Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

10.0Km 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.

The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon (더휴식 누베르 서울 이태원점)

10.0Km 2025-04-08

11 Usadan-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon aims to rediscover Seoul through creativity and inspiration. The overall design of the hotel is inspired by French avant-garde, using a variety of objects and props to create an artistic and stylish atmosphere. The hotel has Collection T room type, a twin bedroom; Collection D room type, a double bedroom; and Collection S room type, a single bedroom. On the first floor of the hotel is a guest lobby and a pasta restaurant. The hotel's parking lot is limited in space, and therefore guests are advised to use a nearby public parking lot.

Banghwa-dong Gyodong Jjamppong (방화동 교동짬뽕)

10.0Km 2025-10-23

21 Geumnanghwa-ro 24na-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

Located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Banghwa-dong Gyodong Jjamppong is a Chinese restaurant that serves mildly spicy jjamppong that everyone can enjoy. It also serves several other original menu items that appeal to children's preferences, making it a great place for families to eat out. The sweet and sour pork is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. The handmade dumplings are made everyday, carefully prepared with fresh ingredients and care. The restaurant sees a steady stream of local customers as well as travelers due to it's proximity to Gimpo Airport.

N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

10.0Km 2025-10-23

105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3455-9277

Namsan Seoul Tower was the first multipurpose tower to be established in Korea, effectively incorporating a sightseeing observatory into a broadcasting tower. For the past 40 years, Namsan Seoul Tower has served as an iconic landmark of Korea and a representative tourist attraction. The tower's observatory offers an unobstructed view of the whole city, allowing it to become one of the all-time favorite attractions of Seoul citizens as well as domestic and international tourists. Featured in many dramas and reality shows, it is also a fan-favorite destination. Another highlight of the tower is the Namsan Cable Car. The cable car began its operation in 1962, transferring passengers from the foot of the mountain to the base of the tower. Shuttle buses to the Namsan Cable Car from downtown Seoul are also available for visitors' convenience.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
In TXT’s content “TALK X TODAY,” the youngest members, Huening Kai and Taehyun, enjoyed a day out in their school uniforms. They rode the cable car to the top, took pictures together, and secured their wish lock. You can purchase locks at the souvenir shop near the cable car station at the top of the mountain, where name pens are also available to write down your wishes.

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

10.0Km 2021-06-19

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3783-5900

Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pavilion was built in 1959 to commemorate Rhee Syngman. It was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960 and was rebuilt on November 11, 1968. This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain, with views covering the entirety of Seoul below. As it is a prime spot to view the first sunrise of the year, the annual sunrise festival takes place every New Year's Day.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

10.1Km 2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

10.1Km 2025-05-20

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.

Goto Mall - Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center (고투몰 (강남터미널 지하도상가))

10.1Km 2024-05-17

jiha 200, Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-535-8182

Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center is often referred to as "Goto Mall" in short, and is connected to one of the major subway transfer stations at which Seoul Subway Lines 3, 7 and 9 operate. Over 600 stores are lined up on both sides of the two long, parallel corridors featuring clothing, fashion accessories, interior products, and flowers.

Namsan Cable Car (남산 케이블카)

10.1Km 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.

Shinsegae Department Store - Main Store (신세계백화점 (본점))

10.1Km 2025-04-07

63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-1588-1234

Shinsegae Department Store opened its doors as the first modern department store in the country in 1960. It stands where Korea's first department store, the Japanese Misreukkosi Department Store, used to be in the 1930s. After undergoing remodeling in 2007, it reopened as a luxury hall, featuring diverse brands ranging from the top three international luxury brands to new designer brands. In addition, the Trinity Gardens and art halls in the department store serve as a cultural space for a shopping experience that combines art and shopping.

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