Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

1.1Km 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.

Innisfree - Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 명동2가점)

1.1Km 2024-04-22

1F, 2F (Myeongdong 2-ga), 27, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Hongsugye Jjimdak(홍수계찜닭)

1.1Km 2020-10-30

5F, M, Plaza, 27, Myeongdong8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-772-9389

This is a Korean cuisine located in Myeong-dong, Seoul. A store selling Korean-style dishes of chicken with soy sauce. The representative menu is braised chicken.

Myeongdong Mudeungsan Jeongyuk Sikdang (명동무등산정육식당)

1.1Km 2021-03-29

27, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-9292

It is a beef restaurant that serves dinner but also sells meals as special lunch menus. This restaurant's signature menu is marinated grilled ribs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

TUBAn [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 투바앤)

1.1Km 2024-04-23

1955, Goyang-daero, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

-

Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)

1.1Km 2024-03-25

29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-5348

Since 1970, Myeongdong Kyoja has been a staple in Myeongdong for its kalguksu (noodle soup), believed to be the progenitor of the Myeongdong-style kalguksu known for its rich broth and delicious gyoja (mandu). The restaurant's hallmark dish, kalguksu, features handmade noodles served in a deep, flavorful broth. In addition to its famous noodle soup, other beloved dishes include mandu and bibim guksu (spicy noodles).

Tonymoly - Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (토니모리 을지로3가역점)

1.1Km 2024-06-27

B3-14, 131, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

GRANDHAND. Seochon (그랑핸드 서촌)

1.1Km 2023-08-21

14-2, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Lauched in 2014 at a small hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, Korea perfume brand now has six stores around Seoul as well as a cafe brand KOMFORTABLE. With no adversements or online sales, GRANDHAND has preserved its roots for over 7 years. GRANDHAND. Seochon located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and various art museums has customers of all ages and nationalities.

Seoul Global Cultural Center (서울글로벌문화체험센터)

1.1Km 2019-03-18

27, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-7961~3

Seoul Global Cultural Center is located in the heart of Myeong-dong, Seoul's major shopping district. It is more than just an information center. It is an inviting space for global cultural exchange between residents and visitors.

The center not only offers information in English, Chinese, and Japanese, but also facilities such as free internet and coin-operated lockers. Moreover, the center regularly hosts cultural programs.

Kum Bak Yeon [Tax Refund Shop] (금박연)

1.1Km 2024-06-27

24-12, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

-

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