Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

5.1Km 2023-02-22

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

5.1Km 2020-06-16

76, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-9504

Hyundai Kalguksu is a kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) restaurant that has been in the family for two generations (1982). The restaurant is extremely popular among people working at nearby businesses, thanks to the rich flavor of the broth. Anchovies, dried pollack heads, and kelp are simmered for many hours, and then, other ingredients are added: soft noodles and various vegetables including pumpkin, onion, and green onions. The restaurant is famous for the exquisite taste of its kalguksu, as well as for its large servings. Just one bowl is enough to satisfy a starving man, but if you are still hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for more rice or noodles for free. Another unforgettable specialty here is kimchi. You will also be able to enjoy geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) and kkakdugi (sliced white-radish kimchi), which is fermented for about three days.

Kim's Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (김안경)

5.1Km 2024-06-27

1F, D-10, 9, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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India Art [Tax Refund Shop] (인도예술)

5.1Km 2024-06-26

1F, D-61, 9, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Taesan Total Kitchen [Tax Refund Shop] (태산종합주방)

5.1Km 2024-06-27

3F, D-35, 9, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Kim's Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (김안경)

5.1Km 2024-06-27

9, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jeongdong Culture Festival (정동문화축제)

5.1Km 2024-10-11

Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-1603

Jeongdong Culture Festival brings an autumn ambience to Jeongdong-gil in Jung-gu, Seoul. The festival aims to promote the attractions within the area through various events and exhibitions.

Grain De Beaute [Tax Refund Shop] (그랭드보떼)

5.1Km 2024-04-19

1F, 34, Namdaemunsijang 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Queen Plaza (퀸프라자)

5.2Km 2021-06-19

29, Namdaemunsijang 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-8400

Queen Plaza offers diverse items for people of varying ages from children to seniors. Consisting of many shops, it is particularly popular among families. On the third floor, designer clothing and accessories can be found.

Gimjinmoksam (김진목삼)

5.2Km 2021-03-23

51, Jahamun-ro, 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-929-2929

This is a place where the staff directly grills pork that has been certified by Handon. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is grilled pork shoulder.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식) - Area information - Korea travel information