Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

4.8Km 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.

Seoul Hanok Stay (JNP Stay) (서울한옥스테이(jnpstay))

4.9Km 2024-10-30

7-28 , Jahamun-ro 1na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul Hanok Stay (JNP Stay) is a private hanok stay located 3 minutes' walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Station. You can play traditional Korean games such as jejichagi (hacky sack), yut nori (board game), and tuho (arrow-throwing) in the yard, and cooking barbecue adds to the charm of the hanok. From the yard, you can enjoy the sky view, feel the gentle breeze, and observe raindrops falling from the eaves.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

4.9Km 2025-11-05

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul that has been maintained in one place since it opened in 1951. Recently, it has been refurbished as a cultural space with a cafe, where one can enjoy coffee, exhibitions, and performances while looking at the yard. Visitors who just want to browse can purchase a souvenir postcard set for admission. Taking a closer look at books that feel the years and objects that have traces of use, they appear to come rather new.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

4.9Km 2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.

STAY dayoff (스테이 데이 오프)

4.9Km 2024-12-23

6 , Jahamun-ro 1da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Stay Day Off is a hanok stay just off Jahamun-no - known locally as ‘Food Street’ - in Seochon Village to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. It’s a 5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3, so transport access is good. The main building comprises two bedrooms with queen-size bed, a living room and kitchen, and two bathrooms. The annex building is rather special: it has a bath and sauna behind a window wall with a fine view of the hanok garden. There’s a 10% discount for guests staying more than two nights during the week.

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

4.9Km 2024-06-19

53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) restaurant operated by Chef Park Chanil. Its distinctive feature lies in using only black pork loin and shoulder to enhance the flavor. The signature dish is the dwaeji gukbap, which boasts a mild, clean, and deep flavor. In addition to that, they also offer dwaeji suyuk (boiled pork slices) and pisundae (sundae with pork blood). Known for its authentic taste of rice soup and rich broth, it's a popular destination for many.

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

4.9Km 2024-10-15

7, Saemunanro5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul

A store with rooms reproducing a traditional kitchen. The best menu at this restaurant is napa wraps with pork. This is a Korean cuisine located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul.

Luii (루이)

4.9Km 2024-07-17

40, Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Luii is a Chinese restaurant operated by a veteran chef with extensive experience in Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has several rooms of different sizes to accommodate various events. It also has a VIP room for more private gatherings.

Hanok Guesthouse Dongchonchae (한옥 게스트하우스 동촌재)

4.9Km 2024-12-23

21-10 , Jahamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dongchonjae is a hanok guesthouse in Seochon, Jongno, Seoul. The the Anchae(women's quarters) consists of four sleeping rooms and a cheongmaru lounge space, plus kitchen and toilet. (There are also shared toilets in the yard.) Cooking is not allowed, but guests are welcome to bring in prepared food. A free breakfast is provided. Guests can watch movies in the yard or main hall, and can use the refrigerator and washing machine. A guided night tour of Seoul City Wall is offered, as is a tea ceremony, and rice-cake making experience.

Sejong Village Food Street (세종마을 음식문화거리)

4.9Km 2025-06-17

Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Previously known as Geumcheongyo Market, it was officially named Sejong Village Food Street in 2011, as King Sejong was born in this village. The street is full of lively energy and features both long-standing restaurants, also known as nopo in Korean, and recently established trendy eateries. Its convenient location and inviting atmosphere make it a popular place to visit.

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