Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

11.9Km 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 Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

11.9Km 2025-01-17

55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul Museum of History covers everything about Seoul's history and culture from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing especially on the Joseon era. The museum aims to raise cultural awareness and build a strong bond within the community by collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying artifacts and materials related to Seoul as well as promoting the city's history and culture to an international audience.

Lush Korea - Gyeongnidangil Spa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (㈜러쉬코리아 경리단길 스파)

11.9Km 2024-04-23

2F, 10, Hoenamu-ro 42-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Lush Korea - Gyeongnidangil Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (㈜러쉬코리아 경리단길점)

11.9Km 2024-04-19

1F, 10, Hoenamu-ro 42-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Namsan Cable Car (남산 케이블카)

11.9Km 2024-10-25

83 Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2403

Namsan Cable Car provides a panoramic view of downtown Seoul. The cable car has been in operation for over 40 years, taking tourists and residents alike to Namsan Seoul Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in the city.

Modern Nulang Central City Branch (모던눌랑 센트럴시티점)

11.9Km 2025-12-02

205 Sapyeong-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6282-5005

Setting a romantic and modern atmosphere, Modern Nulang is a Chinese restaurant inspired by the "New Woman" concept from Shanghai's modern history. The restaurant’s design reflects Shanghai’s modern culture in the 1930s, portraying itself as a place that sets trends and is frequented by intelligent, sophisticated women. Decorative elements like a train platform, murals, and antique décor are scattered throughout the space, capturing the aesthetic essence of that era. Even the food served here stays true to the concept, presented in an elegant and romantic fashion. Signature menu items include Modern Nulang Shanghai Roll Platter, Braised Pork Belly with Chinese Buns, and Mint Lime Shrimp.

Texas de Brazil Central City Branch (텍사스 데 브라질 센트럴시티점)

11.9Km 2025-12-02

205 Sapyeong-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6282-5000

Located in Seocho-gu, Texas de Brazil Central City Branch offers 15 different types of churrasco—traditional Brazilian steak barbecue—and 50 varieties of Brazilian dishes. Churrasco refers to meat skewered on a 1.2-meter-long stick and grilled over hard charcoal, making it tender and juicy. The carver also comes to the guest’s table to slice—or "carve"—the meat portions according to the guest’s request. Not only is the food served here a treat for the palate, but for the eyes as well.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

11.9Km 2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

11.9Km 2025-05-20

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4625

Jeongdong Culture Night is dedicated to promoting the history and culture of Jeongdong, a neighborhood in Jung-gu, Seoul. The festival programs allow participants to understand how the history is connected to today's culture and offers an opportunity to view Jeongdong's cultural facilities in a different perspective.

CheongKwanJang - Hongje Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 홍제)

11.9Km 2024-04-16

1F, 405, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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