Deoksugung is one of five palaces in Seoul built during the Joseon dynasty, and the king’s residence in the late 19th century [1]. The official site uses ‘Deoksugung Palace’, but I prefer ‘Deoksugung’ because ‘gung’ means palace in Korean. The stonewall walkway surrounding Deoksugung is popular for friends and families. I was not able to go in because it is closed on Monday.

Many historic events during the end of Joseon dynasty, the struggles with the western imperialism, and the Japan’s colonization occurred around Deoksugung, the King Gojong’s residence. Jung-dong (정동) is a small neighborhood near Deoksugung and has many historic buildings with western influence from the late 19th century. It is a pleasant walk through mostly quiet backstreets in the center of Seoul [2]. An old documentary about Jung-dong area is available [5].

[1] Official site http://deoksugung.go.kr/en/
[2] https://korean.visitseoul.net/walking-tour/%EB%AA%A8%EB%8D%98%ED%83%80%EC%9E%84%EC%A6%88-%EC%9D%B8-%EC%A0%95%EB%8F%99_/31535
http://www.aurum.re.kr/Bits/PostView.aspx?mm=4&ss=3a&pid=5056&gid=72&cpage=1#.Y1hsDVJByU9
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Appenzeller
[4] http://www.mdsd.or.kr/bbs/content.php?co_id=7010
[5] https://youtu.be/rXcv1rwpYiE