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

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

1.9Km    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.

The Unexpected Man(홀연했던 사나이)

1.9Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 259 (명륜2가)

Ewha Centennial Hall (이화여고100주년기념관)

Ewha Centennial Hall (이화여고100주년기념관)

1.9Km    2024-02-20

26 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ewha Centennial Hall is a multimedia education center located next to Ewha Girls' High School. Spanning underground and five above-ground floors, it features a gallery, a cafe, music rooms, individual practice rooms, and audio-visual rooms. The Hwaham Hall on the first and second floors is utilized for performances such as musicals and concerts, as well as educational events.

Ilbeonji Yang Daechang Myeongdong Branch (일번지양대창 명동)

Ilbeonji Yang Daechang Myeongdong Branch (일번지양대창 명동)

1.9Km    2024-03-15

2F, 33 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-773-3150

Ilbeonji Yang Daechang is a specialty restaurant for grilled beef or pork small intestines located on Myeongdong Street. Its main menu features various intestines of beef or pork, including large and small intestines, grilled in the Korean barbecue style. Additionally, they offer options like grilled beef and pork galbi, as well as small intestine hot pot.

Artbox - Daehangno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아트박스 대학로)

1.9Km    2024-04-22

22, Daemyeong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Golden Dew - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (골든듀 롯데본점)

Golden Dew - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (골든듀 롯데본점)

1.9Km    2024-04-17

81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Coach - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (코우치 롯데본점)

Coach - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (코우치 롯데본점)

1.9Km    2024-04-18

81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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AK Golf - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에이케이골프 롯데본점)

AK Golf - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에이케이골프 롯데본점)

1.9Km    2024-04-23

2F, 10, Docheong-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Ganeshi - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (가네시 롯데본점)

Ganeshi - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (가네시 롯데본점)

1.9Km    2024-04-18

B1 of Lotte Department Store, 81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Lotte Department Store - Store Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데백화점 본점)

Lotte Department Store - Store Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데백화점 본점)

1.9Km    2024-04-23

81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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