Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

332.3M 2024-11-28

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.

Namdaemun Market Bondong Clothing Shopping Center (남대문 본동의류상가)

333.2M 2022-09-07

3-2, Namdaemunsijang 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2805

Namdaemun Market Bondong Clothing Shopping Center maintains the traditional market atmosphere unique in Korea. It is home to a slew of restaurants, butcher's shops, and shops selling food items. Jungang-ro, in particular, houses many shops specializing in local Korean food products, attracting international tourists. The western side of Bondong Clothing Center is populated by shops selling stationery, art materials, and small electronics.

Optical Manager - Namdaemun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (안경매니져남대문점)

343.2M 2024-06-27

1F and 2F, 2-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Honam Sikdang (호남식당)

346.7M 2024-03-15

18-6, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-5033

Honam Sikdang is a specialty restaurant for galchi jorim (braised cutlassfish) located in Namdaemun Market. Its signature dish is the spicy and flavorful galchi jorim, known for its robust broth. Another popular dish is the deeply seasoned godeungeo jorim (braised mackerel), which is boiled until the seasoning is well absorbed. A highlight of dining here is the crispy deep-fried cutlassfish served upon ordering. Its cozy atmosphere attracts many visitors seeking a hearty meal.

Whixcom [Tax Refund Shop] (휙스컴)

346.8M 2024-04-18

20-1, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Jeonju Hoegwan (전주회관)

352.6M 2019-08-31

32-1, Sejong-daero 14-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
82-2-778-6689

Well-known among both Koreans and foreigners, this restaurant has been specializing in traditional Korean dishes for more than 50 years. Its gopdol bibimbap is patented and also the most popular dish in the restaurant.

Bvlgari [Tax Refund Shop] (불가리안경)

354.4M 2024-06-27

Store #3, 3, Sowol-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Sungnyemun Imported Goods Shopping Center (숭례문(남대문) 수입상가)

357.6M 2023-06-13

21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-779-2951

Sungnyemun Imported Goods Shopping Center consists of two underground floors within the Daehan Hwaje Building (B3F-22F). The building is easy to locate among the low buildings of Namdaemun Market. In addtion to many items, the shopping center is particularly known for its cameras and audio equipment. Main items also include trekking items, household items, electronics, and fishing gear.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

358.3M 2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

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.

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

358.3M 2024-04-25

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4625

Jeongdong Culture Night is dedicated to promoting the history and culture of Jeongdong, a neighborhood in Jung-gu, Seoul. The festival programs allow participants to understand how the history is connected to today's culture and offers an opportunity to view Jeongdong's cultural facilities in a different perspective.

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