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

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

8.5Km    2023-02-22

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.

Haniljang (한일장)

Haniljang (한일장)

8.5Km    2021-03-19

94, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2265-7707

A bulgogi specialty restaurant located in Jongno, Seoul. The most famous menu is Korean beef bulgogi set menu. Experience bulgogi, a Korean traditional dish.

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

8.5Km    2024-04-25

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.

Jeonjujip (전주집)

Jeonjujip (전주집)

8.5Km    2024-10-15

16-15 Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2278-3311

A store featured several times in Korean gourmet programs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is kimchi cabbage wraps with pork and oysters.

Artbox - Jongno 3(sam)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아트박스 종로3가)

8.5Km    2024-04-17

126, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Cheolgil Tteokbokki (철길떡볶이)

Cheolgil Tteokbokki (철길떡볶이)

8.5Km    2024-03-18

35-6 Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Cheolgil Tteokbokki is a famous pilgrimage site for tteokbokki lovers. As the name suggests, it is located next to the railroad (“cheolgil” in Korean) near Chungjeongno Station. There is a wide variety of Korean dishes available, from tteokbokki that will bring back childhood memories to gimbap, deep-fried dishes, and sundae. As the name suggests, it is located next to the railroad near Chungjeongno Station. The restaurant has been in operation for two generations while maintaining its original appearance. The old signboard and exterior have a nostalgic feeling. Unlike tteokbokki in soup, which is currently popular, this tteokbokki with chewy rice cakes is coated well with thick spicy sauce. It's very delicious when mixed with the restaurant’s deep-fried foods. Visitors are recommended to take the seat outdoors to enjoy the view of the railroad tracks while eating.

Dream Forest (북서울 꿈의숲)

Dream Forest (북서울 꿈의숲)

8.5Km    2023-10-19

173 Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2289-4000

Dream Forest, previously known as Odong Neighborhood Park, is located in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. The park is surrounded by cherry blossom trees, and the northern section is filled with maple trees, making the park especially attractive in spring and fall. The Changnyeongwigung Ritual House (Registered Cultural Heritage) has been restored with traditional landscaping such as a pond, pavilion and waterfall created nearby to double the genuine beauty of a traditional Korean park. Major attractions of the park include Wolyeongji Pond, Grass Square, Wolgwangpokpo Falls, Aewoljeong Pavilion, Chilbokji Falls, Event Garden, Children’s Gallery, Wild Grass Garden, Deer Ranch, Exploring Path, Forest Rest, and a water park. The slanted hillside which served as sledding slopes is now a complex cultural space with Buk-Seoul Art Center that houses a fantastic-looking observatory, performance hall, book café, gallery, restaurant, jumping fountain, and children’s playground.

Jeonju Sikdang (전주식당)

Jeonju Sikdang (전주식당)

8.5Km    2021-03-22

16-17, Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-5385

A restaurant famous for grilled fish on briquettes. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled cutlassfish. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관(서소문본관))

8.5Km    2024-06-19

61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2124-8800

The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a space for all to meet and experience the joy of art. Located in the center of Jeong-dong, a district that retains traces of Seoul’s modern and contemporary history, the museum integrates the historical facade of the former Supreme Court with modern architecture. In addition to various programs―encompassing exhibitions, educational outreach initiatives, screenings, workshops, performances, and talks, communal spaces including SeMA Cafe, the artbook store, the open space lobby, and the outdoor sculpture park SeMA WALK provide a rich range of ways for visitors to experience art.

e-Sports Hall of Fame (e스포츠 명예의 전당)

e-Sports Hall of Fame (e스포츠 명예의 전당)

8.5Km    2024-10-14

31 Maebongsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

The e-Sports Hall of Fame is operated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea e-Sports Association to exhibit and honor the esports athletes who have made history for their amazing skills, making Korea synonymous with esports. Visitors can see the athletes' uniforms, gaming materials, trophies, and more, as well as try their hand at playing famous esports games firsthand.