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

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

1.8Km    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.

Hotel The Plaza (플라자호텔)

1.8Km    2019-02-07

119, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-2200

The hotel is ideally situated in the center of Seoul, located close to many office areas, major banks, the hotel, and the city's main public transportation junctions. Namdaemun Gate and many shopping areas are not too far, making it convenient for business guests and tourists alike. Also, the hotel faces the Blue House and the former City Hall building directly at closer distance, completing a spectacular view over Seoul.

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Myeong-dong (포포인츠 바이 쉐라톤 조선 서울 명동)

1.8Km    2022-06-09

36 , Samil-daero 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Myeong-dong branch is a unique hotel located in Eulji-ro, Seoul. The hotel is located near Eulji-ro and Myeong-dong making it the perfect accommodation for business and leisure guests. There is a restaurant, lounge & bar, fitness center, meeting room, and business center.

Dondwaeji (돈돼지)

1.8Km    2021-03-22

15, Myeongdong, 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-3301

A restaurant famous among not only Koreans but also foreign tourists. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled strip loin. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The Dresser(더 드레서)

1.8Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 중구 정동길 43 (정동)

Kangbuk Samsung Hospital (강북삼성병원)

1.8Km    2025-07-07

29 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Established in 1968, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital has over 50 years of history and is taking a new leap forward with a vision for its centennial year.
Through partnerships with renowned institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and the BBDC in Canada, the hospital delivers advanced medical services while leading the public health arena. It is also committed to systematic research and the development of ICT-integrated digital healthcare, which will be the foundation for future medicine. With an excellent infrastructure that includes clinics and specialized centers (e.g., the Diabetes Center, Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center, Digestive Cancer Center, Musculoskeletal Disease Center, and Prostate Center), Kangbuk Samsung Hospital provides top-quality medical services focused on providing patients with satisfactory treatments. 

Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong (이비스 앰배서더 명동)

1.8Km    2021-05-18

78, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6361-8888

Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong is located in the center of downtown Seoul in Myeong-dong, the heart of the city’s business and shopping district. Its location and reasonable rates make it a good choice for business travelers, and its proximity to the shopping district also attracts tourists. The hotel has a lobby on the building's highest floor, offering a panoramic view of the bustling city. All rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, personal safe, free Internet service, a spacious work desk, and a 24-hour reception service.

Olive Young - Hongdae Daehangno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 홍대대학로)

1.8Km    2024-04-16

57, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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National Meteorological Museum of Korea (국립기상박물관)

1.8Km    2024-03-26

52 Songwol-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A museum where one can look at Korea's meteorological observation history and technological development through exhibitions. The museum has the world's first rain gauge, invented in 1441, in the early Joseon dynasty. The museum operates approximately 350 meteorological observatories across Korea and focuses on promoting the uniqueness and excellence of Korea's meteorological science. There are permanent collections and special exhibitions. The permanent collections focus on the history of meteorological science in Korea. At the same time, the special exhibitions take a closer look at the history and information about meteorological science and natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes) that occurred in various regions of Korea. There are experience programs related to meteorological science, such as making a rain gauge or learning about rain gauges.

Jeongdong Theater (국립 정동극장)

1.8Km    2024-06-19

43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-751-1500

Jeongdong Theater is located along Deoksugung Stone Wall Path and serves as a cultural hub for local citizens. Opened in 1995, Jeongdong Theater is historically significant as it was established to restitute the legacy of Wongaksa, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong Theater features numerous critically-acclaimed productions, such as “Traditional Art Performance,” “Masters Exhibition,” and “Art Frontier,” as well as programs like “Art Stage at Noon” that are geared toward the general public. As a result, Jeongdong Theater has become one of Korea's representative traditional arts performance theaters and was designated as a Seoul Future Heritage in 2015.

The theater successfully held the performance “Miso” in 2010, featuring the traditional musical "Love Songs from Chunhyang," written and created by Jeongdong Theater. The musical attracted many international visitors from all over the world, passing on Korean cultural values and beauty, as well as gaining the attention of critics worldwide. In addition, the theater also produced "The 2nd Story of Miso: Baebijang-jeon," offering a modern interpretation of the fundamental values found in Korea's culture and art.