Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

3.5Km 2024-11-28

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.

Choeun Optical - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경 회현)

3.5Km 2024-04-22

Joeun Eyewear, 42, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Choeun Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경)

3.5Km 2024-06-27

42, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Mangwon Hangang Park (한강시민공원 망원지구 (망원한강공원))

3.5Km 2024-10-23

467, Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Near Mapo-gu, Mangwon Hangang Park is situated on the northern part of the river, between Wonhyodaegyo Bridge and Seongsandaegyo Bridge. It offers lush grass perfect for picnics and promenades. Since it’s located close to the World Cup Stadium, this spacious park is often full of residents and visitors. There is a wide array of excellent amenities: a bike trail, an outdoor swimming pool, sports facilities, and a dock for water sports such as yachting, waterskiing, and motor boating. Cultural attractions near the park include Mangwon Pavilion and Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine.

New Kaist Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (뉴카이스트안경원)

3.5Km 2024-04-22

12-2, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Optical Manager - Namdaemun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (안경매니져남대문점)

3.5Km 2024-06-27

1F and 2F, 2-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Hongje Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 홍제역점)

3.5Km 2024-04-17

1F, and 2F, 446, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

3.5Km 2020-06-16

76, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-9504

Hyundai Kalguksu is a kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) restaurant that has been in the family for two generations (1982). The restaurant is extremely popular among people working at nearby businesses, thanks to the rich flavor of the broth. Anchovies, dried pollack heads, and kelp are simmered for many hours, and then, other ingredients are added: soft noodles and various vegetables including pumpkin, onion, and green onions. The restaurant is famous for the exquisite taste of its kalguksu, as well as for its large servings. Just one bowl is enough to satisfy a starving man, but if you are still hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for more rice or noodles for free. Another unforgettable specialty here is kimchi. You will also be able to enjoy geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) and kkakdugi (sliced white-radish kimchi), which is fermented for about three days.

Boram Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (보람안경)

3.5Km 2024-06-26

25-3, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Cheongja Imported Goods Shopping Center (청자 수입상가)

3.5Km 2022-12-21

29, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Cheongja Imported Goods Shopping Center offers imported utensils, household items, clothing and accessories not readily available elsewhere. Its main customers tend to be women. Its first underground floor boasts diverse utensils, women's clothing and accessories while the first floor offers children's clothing and household items. After shopping around in the center, visitors may want to visit the second and third floors, which house customer lounges and coffee shops.

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