Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

12.1Km 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.

Yurimmyeon (유림면)

12.1Km 2021-03-29

139-1, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-0659

This store, which has a long history of over 50 years, makes noodles using only Bongpyeong buckwheat. The best menu at this restaurant is buckwheat noodles. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal City Hall (만족오향족발 시청)

12.1Km 2024-03-12

134-7, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-4755

Located close to City Hall station, Manjok Ohyang Jokbal specializes in jokbal (braised pigs' feet). The restaurant has been recognized for its quality by being included in the 2023 Michelin Guide. It is recommended to try jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles) and riceballs, which are perfect for pairing with pork feet. Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Namdaemun Gate are nearby, so visiting them will enrich one's cultural experience.

E-Mart - Pungsan Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트 풍산)

12.2Km 2024-04-22

237, Mugunghwa-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Seoul Drum Festival (서울드럼페스티벌)

12.2Km 2024-04-25

445 Yangneong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-537-7109

Seoul Drum Festival is a representative music festival in Seoul that has been held in spring since 1999. The festival features performances by Korean and international artists along with exhibition and experience booths to learn more about drums. Participants of all ages can joyfully experience percussion in person through hands-on activities.

Nodeul Island (노들섬)

12.2Km 2024-11-01

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Nodeul Island seems like an island floating in the middle of the Hangang River. The island was opened to the public in 2012 as a recreational area while preserving most of its original form. In 2019, the island was equipped with more facilities to serve as a cultural entertainment spot to the public.

Seoul Circus Festival (서울서커스페스티벌)

12.2Km 2025-04-23

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-758-2036

Seoul Circus Festival is Korea's only circus festival. During the fun-filled weekend, performers from all over the world come to showcase their talents and provide fun experiences for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to the circus acts, guests can enjoy movies, exhibitions, and a flea market.

Seoul B-dance Festival (서울비댄스페스티벌)

12.2Km 2024-05-22

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-758-2045

The Seoul B-dance Festival takes place on Nodeulseom Island in the Hangang River and helps kick off the summer season with break dancing and other modern b-boy styles of dance. Enjoy a range of street culture programs outside of dancing, including skateboarding and graffiti art.

Dalgaebi (달개비)

12.2Km 2024-03-15

16 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-82-2-765-2035, 2068

Dalgaebi is a restaurant specializing in Korean table d'hote, using fresh seasonal ingredients. Its flagship menu is the teukseon sangcharim jeongsik (special set menu), which includes porridge, seasonal dishes, main courses, and desserts. The galbi sangcharim (galbi course), featuring premium Korean beef galbi grilled over charcoal and served with soybean paste jjigae, is also popular. Known for its private dining spaces and upscale ambiance, reservations can be made via phone.

King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

12.2Km 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-7713

King Sejong Statue can be found at Seoul’s Gwanghawmun Square. The statue commemorates King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450), the fourth king of Joseon (1392-1897). He is thought to be the greatest king in Korean history, for he is credited with great developments in science and technology, expansion of Joseon’s territory, and the creation of the Korean script, [Hangeul]. King Sejong’s likeness can be found on the 10,000 won bill as well.

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