Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식) - Area information - Korea travel information

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

2.1Km    2025-07-11

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-1645

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Roomin Bukchon (루민북촌)

Roomin Bukchon (루민북촌)

2.1Km    2024-12-13

13-12 , Bukchon-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8098-4497

Located in Gahoe-dong, Seoul, Roomin Bukchon is a private hanok accommodation in a residential area near Bukchon Hanok Village. It is 23.14㎡ in size, so it is not very spacious, but it is sufficient to accommodate two people. It is equipped with a Balmuda toaster, an induction cooktop, a bathroom with a shower, and a bedroom with a beam projector to ensure that there are no conveniences. Guests are also provided with aromatherapy amenities and drip coffee bags from a popular cafe nearby, as well as access to a washing machine. You will find major tourist attractions nearby, including the Palace, Insa-dong, and Hanok Village.

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

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

2.1Km    2024-04-16

57, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Korea Art Festival (대한민국 미술축제)

Korea Art Festival (대한민국 미술축제)

2.1Km    2025-07-31

57 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7575-0980

Korea Art Festival is the nation's largest art festival that connects the 12 major art fairs and biennales taking place nationwide. The 2025 festival takes place in September, inviting visitors to enjoy the world of art.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산])

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산])

2.1Km    2025-07-21

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Insa Art Space (인사미술공간)

Insa Art Space (인사미술공간)

2.1Km    2021-02-26

89, Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-760-4722

Insa Art Space was established in 2000 to support artists who are experiencing financial difficulties. In 2005, Art Space started to develop artistic projects and in 2006, the gallery began to provide project consultations, and publishing and marketing, to develop into a stronger self-sufficient gallery. Currently, the gallery provides special exhibitions for artists and independent curators.

Boan1942 (보안1942)

2.1Km    2023-08-17

33 , Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Prior to becoming an art space in 2007, Tongui-dong Boan served as a place for rest for travelers from 1942 to 2005. After a short suspension, the place was renovated into a cultural space in 2017 to carry on the historical legacy and provide creative inspiration under the concept of "Boanstay." 

Boan1942 is divided into a cultural space consisting of a cafe, project workshop, book shop, and exhibition area, and Boanstay on the 3rd and 4th floors that offer temporary lodging services to the cultural nomads. Located in Seochon, the center of culture, history, and convenient traffic in Seoul, Boanstay offers a splendid view of Seoul's historical and cultural assets such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae, and Seochon Hanok Village.

<Credit: Boanstay>

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

2.1Km    2021-12-21

10, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3673-2778

Opened in April 2004, Dong-Lim Knot Museum exhibits a variety of decorative traditional Korean maedeup (knots): norigae for hanbok, belts, pouches, as well as materials like thread, cord, and accessories. Housed in a hanok, a traditional Korean house, the gallery has a variety of exhibits, including old and new artwork, and creations that reflect modern trends.

Hong Chun Cheon Dongdaemun(홍춘천 동대문)

Hong Chun Cheon Dongdaemun(홍춘천 동대문)

2.1Km    2020-10-30

5, Jangchungdan-ro, 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2273-7888

A chicken specialty restaurant located in Dongdaemun Gate, Seoul. The most famous menu is spicy stir-fried chicken with cheese. A restaurant where you can try Korean BBQ chicken.