Deoksugung Dondeokjeon, First Opened to Countries with Diplomatic Relations with the Korean Empire

"The Purpose of Promising Fellowship for the Coming 100 Years"

Deondeokjeon in Deoksugung, which will open this September, will first be unveiled to diplomats from the twelve countries that had diplomatic relations with the Korean Empire.

The Cultural Heritage Administration’s Office of Palaces and Royal Tombs will hold a 'preview' event on the 26th, preserving the original purpose of Deondeokjeon. About thirty people, including eight diplomats from countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France, as well as influencers from each country, will be invited to create a platform for public diplomacy. An official from the office explained, "The descendants of the twelve countries that established diplomatic ties and shared friendship with the Korean Empire 100 years ago will meet again at the reconstructed Deondeokjeon to pledge friendship for the next 100 years to come."

Deondeokjeon was the diplomatic space of the Korean Empire. It was established in 1903 within the royal palace to showcase the image of a modern nation equal to Western powers and to demonstrate the will to protect sovereignty to the world. It was built in an ornate architectural style popular in Paris, France, at the time. It served as the emperor’s reception hall for diplomatic envoys, a banquet hall, and accommodation for foreign dignitaries, but was demolished in 1926 during the Japanese colonial period.

The Cultural Heritage Administration has been reconstructing the building since 2015 based on research and excavation. Currently, exhibition production and interior work are underway. An official from the office stated, "We plan to create exhibition and archive spaces and open them domestically and internationally to restore this historic site and utilize it as a venue for public diplomacy and future cultural exchange."