"Night at Seokjojeon Hall" allows visitors to enjoy an evening tour of Deoksugung Place. (Courtesy of Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation)

This spring, Deoksugung Palace's Seokjojeon Hall, which means "Hall Made of Stone," once again offers guests the opportunity to explore its grounds and catch a glimpse into the past lives of Korea's imperial family while enjoying live music, dessert and tea.

Built during the Daehan Empire (1897-1910), Seokjojeon is reminiscent of a Greek temple and served as a reception hall for guests and the living quarters of the Korean emperor and empress. Soon after its completion in 1910, the Japanese annexation of Korea led to the Hall being turned into an art museum displaying contemporary Japanese art. However, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) has restored the palace, turning it into the Daehan Empire Historical Museum so it can now welcome visitors to explore its own rich history.

The "Seokjojeon at Night " tour is a collaboration between the CHA and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation. It offers visitors a unique experience as they explore nine different areas on the first and second floors of Seokjojeon Hall. These rooms include the central hall, the emperor and empress's bedroom, the library, the dining room and the terrace. In these rooms, guests will find a collection of authentic furniture dating back more than a century, providing valuable insights into the lifestyle of the imperial family at the end of the Joseon Dynasty.

The tour also allows visitors to observe the influence of Western culture on the era through the recurring plum blossom motif. This design was the official symbol of Daehan and the imperial family. It appears not only on the facade of the building, but also on the walls, furniture, pillows and cushions, further enhancing the historical atmosphere of the exhibition.

Displays of royal garments and musicians entertain visitors during the evening tour. (Courtesy of Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation)

After the tour, guests can partake in a unique opportunity out on the terrace of Seokjojeon. A variety of French pastries and hot coffee or iced mulberry tea–all favorites of Emperor Gojong–will be served. The emperor himself enjoyed tea on this very terrace in the evening. Visitors will also be entertained by live cello and violin performances on the terrace.

Though long popular with Koreans and non-Koreans alike, tour tickets are generally hard to come by because they are only available for short periods in the fall and spring. This spring's evening tour program will run from April 16 to May 25, three times a day at 6:15 p.m., 6:50 p.m. and 7:25 p.m. Two tickets can be reserved per person.

Seokjojeon Hall is located in Deoksugung Place, which was built as a temporary palace in 1593, just one year after the Japanese invasion in 1592. In 1611, Deoksugung Place was renamed Gyeongungung Place and became an official palace with a court during the reign of King Gwanghae.

Visitors enjoy drinks and dessert on a terrace at Seokjojeon Hall. (Courtesy of  Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation)

In 1897, Emperor Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire, and Gyeongungung Place became the seat of the imperial court. Seokjojeon Hall, Korea’s first Neoclassical mansion, was constructed to reflect Korea’s new status by blending traditional and Western architectural styles. Then, in 1904, a great fire broke out, resulting in the loss of many buildings. After Emperor Gojong abdicated in 1907 under pressure from the Japanese Empire, the palace was renamed Deoksugung Place.

During the period of Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the palace underwent significant downsizing, resulting in the demolition of most of its buildings. In addition, Deoksugung Palace lost its royal status and Japanese authorities turned it into a park. After the end of Japanese rule in 1945, however, Deoksugung Palace’s Seokjojeon Hall hosted the 1st and 2nd U.S.-Soviet Joint Commissions from 1946 to 1947. Since then, the Korean government has continued its efforts to restore and transform Deoksugung Palace into what it is today.