Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

4.8Km 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.

Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum (초전섬유ㆍ퀼트박물관)

4.8Km 2024-03-06

29, Toegye-ro 16-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-4074~5

Opened in 1998, Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum is the only textile art museum in Korea. Visiotrs can learn about the excellence and tradition of Korean textiles by observing a wide range of domestic and international textile artworks. In addition to exhibiting its collection, the museum also holds special exhibitions as well as textile and quilt competitions, giving visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with textile artworks.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

4.8Km 2025-01-10

24 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path runs along the wall of Deoksugung Palace. It is beautifully lit and landscaped, giving it a romantic atmosphere even at night. There are street performances and flea markets, and the area boasts many famous cafes and restaurants along Jeongdong street. In autumn, the ginkgo trees and walls form a stunning scene. Close to major cultural facilities such as the Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul Museum of History, it attracts numerous visitors come for a stroll.

Buam-dong (부암동)

4.8Km 2024-03-15

Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1807

Buam-dong is a village located north of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is designated as a development-restricted zone due to its proximity to the Cheong Wa Dae, preserving the old neighborhood's appearance. There are numerous bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and small galleries housed in renovated traditional houses, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. The nearby hiking trails connected to Bugaksan Mountain offer a tranquil journey through the forest, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Seoul Sajik Park (사직공원(서울))

4.8Km 2021-11-12

89, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4149

Sajik Park is one of the three most popular parks in Jongno-gu along with Tapgol Park and Samcheong Park. Located west of the Government Complex-Seoul on the southeastern foothills of Inwangsan Mountain, the park measures an impressive 188,710 m².

The name of the park dates back to 1395 when Taejo Yi Sung-gye made Sajik Altar (altar to the State deities) at the center of the park. "Sa" refers to the deity of the earth while "jik" refers to the deity of the five grains. Rites wishing for a good harvest were held regularly at Sajik Altar.

In the park are several playgrounds, statues of Sin Saimdang, Hwanghakjeong, and Yulkog Yi I, and the Municipal Children's Library. Dangun Shrine and Jongno Library are situated nearby. By following the path next to Sajik Park for approximately 5 minutes, travelers can reach the Inwangsan hiking path with relative ease.

Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)

4.9Km 2022-08-11

15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. The observatory has a cafe inside where visitors can enjoy a drink while gazing upon the magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace from above. In addition, the walls of the cafe are decorated with photos of old Jeongdong.

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

4.9Km 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.

Namsan Cable Car (남산 케이블카)

4.9Km 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.

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

4.9Km 2021-09-01

46-1, Changuimun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5066

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won relocated in 2019 from Insa-dong to Buam-dong. Six exhibition halls offer visitors a look at wooden figures from around the world. Mokin refers to traditional wooden sculptures carved in shapes of human figures or various animals. The museum holds around 12,000 wooden folk sculptures including those used to decorate funeral carriages and temples mostly from the Joseon dynasty up to modern times. The museum also has an outdoor exhibition hall that harmonizes the sculptures with nature.

Leaders Dermatology Clinic Myeongdong (리더스피부과의원 명동점)

4.9Km 2025-10-23

B1 Floor, 72 Toegye-ro (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga, SK Leaders' View Namsan), Jung-gu, Seoul

Founded in 2001 by board-certified dermatologists from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Leaders Dermatology has grown into a trusted network of over 12 clinics across Korea and internationally, with a team of more than 20 dermatologists and 150 medical professionals.
Our doctors are actively involved in global academic circles delivering lectures at renowned conferences and seminars and are dedicated to raising the bar for dermatological care. With a systematic, patient-centered approach, our mission is to become the No.1 dermatology clinic in customer satisfaction through excellence in service and results.

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