Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

6.9Km 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 Gongyesa [Tax Refund Shop] (서울공예사)

6.9Km 2024-04-16

1F, 27-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Tenants of Subway Line 2(2호선 세입자)

6.9Km 2025-06-10

서울특별시 종로구 대학로10길 5 (동숭동)

Insa-Dong National Souvenir Center (한국관광명품점(인사동))

6.9Km 2020-11-07

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-6529

Operated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and Korea Tourism Association, the National Souvenir Center has strict standards for the brands sold, only allowing those which have won various prizes and passed thorough screening. Shoppers can be assured of high quality and high class products.

Art Center K (아트센터 K)

6.9Km 2022-09-08

101, Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Art Center K (formerly Wonder Space) opened in February 2012, offers art programs in Daehangno, a neighborhood of youth, romance and culture. It also supports artists through creative activities, exchanges, and trainings, while serving as a performing art hall where people can participate in artistic and creative activities.

Art Center K's three theaters feature unique stages and audience spaces: Donggeurami (Circular) Theater, Semo (Triangle) Theater, and Nemo (Square) Theater. One stage hosts fun and educational open-run performances for children, while the other two theaters offer popular plays, musicals, concerts, and other cultural events.

A Traditional Beverages specialty restaurant located in Insa-dong, Seoul. A store selling hand-crafted Korean traditional tea. The most famous menu is green plum tea.

National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

6.9Km 2024-04-23

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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