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DeoksugungvsGyeongbokgung Palace
Both Deoksugung and Gyeongbokgung Palace are rated very highly by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the choice of most reviewers compared to Deoksugung. Gyeongbokgung Palace has a TripExpert Score of 93 with endorsements from 8 sources including Lonely Planet, Lonely Planet and Fodor's.
Deoksugung
Lonely Planet
Fodor's
Afar Magazine
Michelin Guide
Time Out Time Out Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
Frommer's
99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-120, South Korea
From $0/night
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Contains small gardens and ponds amid an extraordinary potpourri of contrasting architectural styles." Full review
Fodor's "An oasis in the heart of downtown Seoul. Originally built as a residence for the crown prince." Full review
Afar Magazine "While in Seoul, stop by Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace, where you can see semi-daily changing of the guard ceremonies." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Deoksugung, a palace built in the 15C, provided sanctuary for the royal family on several occasions." Full review
Time Out "Arched windows along with ivory colored walls detailed with golden ornate decorations reflect the influence of European aesthetics, yet nevertheless exudes an aura of medieval Joseon. " Full review
Time Out "A proper look at Deoksugung would mean not only examining it from the inside but also seeing it one step away. " Full review
i
Check in advance for its' seasonal ceremonies, such as the changing of the Royal Guards.
Afar Magazine "There are many imperial palaces in Seoul, but only one is open at night - Deoksugung Palace." Full review
Afar Magazine ""Virtuous Longevity" in the heart of the city...(and weird donuts)Surrounded by skyscrapers in the center of Seoul." Full review
Frommer's "The smallest of the city's palaces... it is known for its stone wall and the walk along its outside." Full review
Gyeongbokgung Palace Fodor's Frommer's Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Afar Magazine Michelin Guide Time Out Time Out
Independent
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
From $0/night
Fodor's "A must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture, Gyeongbokgung is the most visited tourist site in Korea so crowds can be dense." Full review
Frommer's "Of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, this was the largest and most important one." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Two of the grandest architectural sights in Seoul are here." Full review
Lonely Planet "One of the most impressive structures within Seoul's main palace Gyeongbokgung, this large pavilion rests on 48 pillars and overlooks an artificial lake with two small islands." Full review
Lonely Planet "The main palace building of Gyeongbokgung stands on a double-tiered stone platform with surrounding open-sided corridors." Full review
Afar Magazine "Gyeongbok-gung Palace, Seoul: these gardens and buildings in the middle of this frenetic city date back to the 1390's." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace built in the 19C on the ruins of the former city of kings (late 14C) of the Joseon Dynasty, was damaged in the early 20C during the Japanese occupation." Full review
Time Out "Known as the 'Northern Palace', Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most well known of the five palaces. " Full review
Time Out "Hidden inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jibokjae is one of the oldest and, possibly, the most visually stunning public libraries in Seoul" Full review
Independent "Gyeongbokgung Palace is the diamond at the heart of Seoul, the main royal palace dating from 1395 and dripping with history."
