I went to Deoksugung.
I went to Deoksugung on Saturday, October 24th, 2009. Deoksugung is located in front of the Seoul City Hall which is in the center of the city. I wasn’t originally interested in Deoksugung. But this visit changed my thoughts on this Korean traditional old palace, and I was totally attracted by it. So, let me introduce beautiful Deoksugung to you.
About Deoksugung’s history.
Deoksugung was, at first, Wolsandaegun’s home. But because of the Imjinwaeran (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592), Korea’s palaces were burned down completely, so Seon Jo used this palace as his home in 1593. And Gwanghaegun also had lived in this palace since 1611. The name of Deoksugung was changed to Gyeongungung by Gwanghaegun. Go Jong also lived in Gwanghaegun. At this time the palace had its best days. But Go Jong was dethroned by Japan, so the position of the palace was lowered. And the name was also changed to Deoksugung again. After Go Jong died, Japanese made Deoksugung a public park and Deoksugung was open to all the people. Deoksugung was damaged during the Japanese colonial period. Deoksugung experienced Imjinwaeran and Daehan jeguk (Daehan Empire), so it was important place Korea history.
Daehanmun (main gate of Deoksugung)
Daehanmun’s original name was Daeanmun. But it was changed to Daehanmun in 1906. It is Deoksugung’s main gate today, but it was Deoksugung’s east gate before. Daehan’s meaning is “Hanyang (the city which was Korea’s capital, it is today’s Seoul) will prosper.” Daehanmun is also the scene for the Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony. (I will write about this, later! ^^)
Junghwajeon
We can’t see Junghwajeon because of the fashion show. So I show another picture from Naver photo gallery.
It is the place where many royal people performed ancestral sacrifices. Many retainers standed in front of their government position place. ( in first picture, 正八品 is the name of government position) In Junghwajeon, there are dragons on the ceiling (the symbol of the emperor) and Irwol obongdo (the symbol of the emperor, always behind of emperor’s seat, it is a folding screen)
↓ This is dragons and Irwol obongdo
Jeonggwanhun
Jeonggwanhun is first structure of western style in Deoksugung. It has an Oriental style and Western style together. It has a lamp. Go Jong often enjoyed drinking coffee ( coffee was called “Western soup”) and visiting here to spend time. He likes coffee and Jeonggwanhun very much. Today, Jeonggwanhun open every saturday to the people.
Hamnyeongjeon
Hamnyeongjeon was used as Go Jong’s bedroom. In 1919, January, he died in here.
Now, it is your turn!
As you see, Deoksugung is a beautiful and historical palace. We must protect Deoksugung’s safety and beauty. And Deoksugung has many structures include above structures that I introduce to you. Now, it is your turn. Visit, experience and meet Deoksugung yourself. You can find Korea’s beauty and history.
Information about Deoksugung
- Direction :
- Subway : City Hall Station (Line No. 1, Exit No. 2)/(Line No. 2, Exit No. 12)
-Hours : Mar.-Oct. 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (weekdays),
9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (weekends)
Nov.-Feb. 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
-Closed : Every Monday
-Admission Fees : Age 19-24: 500 won
Age 25-64: 1,000 won
Age 65 above, 18 under: Free
-free tour service : http://www.deoksugung.go.kr/eng/visitor/guided.asp
- events : Many events are held in Deoksugung almost everyday. Enjoy yourself! http://www.deoksugung.go.kr/eng/news/
(↑This information : from Deoksugung hompage)
