Visiting Deoksugung Palace at Night (덕수궁)
Back in the fall, I was on a quest to visit all of Seoul’s royal palaces. I’d been to Gyeongbokgung several times over the years, but I wanted to see what each of the others had to offer. The Secret Garden within Changdeokgung quickly became a favorite spot in the city—but then I had the chance to visit Deoksugung at night, and I’m so glad I experienced it differently than the other palaces.
Deoksugung Palace feels different after dark. While Seoul’s other royal palaces impress with scale and ceremony, Deoksugung shines in quiet elegance once the crowds thin. Located in the heart of downtown Seoul, it’s one of the easiest palaces to visit in the evening—and one of the most atmospheric. If you’re wondering when to visit Deoksugung, after sunset is it.
Unlike Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, Deoksugung doesn’t rely on massive courtyards or grand gates to make an impression. At night, its charm comes from contrast and intimacy, as the grounds are very small. Lantern-lit walkways trace the palace walls, modern skyscrapers loom softly in the background, and historic halls glow against the dark sky. It feels less like a tourist attraction and more like a peaceful walk through Seoul’s layered history.
Two very different styles of architecture side by side inside Deoksugung
This is the palace where Korea’s transition into the modern era becomes most visible—especially after dark. Deoksugung is the only royal palace in Seoul where traditional Korean halls and early Western-style buildings sit side by side.
In the early 1900s, during the final years of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire period, Deoksugung became a center of modernization. Western architectural styles were introduced as Korea navigated rapid political and cultural change. Stone buildings with columns and symmetry were constructed alongside wooden halls with tiled roofs, creating a contrast that feels intentional rather than jarring.
Old Korea and New Korea
At night, this contrast becomes even more pronounced. Soft lighting highlights the differences between East and West, tradition and modernity—making Deoksugung feel less like a single palace and more like a moment frozen in time.
What to See Inside Deoksugung at Night
Junghwajeon Hall (중화전)
The main throne hall is beautifully illuminated at night, highlighting the symmetry and details that can get lost during a daytime visit. Without the midday crowds, it’s easier to linger and take photos.
Seokjojeon Hall (석조전)
Seokjojeon Hall at Deoksugung
That sense of closeness to the Joseon era is most obvious at Seokjojeon Hall. Built in the early 1900’s, this Western-style stone building feels almost shocking inside a royal palace especially when you remember it was designed during the final years of Joseon, not long before the dynasty officially ended.
Columns, symmetry, and European architectural influence stand in stark contrast to the traditional wooden halls nearby. Seeing them side by side makes the timeline feel compressed: what we often imagine as ancient history was unfolding barely a century ago. At Deoksugung, modernization wasn’t something that happened later, it was happening in real time. It’s also one of the most photographed structures in the palace after sunset.
Palace Stone Wall Road (덕수궁 돌담길)
Technically outside the palace, but inseparable from the experience. The stone wall path is iconic at night, especially in fall. Soft lighting, trees overhead, and a steady hum of the city nearby make this one of Seoul’s most romantic walks.
Night Opening Hours & Admission
Deoksugung is regularly open at night, not just during special seasonal events.
Night hours: Open 09:00am - 21:00
Last admission: 1 hour before closing (20:00)
Admission fee: 1,000 KRW ; Free if wearing hanbok, if under 19 or over 65
Closed: Mondays (always double-check seasonally)
Because it’s centrally located near City Hall, it’s easy to pair with dinner, a café stop, or an evening walk. Be sure to check the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center website for the most accurate information.
Naver pin for Deoksugung here. If you’re taking the subway, exit City Hall Station and you’ll be across the street from the palace entrance.
Jeonggwanheon at Deoksugung lit up at night
Deoksugung may be one of the smallest of Seoul’s five grand palaces, but at night, it’s arguably the most memorable. Its location, lighting, and architectural contrasts create an experience that feels uniquely Seoul. If your itinerary allows for just one palace visit after sunset, make it Deoksugung.
This is the line up I have coming for my Seoul Royal Palaces Series. I’ll update links as each post goes live!
The 5 Royal Palaces of Seoul (coming soon)
Gyeongbokgung Palace (coming soon)
Deoksugung Palace at Night - You’re here!
Gyeonghuigung Palace (coming soon)
