SEOUL, June 27 (Korea Bizwire) — The Dondeokjeon Hall in Deoksu Palace, which underwent reconstruction and is scheduled to open in September, was previewed on Monday by diplomats and influencers from 12 countries that once had diplomatic relations with the Korean Empire (1897~1910).
Dondeokjeon, a Western-style guesthouse, was originally constructed in the imperial palace between 1902 and 1903 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of King Gojong’s coronation. It served as a diplomatic venue, symbolizing Korea’s status as a modern nation equal to Western powers and committed to safeguarding its sovereignty.
Designed in an elaborate architectural style popular in Paris, France, it functioned as a space for the emperor to receive diplomatic envoys, host banquets, and entertain foreign guests of state. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Japanese occupation between 1921 and 1926. Subsequently, a children’s amusement park was built on the site in 1933.
The preview event took place at Deoksu Palace on Monday at 2 p.m., as confirmed by the Cultural Heritage Administration. Thirty individuals, including diplomats from eight out of the 12 countries that maintained diplomatic relations with the Korean Empire from 1876 to 1902, as well as influencers from 12 countries, participated in the event, celebrating the reconstruction of Dondeokjeon.
Among the notable attendees were Ambassador Michael Reiffenstuel of Germany, Ambassador Wolfgang Angerholzer of Austria, Ambassador François Bontemps of Belgium, Paul Clementson, Director Korea at the British Council, Michela Linda Magri, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul, Ludovic Guillot, the Cultural Counselor at the French Embassy in Korea, Szer András, Deputy Director of the Hungarian Cultural Center Seoul, and Mrs. Choi, the wife of the Ambassador of Denmark.
The Cultural Heritage Administration initiated the reconstruction of Dondeokjeon in 2015. Following extensive research, excavation, construction, and exhibit production, it will establish a book and archive space within the premises and officially open Dondeokjeon to the public in September. The restored Dondeokjeon will serve as a platform for public diplomacy, preserving historical spaces and facilitating future cultural exchanges.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
