The Palace That Doesn’t Look "Korean"
Name: Seokjojeon (Deoksugung Palace)
Architect: G.R. Harding (British)
Approximate Date: 1910
Materials: Granite, Wood, Plaster
Location: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
When you think of a Korean palace, you would probably imagine wooden beams, tiled roofs, and peaceful gardens. Then you turn to Deoksugung and WOAH—you’re looking at what looks like a Greek temple or a miniature White House. This is Seokjojeon.
I chose this specific architecture because its identity is quite confusing. It challenges our traditional "point of view" of what a Korean palace looks like. Just by looking at the photo, you would probably think it was in London or D.C. It forces the viewer to ask: Why is this here? and represents a time when Korea was desperately trying to modernize to keep its independence.
The history of Seokjojeon is quite bittersweet. It was commissioned by Emperor Gojong at the end of the 19th century. From a Korean perspective, it was a symbol of the "Great Han Empire", which is a way to show the world that Korea was a modern, sovereign nation equal to the West.
However, from a Colonial perspective, its completion in 1910 coincided exactly with the Japanese annexation of Korea. The Japanese then turned it into an art gallery, stripping it of its status as a royal residence. After the Korean War, it was used as a UN commission building and then a museum. It has been a palace, a gallery, a political meeting ground, and now a restored historical site.
What Makes It Unique is that it is the only Neo-Renaissance style palace in Korea. The contrast is prevalent: you have traditional Hanok structures with curved roofs on one side, and strict, Roman-style columns on the other.
Standing in front of Seokjojeon made me feel a bit sad, but also impressed. It shows that "Korean Architecture" is a collection of all the influences, both forced and chosen, that have shaped the country.
References
Seokjojeon Hall: A Symbol of the Korean Empire. (n.d.). Cultural Heritage Administration
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr
Deoksugung Palace: The Palace of Virtuous Longevity. (2024). Visit Korea
Architectural History of Modern Korea. (2025). Seoul Metropolitan Government Archives.
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