Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

5.1Km 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.

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.

Queen Plaza (퀸프라자)

5.1Km 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.

Samseong Bbalgan Yangnyeom Sutbulgui (삼성 빨간양념 숯불구이)

5.2Km 2020-06-16

37, Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-6449

Samseong Bbalgan Yangnyeomg has been famous for its charcoal-grilled dishes since 1972, and is especially well known for its spicy seasoning made from powdered red pepper, garlic, and ginger. Pork is mixed with the seasoning, giving it the characteristic red color and unique flavor, and then grilled over hot coals. This is the perfect restaurant for spicy food-lovers or those looking for a challenge.
Other dishes include jumulleok (marinated pork) and donggeurangttaeng (batter-fried meatballs). Jumulleok is made by seasoning fresh meat, whereas donggeurangttaeng is made by cutting the frozen meat into small pieces, and then marinating it. Older adults usually prefer jumulleok, while the young prefer donggeurangttaeng.

Olive Young - City Hall Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 시청역)

5.2Km 2024-04-22

1, Sejong-daero 16-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

5.2Km 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)

5.2Km 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.

Whixcom [Tax Refund Shop] (휙스컴)

5.2Km 2024-04-18

20-1, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Omokjip Cityhall(오목집 시청)

5.2Km 2020-10-30

38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-6882

A pig's trotter(s) specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs'' feet. Jokbal (pig's trotter) is a representative food loved by Koreans.

Gyodae Icheungjip Sicheong (교대이층집 시청)

5.2Km 2020-10-30

2F, 38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-6882

A barbecue specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. A store famous for flower-shaped pork belly. The most famous menu is grilled pork belly.

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