Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

8.7Km 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.

Good Morning Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (굿모닝안경)

8.7Km 2024-04-22

61, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Boylondon - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (보이런던 회현)

8.7Km 2024-04-16

2F, 72, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Rex Hotel (렉스호텔)

8.7Km 2021-03-03

23, Toegye-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-751-3191

Lex Hotel is a suitable accommodation for business trips. It is also great for shopping, due to its convenient location by Namdaemun Market, Seoul Station, and Myeong-dong, as well as Korea's major shopping malls like Lotte and Shinsegae Department Stores. The hotel has 110 rooms, offering a view of downtown Seoul. It is also equipped with convenient amenities and restaurants that are ready to fulfill every guest’s needs. The guestrooms feature a comfortable atmosphere with a simple interior.

E-Mart 24 - The Bank Of Korea Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트24 한국은행)

8.7Km 2024-04-18

9, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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CU - Yeokgok Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (cu역곡점)

8.7Km 2024-06-27

45, Buil-ro 699beon-gil, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Hamilton Shirts (해밀턴 셔츠)

8.7Km 2021-01-19

160, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-796-5693

Located across from Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton Shirts boasts exquisite custom dress shirts with over 30 years of history. Its loyal customers include professionals in the financial industry and media. Within a 30,000-40,000 won price range, customers get high quality dress shirts with their initials either on collars or sleeves. Reasonable prices along with exceptional quality have attracted not just Koreans but international tourists to Hamilton Shirts. Customers staying or living in Seoul may get their shirts delivered to their doors once they visit Hamilton Shirts and choose the type of fabric and style.

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall (트레블로지 명동 시티홀)

8.7Km 2021-06-25

22, Sejong-daero 16-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6362-6000

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall provides excellent and efficient customer services as well as convenient amenities for the comfort of all their guests. The hotel is only 3 minutes’ walk away from City Hall Station, and its location benefits both tourists and business travelers alike as it offers various transportation options with Seoul's popular tourist attractions in the vicinity, such as Deoksugung Palace and Namdaemun Market. The hotel features a sauna session and spa services to relieve stress and put one's body and mind at ease after a busy day of traveling.

Eden Pottery (에덴도자기)

8.7Km 2016-08-24

159-1, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-793-0828

Eden Pottery specializes in Korean pottery from celadon to white porcelains. The shop is full of superb Korean pottery in its gallery-like atmosphere. Customers will be exposed to the rich history of Korean pottery and its diverse types. Products are made by experienced craftsmen.

ABC-Mart - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (ABC마트 ST이태원)

8.7Km 2024-04-22

159-1, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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