Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

17.1Km 2024-11-28

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.

Western Dom (웨스턴돔)

17.1Km 2021-02-25

24, Jeongbalsan-ro, Ilsan-Dogu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-931-5114

Western Dom is one of the most popular places in Ilsan along with Lafesta, an open street shopping mall. The mall houses over 500 shops offering international food, clothing, accessories and cosmetics; it also boasts the Multiplex Cinema with one IMAX screen and the Western Tower, a luxury office town.

Introducing the concept of “Modern-style Traditional Market,” Western Dom offers diverse items by themes, displayed at over 100 stalls. The building is designed to ease the flow of foot traffic and is decorated with a wide array of works by local artists. Its ceiling showcases colorful lighting at night and its spacious main square offers exciting events and performances year-round. Nearby attractions include more shopping malls, a lake park, Migwan Square, and Jeongbalsan Park.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

17.1Km 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)

17.1Km 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.

Black Yak - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (블랙야크 종로)

17.1Km 2024-04-22

22, Jong-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - La Festa Sageori Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 라페스타사거리)

17.1Km 2024-04-19

104-2, 34, Mugunghwa-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리)

17.1Km 2024-03-04

18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2275-9666

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari is a renowned restaurant located in the alley of whole chicken soup near Dongdaemun Market, operating since 1978. Its specialty is dakhanmari (whole chicken soup), a whole chicken boiled in savory and rich broth. Adding finely chopped green onions enhances its refreshing flavor. The chewy rice cakes dipped in the seasoned sauce are also delightful. Additionally, it's customary to enjoy the remaining broth by mixing it with seasoning sauce and noodles, creating a delicious kalguksu (noodle soup).

Olive Young - Jeongbalsan-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 정발산로)

17.1Km 2024-04-19

23, Jeongbalsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Dongdaemun Shopping Complex·Dongdaemun Shopping Town (동대문 종합시장·동대문 쇼핑타운)

17.1Km 2025-06-30

266 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2262-0114

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is one of Korea’s most well-known markets. It was founded in December 1970 as the largest of its kind in Asia and has maintained that status for the last 40 years. Browsing the plethora of shops, you can find fabric and clothing following all the latest global fashion trends. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex continues to build up its reputation as a hub of international design.

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex (Hanbok Shops) (동대문종합시장 한복상가)

17.1Km 2021-09-15

266, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2262-0114

As one of the largest markets in Asia, Dongdaemun Shopping Complex boasts huge hanbok shops. Most of the major hanbok and fabric distributors are located here. It offers a wide array of hanbok from traditional hanbok to modernized hanbok in addition to accessories and clothing materials. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is a popular spot among international tourists who want to experience traditional Korean culture and purchase various souvenirs.

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