Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

3.6Km    2025-06-25

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Africa Museum of Art (아프리카미술관)

Africa Museum of Art (아프리카미술관)

3.6Km    2022-10-26

24-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-2430

The Africa Museum of Art was established with the purpose of hosting various art festivals and providing the grounds for researching various art themes. A major principle of the gallery is to promote works of art that actively attempt to explore the human mind.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

3.6Km    2025-01-10

24 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path runs along the wall of Deoksugung Palace. It is beautifully lit and landscaped, giving it a romantic atmosphere even at night. There are street performances and flea markets, and the area boasts many famous cafes and restaurants along Jeongdong street. In autumn, the ginkgo trees and walls form a stunning scene. Close to major cultural facilities such as the Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul Museum of History, it attracts numerous visitors come for a stroll.

Jinju Hoegwan (진주회관)

3.6Km    2024-06-19

26 Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-5388

Jinju Hoegwan is a renowned kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup) eatery near City Hall Station. Kongguksu is a traditional Korean summer dish made by boiling and grinding soybeans into a creamy broth, served with noodles, offering a refreshing and nutty flavor. Kongguksu is available from March to November. Their staff-recommended menu includes kimchi bokkeumbap (kimchi fried rice), freshly roasted by the staff, along with kimchi jjigae and samgyeopsal (pork belly).

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung [MMCA Deoksugung] (국립현대미술관 덕수궁)

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung [MMCA Deoksugung] (국립현대미술관 덕수궁)

3.6Km    2023-06-23

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2022-0600

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung [MMCA Deoksugung] was originally built as an annex to the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum specializes in seeking out and researching modern art, exhibiting and preserving it, supporting and developing educational programs, and furthering publications and international exchanges. Located within Deoksugung Palace, the center maintains a unique traditional atmosphere. The museum planned and showcased a total of 38 unique exhibitions from 1998 to 2005. Besides the exhibitions, the center has various performances such as music and mime, as well as lectures or seminars on artists' works.

North Beach (노스비치)

North Beach (노스비치)

3.6Km    2020-04-25

171, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-793-6098

Opened in 1987 in Itaewon, North Beach has been a successful leather goods brand, even launching branches in department stores. Appearing frequently in magazines and on TV programs, it is a leather shop that is extremely popular among international residents and tourists. It stands out even in Itaewon, an area known for excellent leather products. The store's main items include leather and fur goods for women.

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

3.6Km    2024-06-19

53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) restaurant operated by Chef Park Chanil. Its distinctive feature lies in using only black pork loin and shoulder to enhance the flavor. The signature dish is the dwaeji gukbap, which boasts a mild, clean, and deep flavor. In addition to that, they also offer dwaeji suyuk (boiled pork slices) and pisundae (sundae with pork blood). Known for its authentic taste of rice soup and rich broth, it's a popular destination for many.

Ferrara Korea - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아 이태원)

Ferrara Korea - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아 이태원)

3.6Km    2024-04-18

169, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Ferrara Korea [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아)

3.6Km    2024-06-27

1F, 169, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)

Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)

3.6Km    2025-01-15

Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3788-8168

The Seoul Lantern Festival is held every year from the first Friday of November to the third weekend of the month for approximately 3 weeks. With various themed lanterns around Cheonggyecheon Stream, visitors can enjoy both traditional lanterns and modern LED lanterns. The festival provides much to see and do with the addition of Gwanghwamun Square Market.