PHOTO KOREA

  Deoksugung Palace is a historic palace located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. It was originally built during the Joseon Dynasty in the 15th century and was expanded over the centuries by subsequent rulers. The palace is known for its unique blend of traditional Korean and Western architectural styles, reflecting the influence of Western culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The palace consists of several buildings and gardens, including the Junghwajeon Hall, which was used for important state affairs, and the Seokjojeon Hall, a Western-style building that was used as a residence by King Gojong. The palace also features a beautiful stone wall that surrounds the grounds, as well as a traditional Korean gate called Daehanmun. One of the highlights of a visit to Deoksugung Palace is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place several times a day. During the ceremony, guards dressed in traditional uniforms perform a parade and a ritual guard exchange, givin