Deoksugung
Summary
- Major royal palace of the Daehan empire.
- Blend of traditional Korean and western architectural styles.
- Meaning of name : Derived from Gojong’s honorific title, “Deoksu”, meaning virtuous longevity, but imposed by the Japanesse colonial goverment to insult Gojong.
Historical Background
- Built in 1593 by Seonjo after the Imjin Japaness War. The history of Deosugung was deeply interwined with Japan.
- Named Gyeongungung in 1611 as an offical royal palace under Gwanghaegun.
- Main royal palace of Daehan empire in 1897
- Most of buildings were burned down in a major fire in 1904
- Renamed Deoksugung in 1907 after Gojong’s abdication.
- Gojong was confined and died there in 1919.
Additional Info.
- English homepage (https://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/contents/E104010000.do)
Pictures were taken at November 2024.
Under degugging
Near By
Dangun Shrine
The Dangun Shrine has a significant historical background : The shrine houses portraits and statues of Dangun Wanggeom, the legendary founder of Korea. Every year on Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day), rituals and commemorative events are held here.In 1922, when the Japanese colonial government converted Sajikdan into a park, a Japanese Shinto shrine was built on the site. Koreans were forced to worship at this shrine. However, after Korea’s liberation in 1945, this shrine was demolished.In the late 1960s, as part of efforts to eradicate remnants of Japanese colonial rule, the current Dangun Shrine was constructed in traditional Korean hanok style on the site where the Japanese shrine once stood.This historical progression reflects Korea’s journey from colonial oppression to reclaiming and celebrating its national identity and founding mythology. The Dangun Shrine now stands as a symbol of Korean cultural heritage and resistance against foreign domination.
