Tips for Itinerary 11: Deoksugung Palace and the City Hall area

 A walkable course where history, culture, and modern Seoul meet

Located right in the center of the city, the Deoksugung Palace area offers a beautiful mix of old and new. With its Western-style palace buildings, stone-wall road, open public plaza, and nearby art museum, this route is perfect for travelers who want to explore royal history while staying in the heart of downtown Seoul.

 

Main Attractions (within or right next to Deoksugung Palace)

▪ Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)
Known for its elegant mix of Korean and Western architecture, Deoksugung is a smaller palace but full of charm. Don’t miss the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, held several times a day at the main gate. The compact size of the palace makes it easy to explore in about an hour.

▪ Deoksugung Stone Wall Road (덕수궁 돌담길)

This scenic walkway along the palace wall is one of the most romantic and peaceful spots in Seoul. Great for slow walking and photos.

▪ Seoul Plaza (서울광장)
Right in front of the palace and City Hall, this open grassy square is often used for public events, exhibitions, ice skating in winter, and cultural performances. It’s a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors. The view of Deoksugung on one side and the new glass City Hall building on the other captures the contrast between old and new Seoul.

▪ Wongudan Altar (환구단 / 원구단)
Often overlooked by visitors, this historical site sits just across from Deoksugung Palace. Built in 1897, Wongudan was an altar where the emperor performed rituals to heaven, symbolizing Korea’s brief transition to an empire. Only parts of the original altar remain, including the main gate (Hwanggungu), but it's a powerful spot to reflect on a turning point in Korean history. It's surrounded by modern buildings, making the contrast even more striking.

▪ Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관)
Just behind the palace, this museum features rotating exhibitions and offers a quiet space to enjoy Korean and international art. Admission is often free.

▪ Seoul City Hall (서울시청)
Across from Deoksugung, the complex includes the old City Hall building and the modern glass structure. You can sometimes enter for special exhibitions or events. The contrast in architecture symbolizes Seoul’s transformation.

▪ Jeongdong-gil (정동길)
A beautiful tree-lined street that runs behind Deoksugung. This road is home to historic churches, foreign legations, and old mission schools—remnants of Korea’s modern opening in the late 19th century.

 

Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

▪ Myeongdong (명동)
Just 10 minutes away on foot, Myeongdong is famous for its fashion boutiques, beauty shops, and street food stalls. Great for shopping and people-watching.

▪ Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장)
A short walk east leads you to this cultural and historical square, home to statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Nearby, Cheonggyecheon Stream offers a peaceful walking path through downtown.

▪ Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)
Seoul’s largest and busiest traditional market is only a short walk away. It’s perfect for those who want to experience local flavors and shop for budget-friendly goods.

 

Itinerary Tip

Suggested Plan:

▪ Start at City Hall Station (시청역) around 10 AM and head straight to Deoksugung Palace.

▪ Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, then stroll along Deoksugung Stone Wall Road.

▪ Visit Wongudan Altar across the street to learn about Korea’s short-lived empire.

▪ Continue to Seoul Museum of Art or enjoy a coffee break nearby.

▪ Walk across to Seoul Plaza and take in the open space, especially if there’s a seasonal event or exhibition.

▪ From there, choose your direction: head to Myeongdong for food and shopping, or to Gwanghwamun for more sightseeing.

▪ If you still have time, drop by Namdaemun Market for a more local atmosphere.

Subway Info:

▪ City Hall Station (시청역, Line 1 & 2), Exit 2 → 2-minute walk to Deoksugung main gate.

 

Final Thoughts

This course offers a peaceful yet engaging walk through the center of Seoul. You’ll see history, art, public space, and modern life come together in one compact area. If you’re looking for a day that balances culture and comfort, Deoksugung and the City Hall area are a great choice—calm but never dull.