Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

313.9365039772681m 112558 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.

Bugeogukjip (북어국집)

320.1111858368488m 10919 2022-02-18

38, Eulji-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3891

Bugeogukjip (formerly “Teojutgol”) is a restaurant behind City Hall in Seoul that has been serving up authentic dried Pollack soup since 1968. Despite a name change, the restaurant has proudly stood in this same location for decades, earning a strong reputation for its dried Pollack soup made using traditional cooking methods.

Since the restaurant only serves one thing—dried Pollack soup—there are few preparations to be made and the meal arrives on your table in minutes. Customers are free to serve themselves basic side dishes such as kimchi and can have as many servings of rice as they’d like, allowing diners to enjoy a hearty meal at a low price. While the restaurant’s design and menu may be simple, Bugeogukjip takes pride in its long history and the careful efforts that have earned it a reputation as one of the most notable restaurants in Seoul.

Yu Yuan (유 유안)

320.90005999931157m 15 2017-02-24

97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

With a name derived from Shanghai's beautiful garden, Yu Yuan displays the glamorous exuberance and abundance of Shanghai in the 1920s. Offered menus are mostly based on Guangdong cuisine along with other Chinese regional specialties such as Bejing Duck.

Homeplus Express - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (홈플러스익스프레스 광화문)

325.09875284342615m 0 2024-04-18

91, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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ITALASIAN (이딸라시안)

326.22299488369543m 549 2021-08-09

91, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-2272

It is a restaurant known for its large servings. This restaurant's signature menu is spaghetti. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Olive Young - Sejong-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 세종로)

328.80105567656585m 0 2024-04-16

161, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Four Seasons Charles H. (포시즌스호텔서울 찰스.H)

328.9137057876207m 0 2024-03-15

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This bar is named after the legendary American writer Charles H. Baker. It is inspired by speakeasy bars, which were bars hidden from sight during the Prohibition period, so its door blends into the surrounding walls. So, when one steps into the space, it is like stepping into a secret hangout. A cover charge of 10,000 won gives patrons a welcome drink, finger foods, and snacks. The menu is inspired by cocktails that Charles H. Baker had across the world, such as New York City, Mexico, Shanghai, Cuba, and Tahiti. It won 7th place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and 42nd place in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. The ambience is relaxed, and attentive services ensure that you can have a comfortable time here.

Seoul Street Art Festival (서울거리예술축제)

345.09944633140697m 53534 2023-09-11

12, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3437-6455

Seoul Street Art Festival is held throughout Seoul and introduces high quality street performances.

Kumho Art Hall (금호아트홀)

351.00359790516234m 11323 2021-05-28

76, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6303-1977

Kumho Art Hall was built in 2000 exclusively for classical music concerts, with 390 seats, the perfect structure for chamber concerts. All seats are recital hall chairs and the wide spacing between rows of chairs helps the audience to have a pleasant time. Upon entering the theater, all cell phones will turn off automatically. This helps all visitors to enjoy the concert without being interrupted by ringing cell phones. The interior is cozy and luxurious, and the stage is made of maple.

Songa Myeongga (손가명가)

354.72316302260174m 176 2021-03-19

13, Dadong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-1013

This Korean cuisine is located near Euljiro 1(il)ga Station, Seoul. It is a popular restaurant for group dinners. The representative menu is pork and kimchi stew.

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