Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

3.5Km 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.

Namdaemun Daeho Optic [Tax Refund Shop] (남대문대호안경)

3.5Km 2024-06-27

B1, #7, 32, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

3.5Km 2024-04-19

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

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Choeun Optical - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경 회현)

3.5Km 2024-04-22

Joeun Eyewear, 42, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Choeun Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경)

3.5Km 2024-06-27

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

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Seoul Marina Club & Yacht (서울마리나 요트&클럽)

3.5Km 2025-04-14

160 Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-8400

Located right behind the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, this marina facility has a rather unique scenery that one cannot easily find in Korea, thanks to the view of the Hangang River and the yachts moored at the marina. Professionals operate the yachts here, so safety is guaranteed. Yacht rides here are popular because one can enjoy a sailing experience in the city center. Another draw of the yacht rides here is the scenery of Seoul, especially at night.

Suseongdonggyegok Valley (수성동계곡)

3.5Km 2023-08-17

185-3, Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 옥인동

Suseong-dong Valley's stream runs down from Inwangsan Mountain and joins Cheonggyecheon Stream, and it is said that the name of the village was called Suseong-dong during the Joseon dynasty due to the loud and clear sound of the flowing water. It appears in the painting "Jangdong Palgyeongcheop," which is Jangdong Eight Scenic Views, that depicts the eight scenic views of Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain as well as in other historical books of the Joseon dynasty as a place of scenic beauty. The valley was so famous for its beauty, that Prince Anpyeong of the Joseon dynasty built his house "Bihaedang" to fully enjoy the view, and the valley and its stone bridge were designated as a cultural property of Seoul in 2010.

Runner Station at Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역 러너스테이션)

3.5Km 2025-11-06

343 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

With Seoul’s skyscrapers and the scenic Hangang River, Yeouido has become the top destination for Korean runners. In response to the growing popularity of running along the Hangang among the MZ generation, Yeouinaru Station introduced Runner Station, equipped with essentials like lockers and media boards displaying popular running routes. Wrap up your day with a refreshing run in Yeouido.

New Kaist Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (뉴카이스트안경원)

3.5Km 2024-04-22

12-2, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Optical Manager - Namdaemun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (안경매니져남대문점)

3.5Km 2024-06-27

1F and 2F, 2-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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