When going to Deoksugung Palace, you can make the route more stable by deciding on the subway route, station, and exit before the bus route. This article focuses on the order of starting from the station, walking to the site, and returning to the subway, based on information on night view attractions released at Seoul Open Data Plaza.
For Deoksugung Palace, check the subway route first.
In the original Seoul Open Data Plaza, the subway access information here is listed as “Walk from Exit 2 of City Hall Station on Subway Lines 1 and 2.” When going to see the night view, use this guide as a reference point from the departure station, and check the relevant route and exit signs first while inside the station.
At night, even at the same station, the pedestrian flow at each exit and the location of the crosswalk significantly change the perceived travel time. Entering the address rather than the place name as the destination in the map app and then checking the subway stop, exit, and walking route on one screen makes it easier to plan than relying on bus transfers.
Deoksugung Palace as seen through public information in Seoul
Deoksugung Palace is the imperial palace of the Korean Empire declared in 1897 and its former name was Gyeongungung Palace. Deoksugung Palace was originally the private residence of Grand Prince Wolsan, the older brother of King Seongjong, the 9th king of the Joseon Dynasty, and it was also where the descendants of Grand Prince Wolsan lived thereafter. When all the palaces in the capital were burned down during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 (25th year of King Seonjo's reign), it was used as a temporary palace from 1593 (26th year of King Seonjo's reign) and was called Jeongneung-dong Haenggung Palace. Later, in 1611 (the 3rd year of King Gwanghaegun's reign), it was renamed Gyeongungung Palace and became an official palace. However, when Changdeokgung Palace was rebuilt, it became a separate palace again. Then, in 1897 (1st year of King Gwangmu's reign), when King Gojong declared the Korean Empire and ascended to the throne of emperor, it was used as the imperial palace of the Korean Empire. Afterwards, the scale was expanded to fit the imperial palace and the formality was raised, and Western-style buildings began to be built within the palace, creating a harmony between traditional and Western-style buildings. However, many buildings were destroyed in a great fire in 1904 (8th year of Gwangmu), and when King Gojong abdicated the throne by the Japanese in 1907, the name of the palace was changed to Deoksugung Palace. After the Japanese colonial period, the size of Deoksugung Palace was drastically reduced, most of the buildings were demolished, and at the same time, it was converted into a park, causing it to lose its appearance as a palace. Since then, Deoksugung Palace has been steadily restored to its current appearance. (Source: Palace Site Headquarters website of Cultural Heritage Administration) At night, the buildings of Deoksugung Palace are illuminated with lights, showing a beautiful appearance. You can enjoy the beautiful night view of lights and palaces, including Seokjojeon, Junghwajeon, Hamnyeongjeon, Jungmyeongjeon, and Dondeokjeon, restored in 2023, as well as the night view of Seoul.
The night view is an itinerary to experience the lighting and surrounding walking environment after the sun sets. Rather than just looking at the viewpoint and moving quickly, you can reduce having to retrace your steps at the site by deciding in advance where you will stay after arrival, where you will take pictures, and the station you will return home from.
Look at the address and exit from the station to the site.
The published address is “99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul”. After getting off, rather than just memorizing the exit number, open this address again to start walking directions. Even in the same station area, the entrance to the park, the north and south ends of the bridge, and the actual entrance to the cultural facility may be different.
Before exiting the exit, check the station's electronic signboard and exit map first, and check the main street direction and crosswalk once more on the ground. Traveling at night is much easier if you choose a road with wide sidewalks and lights rather than taking unreasonable shortcuts.
Please check operating hours and entrance fees on the day of departure.
The published operating hours are “09:00~21:00 (Last admission 20:00) * Closed on Mondays.” The paid/free category is registered as “paid.” The usage fee information is “1,000 won for individuals, 800 won for groups (10 or more people).” Nighttime operations, admission deadlines, and event date controls may vary from time to time, so please check the official website and on-site notices on the day of your visit.
In particular, access to some areas of parks, squares, and waterfront spaces may be restricted depending on weather, events, and facility inspections. It is a good idea to first decide on the end time of the tour based on the last subway train, and leave enough walking time to return home after arriving at the site.
Plan your way home around the subway.
The exit you used to come in is not always the best exit to get home. After finishing the tour, check again the nearest station entrance and the direction of the line you want to board before moving on. If the last train is close, compare routes with fewer transfers first, and within a station, select a platform based on the actual destination on the electronic display rather than the route color.
The subway access information in this article is a compilation of information registered in Seoul's open data. Train operations, exit openings, and pedestrian control may change in real time, so please use the Seoul Transportation Corporation and on-site guidance as the final guideline just before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
At which subway station can I get off at Deoksugung Palace?
Public data from the Seoul Metropolitan Government states, “Walk from Exit 2 of City Hall Station on Subway Lines 1 and 2.” Please check the map and station signs on the day of your visit for the actual exit and walking route.
Is it better to take the subway rather than the bus?
This guide focuses on how to first determine the subway route, station, and exit. However, if you are traveling after the last train, accompanying a vulnerable person, or in a situation where there is on-site control, compare taxis and other means as well.
Where can I check operating hours and admission fees?
Please check the original operating hours and usage fee information of Seoul Open Data Plaza and the official website of each location. Nighttime operations and admission deadlines are announced on the day of visit.
Check Official Information Before You Go
Operating hours, fares, exits, and facility information may change. Check the official information and station signs below before travelling.