Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

17.3Km 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.

Samseong Bbalgan Yangnyeom Sutbulgui (삼성 빨간양념 숯불구이)

17.3Km 2020-06-16

37, Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-6449

Samseong Bbalgan Yangnyeomg has been famous for its charcoal-grilled dishes since 1972, and is especially well known for its spicy seasoning made from powdered red pepper, garlic, and ginger. Pork is mixed with the seasoning, giving it the characteristic red color and unique flavor, and then grilled over hot coals. This is the perfect restaurant for spicy food-lovers or those looking for a challenge.
Other dishes include jumulleok (marinated pork) and donggeurangttaeng (batter-fried meatballs). Jumulleok is made by seasoning fresh meat, whereas donggeurangttaeng is made by cutting the frozen meat into small pieces, and then marinating it. Older adults usually prefer jumulleok, while the young prefer donggeurangttaeng.

Seochon Chingune (서촌친구네)

17.3Km 2021-03-18

32, Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-4763

A Seafood specialty restaurant located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. A restaurant serving a variety of seafood dishes. The most famous menu is steamed clams.

Banobagi Plastic Surgery [Tax Refund Shop] (바노바기성형외과의원)

17.3Km 2024-04-22

517, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Banobagi Plastic Surgery (바노바기성형외과의원)

17.3Km 2025-07-29

517 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Since 2009, BANOBAGI Plastic Surgery has been dedicated to creating a comprehensive medical system tailored to the needs of international patients. We continuously strive to deliver top-tier medical services alongside a range of convenience services designed to meet the expectations of our global clientele.
To ensure seamless communication and personalized care, we have specialized beauty counselors fluent in multiple languages, including Mongolian, English, Thai, Indonesian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, and Burmese. These counselors provide customized and confidential consultations, along with additional services such as airport transfers and accommodation arrangements.
BANOBAGI Plastic Surgery excels in facial contouring, two-jaw surgery, anti-aging treatments (lifting), eye and nose surgery, breast and body procedures, and stem cell therapies. Beyond plastic surgery, we offer dermatology, non-invasive petit treatments, dental care, wellness programs, and cosmetic solutions, making us a comprehensive medical group capable of delivering one-stop care.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

17.3Km 2024-10-14

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul that has been maintained in one place since it opened in 1951. Recently, it has been refurbished as a cultural space with a cafe, where one can enjoy coffee, exhibitions, and performances while looking at the yard. Visitors who just want to browse can purchase a souvenir postcard set for admission. Taking a closer look at books that feel the years and objects that have traces of use, they appear to come rather new.

Won Gopchang (원곱창)

17.3Km 2021-03-20

105, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-2934

A place that sells grilled intestines loved by Koreans. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled beef reed tripe/grilled pork intestine. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Davich Optical - Dogok Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (다비치 도곡점)

17.3Km 2024-04-18

1F, 206, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Best Western Premier Gangnam Hotel (베스트웨스턴 프리미어 강남호텔)

17.3Km 2025-01-07

139, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6474-2000

Best Western Premier Gangnam Hotel offers double, twin and suite rooms in contemporary ambience and design. Multilingual staff members and a business center provide the best business atmosphere for visitors. The hotel is located in the heart of Gangnam, with easy access to COEX, Korea World Trade Center, Olympic Stadium, and a number of luxury department stores and the combined business and entertainment area of Gangnam.

Wangdaebak Jijimichon (왕대박지지미촌)

17.3Km 2021-03-29

62-1, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-3337

A great store to visit on a rainy day. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is three-colored pancake.

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