Deoksugung Palace and Stone Wall Path 덕수궁 돌담길·정동
Seoul · Myeongdong & Namsan · Sights
Deoksugung is the small palace beside City Hall where Korea's last emperor lived, and its charm lies in how it mixes traditional wooden halls with Western-style stone buildings from the early twentieth century. A guard-changing ceremony takes place at the main gate on a regular schedule, and the courtyard behind has stone paving and a calm pond. Outside the wall, the stone-wall path, a quiet lane of old trees and benches, is a favorite for dating couples and for walks after sunset.
Entry is free for hanbok wearers. Fees and hours may change, and it closes one weekday.
City Hall Station (시청역), Lines 1 and 2, Exit 2, leads right to the gate. The stone wall path starts beside the palace and runs toward Jeongdong.
Show this Korean name to your taxi driver or match it to signs: 덕수궁 돌담길·정동
- Best time to visit
- Late afternoon is lovely, when the light softens. Autumn leaves along the stone wall are highlights.
- Pair it with
- Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is beside the palace, and Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggyecheon Stream and Myeongdong Cathedral are within a short walk.
- Great for
- Couples, Parents, Solo travelers
- Local tip
- The stone wall lane outside is lovely at dusk. Hanbok wearers enter free, and the palace is closed on Mondays.