Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

1.3Km 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.

Innisfree - Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 명동2가점)

1.3Km 2024-04-22

1F, 2F (Myeongdong 2-ga), 27, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Step It Up(스텝잇업)

1.3Km 2025-12-04

서울특별시 중구 마른내로 47 (초동)

Myungbo Art Hall (명보아트홀)

1.3Km 2025-04-15

47 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located in Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, the heart of Seoul, Myungbo Art Hall is a cultural complex that consists of a professional theatre hall. Renovated from Myungbo Theater in 2009, Myungbo Art Hall is equipped with state-of-the-arts lighting and sound equipment that guarantees high-quality theatre experience for the audience. In addition, the hall also has comfortable seats along with other amenities for the audience's convenience. Myungbo Art Hall aims to globalize Korean performance culture by creating a variety of content that incorporate Korean theatre with tourism. This area is also where the house of Admiral Yi Sun-sin was located, which is honored with a memorial plaque listing his accomplishments.

Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)

1.3Km 2024-03-25

29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-5348

Since 1970, Myeongdong Kyoja has been a staple in Myeongdong for its kalguksu (noodle soup), believed to be the progenitor of the Myeongdong-style kalguksu known for its rich broth and delicious gyoja (mandu). The restaurant's hallmark dish, kalguksu, features handmade noodles served in a deep, flavorful broth. In addition to its famous noodle soup, other beloved dishes include mandu and bibim guksu (spicy noodles).

JUMP(코믹 마샬아츠 퍼포먼스 ‘점프’)

1.3Km 2025-10-23

47, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Vestis - Gyeongbokgung Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (베스티스 경복궁)

1.3Km 2024-04-18

1F, 17, Jahamun-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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CheongKwanJang - Jongno 4(sa)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종로4가)

1.3Km 2024-04-22

Gwangnim Bldg., 195, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

1.3Km 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.

Saeki P&C [Tax Refund Shop] (세기피앤씨)

1.4Km 2024-04-18

22-12, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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