South Korea: Deoksugung Palace

2014 Oct: Deoksugung Palace Night Lights

During spring and autumn, 2 grand palaces in Seoul offers special open night tickets, where tourists and locals can get inside until late night.

Since the website is limited to korean language, getting tickets is just so hard.  Even I tried calling the number, they told me they will call me back with someone who speaks in English, but I have not received any.  From Facebook, I knew that tickets are already sold out after its availability just within 3 hours.

But that experience did not stop me from looking around.  As an alternative, we have visited Deoksung Palace.  

*What I really like in these set of night photos, having it taken without tripod.

Reference Links:
2017 Gyeongbokgung Palace Late-night Admission

2016 Gyeongbokgung Palace in Autumn, Cross the Bridge of Time

Autumn 2014 - Gyeongbokgung Palace Special Open Night

2012 Starry Night at Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces

Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace

2017 Oct: Autumn Visit in Deoksugung Palace (courtesy of cheznuts)

2017 Nov: Autumn Visit in Deoksugung Palace (courtesy of ruffeecola)

When to view Deoksugung Palace from above?

Jeong-dong Observatory is open to the public only during weekends or holiday from 09:00a to 06:00pm.

How to view Deoksugung Palace from above?

Go to City Hall Station, if coming from Line 1 (Blue) take Exit 1 or if Line 2 (Green) take Exit 12.  Walk towards Seosomun Building (also known as Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building or Seoul Metropolitan Government Seosomun Building).  This will be a bit tricky at first, Seosomun has 5 main doors/blocks, and most of the doors will be closed except for Seosomun Building 1.  Find your way to the elevator area showing this sign.  Head-up to 13F. [Reference]

What to expect at the 13F (Jeong-dong Observatory)?

Since the observatory is open to the public only on weekends, coming here at mid-afternoon will not give you any room to do your photoshoot.  There would be a lot of locals dating and kids playing in the area.  There would also be a flock of local photographers already setup their gadgets. 

There is a small cafeteria on this floor, but all the tables and chairs would already be occupied.  So if you want to visit with lesser crowd, visit during  the early hours.

How to go to Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)
Address: 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul  서울 중구 세종대로 99
Direction: Get off at City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 – Exit 2 / Seoul Subway Line 2 – Exit 12, turn left at the exit and walk straight for 30 meters)
Website: http://www.deoksugung.go.kr/default.asp

Summary of 4 days itinerary in 2014 Autumn Seoul Trip:

Day	Places to see	Food and Restaurants	Where to Sleep
Day 1	Dong Seoul Bus Terminal Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal Seoraksan	Seoraksan	24 Guesthouse Sinchon Style
Day 2	Yonsei University Ewha Womans University Museum Hongik University Hongdae Market City Hall: Deoksugung	Ewha Food Court/Canteen Haha's Restaurant Dunkin Donuts	24 Guesthouse Sinchon Style
Day 3	Yeoksam Catholic Church Garosu-gil Road, Gangnam Rubber Ducky at Jamsil DDP - Dongdaemun Design Plaza	The Kona Coffee & Kona Beans Ace Pizza Club Chicken Bus	24 Guesthouse Sinchon Style
Day 4	Kintex for My Love from the Stars	Café del Tren Kintex: With My Recipe Korean Dessert Café Global Kitchen @ Incheon	24 Guesthouse Sinchon Style