Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

Explanation

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Inquiry

Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation +82-2-3210-1645

Homepage

www.chf.or.kr

Information Use

Event Start Date : 2025년 01월 01일

Event end date : 2025년 12월 31일

Watching age : Open to visitors of all ages

Venue : Gyeongbokgung Palace Heungnyemun Gate and Gwanghwamun Gate areas

Show time : [Royal Guard Changing Ceremony] 10:00, 14:00
[Ceremony of Guarding Gwanghwamun Gate] 11:00, 13:00
[Public Training of the Royal Guard Soldiers] 09:35, 13:35

* Schedule is subject to change; refer to the official website for details.
* Events may be canceled in the case of rain.

Touring Time : Varies by performance

Organizer info : Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation

Contact the organizer : +82-2-3210-1645

Charges (Hours) : Free

More information

Introduction
In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Programs
Refer to the official website

Location

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul