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

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

980.6M    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.

Ziozia Ssts - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (지오지아 SSTS 명동점)

982.0M    2024-04-22

6, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Geumyongmun (금용문)

985.2M    2021-03-23

7, Saemunan-ro,5 ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2502

This is a Chinese (cuisine) located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is dim sum. A restaurant selling authentic Chinese cuisine.

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

985.2M    2024-10-15

7, Saemunanro5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2500

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.

Ilpumdang Premium (일품당프리미엄)

985.2M    2021-04-20

7, Saemunan-ro, 5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1899-4949

A shabu-shabu specialty restaurant located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul. A store with rooms. The most famous menu is shabu-shabu.

Ai Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (아이약국)

988.7M    2024-06-27

20, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Step It Up(스텝잇업)

989.6M    2025-08-22

서울특별시 중구 마른내로 47 (초동)

Myungbo Art Hall (명보아트홀)

989.6M    2025-04-15

47 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located in Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, the heart of Seoul, Myungbo Art Hall is a cultural complex that consists of a professional theatre hall. Renovated from Myungbo Theater in 2009, Myungbo Art Hall is equipped with state-of-the-arts lighting and sound equipment that guarantees high-quality theatre experience for the audience. In addition, the hall also has comfortable seats along with other amenities for the audience's convenience. Myungbo Art Hall aims to globalize Korean performance culture by creating a variety of content that incorporate Korean theatre with tourism. This area is also where the house of Admiral Yi Sun-sin was located, which is honored with a memorial plaque listing his accomplishments.

A Moment in Time - Live Caricature & Gallery (시간을 담다)

990.7M    2021-03-25

20-1, Samil-daero 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-10-8895-3368

A Moment in Time adds in aspects of Korean traditions, customs, and landmarks like hanbok, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Korean mystical animals into caricature artworks, serving as an excellent souvenir for both locals and travelers. The gallery also offers hands-on programs like coloring caricature and traditional folk art. In addition, original design products from A Moment in Time are also available, making great gifts.

JUMP(코믹 마샬아츠 퍼포먼스 ‘점프’)

992.6M    2025-07-21

47, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul