Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

944.0M 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.

Wangdaebak Jijimichon (왕대박지지미촌)

949.9M 2021-03-29

62-1, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-3337

A great store to visit on a rainy day. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is three-colored pancake.

Olive Young - Plus Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 플러스점)

956.9M 2024-06-27

#B114~#B115, 372, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

-

Geumseonggwan Najugomtang (금성관나주곰탕)

957.8M 2021-03-18

29, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-7898

This is a Korean cuisine located in Myeong-dong, Seoul. The representative menu is Naju beef bone soup. It serves local dishes produced from Naju-si, Jeolla-do.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

960.1M 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.

Travelodge Myeongdong City Hall (트레블로지 명동 시티홀)

961.5M 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.

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

967.9M 2025-06-25

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station (포포인츠 바이 쉐라톤 조선 서울역)

967.5M 2022-06-09

366 , Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6070-7000

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station is a modern and casual hotel for travelers. This business hotel has various types of rooms, a restaurant, fitness center, meeting room, coin laundry, business corner, and more. It is connected to Seoul Station Exit 12 and located near the Airport Railway, KTX, and Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 4.

Olive Young - Twin City Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 트윈시티)

967.5M 2024-04-18

Store #B109, #B110, GF Twin City Bldg., 366, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

-

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

969.9M 2024-04-18

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

-

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