Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관(서소문본관))

517.8M 2024-06-19

61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2124-8800

The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a space for all to meet and experience the joy of art. Located in the center of Jeong-dong, a district that retains traces of Seoul’s modern and contemporary history, the museum integrates the historical facade of the former Supreme Court with modern architecture. In addition to various programs―encompassing exhibitions, educational outreach initiatives, screenings, workshops, performances, and talks, communal spaces including SeMA Cafe, the artbook store, the open space lobby, and the outdoor sculpture park SeMA WALK provide a rich range of ways for visitors to experience art.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

519.5M 2025-07-11

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.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

519.8M 2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

519.8M 2025-05-20

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4625

Jeongdong Culture Night is dedicated to promoting the history and culture of Jeongdong, a neighborhood in Jung-gu, Seoul. The festival programs allow participants to understand how the history is connected to today's culture and offers an opportunity to view Jeongdong's cultural facilities in a different perspective.

Myeongdong Yeongyang Center (명동 영양센터)

525.9M 2024-03-11

52, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-2015

Myeongdong Yeongyang Center specializes in roasted chicken and ginseng chicken soup. The jeongi gui tongdak (rotisserie chicken) is light and juicy with just the right amount of fat, and the crispy skin is excellent. The vinegar-marinated radishes are a must-have side dish. Samgye tang (ginseng chicken soup) is also the signature dish of the restaurant. The lunch special, Tongdak set menu (Roasted chicken set menu), features roasted chicken, chicken soup, nutritional bread, and vegetables, offering a satisfying ensemble.

Myeong-dong Myeong Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (명동명약국)

525.7M 2024-04-19

#102, 11, Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olens - Myeong-dong Embassy Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 명동대사관점)

533.6M 2024-04-22

50, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Appenzeller Noble Memorial Museum (배재학당 역사 박물관)

546.0M 2022-10-14

19, Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-319-5578

The Appenzeller Noble Memorial Museum is dedicated to Henry Gerhart Appenzeller, the missionary who opened the first Western-style educational institution in Korea in 1885. The school started with English and core subjects, but expanded into the Pai Chai University, Pai Chai High School, and Pai Chai Middle School and has many famous alumni, including Rhee Syng-man. The memorial hall opened in 2008 in the east wing of the original school building, which was built in 1916 and designated as a Seoul Monument. With dynamically arranged permanent exhibitions, annual special exhibitions and special lectures, the museum offers a unique learning experience to visitors and people with an interest in the history of education in Korea.

Kaist Optical Shop [Tax Refund Shop] (카이스트안경)

550.6M 2024-04-22

49, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Gentle Monster - Zeus Eyewear Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (젠틀몬스터 제우스안경 명동(위탁))

557.8M 2024-04-18

2F, 105, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관(서소문본관)) - Area information - Korea travel information