1 Course Deoksugung : First & Last Emperor

★ The Deoksugung Palace is the smallest palace among the five palaces of Joseon Dynasty. Yet, it is a place that remembers the most turbulent history of Joseon. In modern times of Joseon when the greed of Japan and the veiled enmity among foreign embassies reached a boiling point, Emperor Gojong endured the sorrow of losing his wife and his poisoning attempted by the Japanese officials, and had to silently bear the humiliation of having to take refuge at the Russian legation. The book unfolds the behind stories of the beautiful stone wall at the Deoksugung Palace where the Joseon Dynasty ended and the history of the Korean Empire began.

★ Publication right

★ Table of Contents

☆ Deoksugung Talk : Touring Seoul with a foreign friend

☆ Deoksugung Guide

☆ Deoksugung Map

☆ Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony : Patrolling Seoul

☆ Gyeongungung vs. Deoksugung

☆ Daehanmun : Front gate of the Deoksugung Palace

☆ The secret behind palace gates

☆ Junghwamun/Junghwajeon

☆ The secret of twin dragons

☆ The secret behind palace main halls and ceiling patterns

☆ The last Emperor Gojong

☆ Jeong/deumu : Fire extinguisher in Joseon Dynasty

☆ Gwangmyeongmun : Rocket weapon in Joseon Dynasty

☆ Seokjojeon : The best art museum of South Korea

☆ Jeukjodang/Junmyeongdang/Seokeodang : Princess Deokhye's Kindergarten

☆ Hannyeongjeon/Jeonggwanheon : The first cafe of South Korea

☆ The poisoning of Gojong

☆ Deoksugung outside Deoksugung

★ 테마여행신문 Theme Travel News

☆ Deoksugung Talk : Touring Seoul with foreign friends

badventure(B) : Hello?

Hyeju(H) : Hi B! My friends are going to visit from China next month. Where is a good place to go with them?

B : Well, that depends on what you want to do?

H : We could go shopping to Myeongdong. We made plans to go to clubs around Hongik University at night, but I don't know what we should do during daytime!

B : It seems like foreign friends know better these days because they get information via the internet.

H : Still, I'd like to introduce them to a great place since they are visiting my homeground!

B : Then, you should go to places that are most Korean.

H :Insadong?

B :Hahahah, Insadong is not bad but you won't be able to find authentic Korean made products there. Besides the Korean food there is so expensive. I've heard that the middle-low price cosmetics are great hits among foreigners and you said you are going to Myeongdong, right? When I say places that are most Korea, I am talking about places you can only find in Korea.

H : So, where can I find these place?

B : Do you know how many palaces are in Seoul?

H : I've been to the Gyeongbokgung Palace!

B : So, how many are there?

H : Ah, I've been to Changdeokgung as well! When I was very young…

B : There are only five palaces in Seoul. That is why it's called the Five Palaces: the Gyeongbokgung Palace right in front of the Gwanghwanum Square, the Changdeokgung Palace and the Changgyeonggung Palace that are close by the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Gyeonghuigung Palace beside Seoul Museum of History, and the Deoksugung Palace in front of Seoul City Hall.

H : Wow, the five palaces! You sound like you know a thing a two about these. You really are a travel writer, aren't you?

B : I'm a busy man.

H : Wait a second! I'll treat you to a great meal!! I really got a lot of help from these friends and I want to do something for them, although I don't have much money. (Hahahah) So, what is the best place among these five palaces?

B : They are all great!

H : Oh, come on!

B : Then, what about Gyeonghuigung?

H :Gyeonghuigung? Why, why? Is it the best place? But, isn't Gyoengbokgung the largest and the most famous palace?

B : Hmmm, this is really a secret, but among the five palaces…

H : ??

B :Gyeonghuigung is the only place that is free of admission charge.

H : Aha, that is good information! But, seriously!! Why do I feel annoyed?

B : You said you don't have money.

H : But still!! I can afford to pay the admission price! Come on, I need your advice!