Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)
9.7Km 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.
Gomguksijib (곰국시집)
9.7Km 2016-10-21
24, Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-756-3249~50
Gomguksi is a soup consisting of handmade noodles and beef slices in a thick and rich beef broth. Gomguksi became famous through word-of-mouth by tourists from the neighboring country of Japan. These days the restaurant is always crowded with people. Also, the side dishes that accompany Gomguksi are extremely delicious.
Olive Young - Mugyodong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 무교동점)
9.7Km 2024-06-26
1F, 24, Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
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Hanji Chueok (Recollections) (한지추억)
9.7Km 2022-09-16
6, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-2059
Hanji Chueok (Recollections) is one of the better-known craft shops in Insa-dong and has even been featured by a number of international magazines. Prepared using traditional Korean processing methods, hanji is a type of beautiful, high-quality paper. Hanji Chueok is a great place to experience the tradition of hanji crafts; accessories, photo frames, and interior design items line the store shelves. Visitors can not only purchase extremely well-crafted items, but can also participate in seminars taught by professional artists to learn how to make their own hanji items. Visitors can take home their hanji creations as a lovely souvenir at the conclusion of the seminar.
Insa-dong Antique Art Street (인사동 고미술거리)
9.7Km 2025-03-16
29 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-2235
As of today, there are approximately 70 shops in the Insa-dong area that sell antique arts. Some of the products they sell include antique artworks, porcelains, woodcrafts, and metalwork. Visitors may even find rare and valuable products such as earthenware from the Silla period or white porcelain used in the Joseon dynasty. Each shop is a specialty store, authorized to sell product types that are of their expertise, ranging from antique furniture and traditional artworks to handcrafted items.
Isae (이새)
9.7Km 2020-04-24
43-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6713-5592
Targetting middle-aged customers and senior citizens, Isae only uses chemical-free fabrics. Natural fabrics and dyeing characterize clothing in Isae along with functional comfort. Both modern and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) styles are available.
Seoul Grand Park (서울대공원)
9.7Km 2023-03-17
102, Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-2-500-7335
Seoul Grand Park is a family-friendly amusement park consisting of various themed facilities that promote the growth and preservation of diverse animals and plants.
[Seoul Zoo]
Seoul Zoo aims to provide an ideal environment for animals to grow and live as well as exhibit, preserve, and research rare animals and educate the public. As a result of the zoo's hard work and efforts, it is the only zoo in Korea to be certified as a member of both ISIS and IUDZG-WZO.
[Botanical Garden]
Seoul Grand Park's Botanical Garden was opened in 1985 amidst the lush forest situated at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain. The garden consists of a greenhouse, exhibition facilities, and themed gardens that boast a collection of over 41,000 plants from 1,262 different species. The greenhouse preserves and exhibits tropical and subtropical plants that are not found in Korea. Moreover, the Botanical Garden offers various activities and experience programs related to plants and forests.
[Theme Garden]
The Theme Garden is one of the most representative facilities of Seoul Grand Park. The Theme Garden consists of a Rose Garden and Children's Zoo. Seasonal plants and flowers as well as diverse themed garden programs are offered.
[Healing Place]
The Healing Place is a forest formed at the foothills of Cheonggyesan Mountain that surrounds the border of Seoul Grand Park. Main facilities consist of Healing Forest Walkway; Water, Wind & Sunshine Healing Zone; Barefoot Road; Aroma Garden; and Forest Plaza.
[Healing Forest Walkway]
Healing Forest Walkway is a walking path lined by diverse trees that form a lush forest serving as a habitat for small animals like squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and more. The walking path is approximately 8 kilometers long and divided into four sections. The shortest course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, while the full course requires 3 hours.
[Campsite]
The campsite within the Seoul Grand Park is the perfect place to camp out, hold picnics and enjoy recreational activities with friends and families. The main facilities consist of a campsite, volleyball court, basketball court, snack bar, and shower facilities. The campsite is open from March to November, except in the case of harsh weather conditions.
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