Deoksugung Palace, formerly Gyeongungung Palace, was the imperial palace of the Korean Empire, an empire proclaimed in 1897. Deoksugung was originally the private residence of Grand Prince Wolsan, the older brother of Joseon's 9th monarch, King Seongjong, and later home to his descendants. In 1592 (25th year of King Seonjo's reign), when all the palaces in the capital were destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea, it was used as a temporary palace starting in 1593 (26th year of King Seonjo's reign) and was called Jeongneung-dong Temporary Palace. Later, in 1611 (3rd year of King Gwanghaegun's reign), it was named Gyeongungung Palace and became a formal palace, but after Changdeokgung Palace was rebuilt, it remained a detached palace. Then, in 1897 (1st year of Gwangmu), when Emperor Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire and ascended to the throne, it was used as the imperial palace of the Korean Empire. Afterward, its scale was expanded and its formality enhanced to suit an imperial palace, and Western-style buildings began to be constructed within the palace, creating a harmony between traditional and Western architecture. However, many buildings were lost in a major fire in 1904 (8th year of Gwangmu), and in 1907, when Emperor Gojong was forced to abdicate by imperial Japan, the palace's name was changed to Deoksugung. After the Japanese colonial period, Deoksugung's scale was significantly reduced, and most buildings were demolished. At the same time, it was transformed into a park, losing its appearance as a royal palace. In 1946-47, the 1st and 2nd US-Soviet Joint Commissions were held at Seokjojeon Hall in Deoksugung. Since then, Deoksugung has undergone continuous restoration to its current appearance.