Seoul Deoksugung Palace Half-Day Architecture Tour
Deoksugung Palace, which served as the main palace instead of Gyeongbokgung Palace during Korean Empire era, is the only palace with both traditional and western-style buildings. Since it was built at the center of the first modernizing period in 600 years of history, it preserves different beauty, history, and the pain of the Japanese invasion. As the location is near the City Hall and Gwanghwamun Station, you will enjoy the tour without any discomfort. The stone wall next to Deoksugung Palace is also famous for beautiful structure, so don't miss it!
[Step 1. What is Deoksu Palace?] The small palace serenely located in the center of Seoul, surrounded by buildings. The palace was chosen by the last king of Joseon and the first emperor of Korean Empire, leaving all the fancy palaces behind. The sorrowful and splendid Deoksu Palace was where Gojong dreamed the bright future of a new country during the Japanese invasion. [Step 2. What will you see?] The most recent Korean history lies in this place. You will see the beautiful harmony of traditional and modern architecture. [Step 3. Who lived here?] The first emperor of Korean Empire who chose Deoksu Palace, Gojong. The last princess of Korea who suffered from Japanese imperialism after the collapse of Korean imperial family, Princess Deokhye.
What to expect
One hundred years ago, Korea was called "Korean Empire," not Joseon nor South Korea. Deoksugung Palace was served as the main palace instead of Gyeongbokgung Palace during Korean Empire. Experience the history of the Deoksu palace with your professional, local guide.
Reviews
This was a very informative tour, our tour guide Kean was very gracious and helpful, he explained the history of the palace so well. we actually enjoyed the tour very much
Very detailed explanation with profound and professional history knowledge, even providing follow-up answers for unsolved questions during the guided tour. Overall an informational journey of learning Korean history.
Tour guide Sujin was well-prepared for the tour and was able to narrate the story related to Deoksugung in detail. It was an educational walking tour.
This was a wonderful experience. The hostess was very informative and courteous. She was very knowledgeable and attentive.
Our guide was great. she was on time and very knowledgeable! The tour was nice too. The palace grounds have a lot of history so having a guide was perfect. The views with the grounds lit up we beautiful.
My tour guide was Sally Sung. I was alone during the night tour on 8 Feb’23 and had fun spending time listening to her story about Deoksugung palace. And Sally also helped me took my photos around the palace. It’s great if you are keen to learn about Korean history
There were only two people who signed up, but our tour guide Sally was very responsible in taking us on the tour, using very clear and simple English explanations. We also gained some knowledge about the design principles of Korean houses, which was very good. You can make an appointment to drink tea and listen to music in the stone house at night, and enjoy the noble time. It's great.
Before you book, watch MR. SUNSHINE and THE LAST PRINCESS... Joy was a very punctual, knowledgeable, articulate and accommodating guide who also knew the perfect picture spots. This tour pushes through even if you are alone with the guide. Perfect!
Our tour guide joy made the palace come to live, her story of the last emperor was very interesting. Highly recommend this tour. The palace is beautiful in the evening.great tour, thanks Joy.
Sally our tour guide was fantastic. Her knowledge of the Palace and history made it a special experience. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
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