomeria (genus of conifer in the cypress family) wood, painted wood, and stucco. Some buildings were built in Western style. In addition to the traditional palace buildings, there are also an art museum, forested gardens, and a statue of King Sejong the Great at Deoksugung.

Deoksugung, like the other "Five Grand Palaces" in Seoul, was intentionally heavily damaged during the 1592 Japanese invasion of Korea. Currently, only one third of the structures that were standing before the occupation, remains.

The fountain featured at the center of the complex was actually completed in 1937, but parts were torn down and used to make artillery shells for World War II. The fountain was restored to its original state in 1984.

Deoksugung is designated as Historic Site #124.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deoksugung
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   37°33'58"N   126°58'30"E

Comments

  • Don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony. It's a little slow, but the costumes and process are worth it. Try to get close to the announcer (by the gate) to hear what's going on. The loudspeaker doesn't help much.
This article was last modified 13 years ago