The Korean Empire and Jeongdong-gil Walking Tour : From Deoksung Palace to Zero Milestone
Joined 2024
In the 19th century, Korea was a time of enlightenment of civilization. With the expansion of Western powers into Asia, Korea became the stage for diplomats and missionaries from America and European countries. Deoksugung Palace, which experienced upheaval after King Gojong declared the Korean Empire, talks about the past. Along the walkway leading to Gwanghwamun Square, the zero milestone is the starting point to understand Korea.
Itinerary
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Meeting Point
In front of Ticket office, Deoksung Palace
- Take subway Line 1 or Line 2 and get off at City Hall Station. When you come out of exit # 2 of City Hall Station, you will find Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung Palace. The meeting point is in front of the ticket office right next to Daehanmun.
Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace retains many history of Korea. It has a painful history behind its beautiful appearance. What used to be the residence of 9th King Seongjong's elder brother (Prince Wolsan) in Joseon Dynasty became the palace for the first time where the king started living one day after he returned from the shelter due to Imjin war in 1592.
Later, King Gojong, who left Gyeongbokgung Palace during a tumultuous period in the 19th century and stayed in the Russian legation, declared the Korean Empire in 1897 and became the emperor himself.
Then, around Gyeongwoongung Palace, the residence of the emperor, the embassies and legations of the Western powers established the their sites and became the No. 1 diplomatic sites. Joseon, called the Land of the Morning Calm, is now under a beacon of reform. Emperor Gojong, who, although weak in power, wanted to show the power of the Korean Empire, asked to build a modern stone structure along with the traditional hanok building at Deoksugung Palace. In 1907, King Gojong stepped down as emperor. Emperor Sunjong, who ascended throne, gave the name Deoksu for the virtue and longevity of his father Gojong, and from then on, Gyeongwoongung became Deoksugung Palace. In addition, the Korean Empire was defeated in 1910 without being able to withstand the physical power of Japan. With this, the Lee Joseon Dynasty, which began in 1392, went through the Korean Empire for a short period of eight years, putting an end to its 518-year history.
Jeongdong-gil
There is a beautifully decorated road along the stone wall walkway of Deoksugung Palace. In the Joseon Dynasty, there was Jeongneung, the tomb of the queen, so it was called Jeongneung-dong, and later became Jeongdong. Unlike Bukchon Hanok Village and Seochon Hanok Village, which were located near Gyeongbokgung Palace in the Joseon Dynasty, there were few resident houses in Jeong-dong. However, Joseon, which became a battleground for the Western powers in the 19th century, was no longer a country of morning calm. Around Gyeongungung Palace (the old name of Deokgusung), embassies and legatees of the Western powers began to situate. Since then, Jeong-dong has become the No. 1 diplomatic stage of each country. The missionaries who arrived in Joseon built churches and schools and started missionary work and education. Baejae Hakdang and Ewha Hakdang, the first public schools in Joseon, were training centers for the elite who led Korea after modernization. Jeongdong Methodist Church and Anglican Cathedral became gathering places, and were with the modernization of Korea. Along Jeongdong-gil, the Seoul Museum of Art, the National Jeongdong Theater, and the Yewon School are places where you can see the passion and talent of Koreans who love art.
Gojonguigil(The path taken by Gojong), the path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace
The 120m-long path leading form the stone wall of Deoksung Palace to the Jeongdong Park Russian Legation is thought to be the one taken by King Gojong(r.1863-1907) when he took refuge in the Russian Legation in 1896. After his wife, Queen Minbi (Later she became posthumous Empress Myeonseon), was killed in 1895 at Gyeongbokgung Palace, King Gojong was threatened and feared. Then, King Gojong with his son, Sunjong, escaped Gyeongbokgung Palace and hid themselves in the Russian legation. After living in the Russian legation for about a year, in 1897, he returned to the then Gyeongun Palace(Old name of Deoksugung) to declare the Korean Empire. Let's walk along the path of King Gojong, who must have felt lonely. Then, let's go on to the path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace. The path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace is the one that led from Gojong's path to the one of Deoksugung Palace. The path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace, where the British Embassy is located, is so quiet and beautiful. Especially, the path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace, which is walked in spring and fall, is really magnificent.
Cecilmaru Observatory, Seohakdang-gil
Cecilmaru Observatory is an observation deck on the roof of the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea. It is a place where you can see Seoul Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary & Nicholas, Deoksugung Palace, and Seoul City Hall behind the Jeongdong Theater.
The Anglican church of Korea began in 1890 with the missionary work of Bishop John Carfesent by the Church of England. Yangijae, which was in charge of modern education for the royal family during the Korean Empire, is located in the area of Seoul Anglican Cathedral. Seohakdang-gil, which starts from the exit of Seoul Anglican Cathedral, is the place where Seohakdang-gil, a government-run educational institution during the Joseon Dynasty, was located. Let's walk along Seohakdang-gil to the zero milestone, the starting point of all roads in Korea.
Zero Milestone
The Zero Milestone is a reference point for road markings that indicate how much distance to a specific area is left. The Zero Milestone in Seoul is located at the center of Sejong-daero intersection in Gwanghwamun Station. Based on the zero milestone, the direction and distance to each point in Korea are determined.
Ending Point
Ganghwamun Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* Professional tour guide fee
* Free photo service
* Subway ticket
* Admission fees : KRW 1,000 for Deoksugung Palace
* Food and Beverages
* Personal expenses
* Traveler's insurance
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
Important message from the supplier
Service is available even at dawn or late night including pick-up and sending at Incheon International Airport.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Charlie C.
Hello, I am Charlie, a tour guide. It’s very nice to meet you!
I warmly welcome you to Korea.
Korea is a beautiful country with 5,000 years of history.
Drawing on my experience working for a Korean government agency and my expertise in Korean history and culture, I would like to introduce you to many tourist attractions, including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province.
Join me on a journey, and let’s have a wonderful time together. Thank you very much!
$220/ per group
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