Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

4.7Km    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)

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

4.7Km    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.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

4.7Km    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.

Okonomi (오코노미)

Okonomi (오코노미)

4.7Km    2021-03-26

7, Yeonseo-ro 29-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-355-0426

This is a Japanese-style teppanyaki restaurant. This restaurant's signature menu is okonomiyaki. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul.

Lotte Mart - Samyang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데마트 삼양점)

Lotte Mart - Samyang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데마트 삼양점)

4.7Km    2024-04-22

247, Samyang-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

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SK Telecom T.um (SK텔레콤 미래기술체험관 T.um(티움))

SK Telecom T.um (SK텔레콤 미래기술체험관 T.um(티움))

4.7Km    2024-03-06

65, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6353-6665

SK Telecom T.um is an ICT museum. T.um stands for 'Technology, U-topia, Museum'. It boasts a wide array of experience technologies such as 5G autonomous vehicles, drones, flying cars, artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality, augmented reality, robots, Internet of Things, and 3D printing. Visitors can also see the future city based on 5G. Reservations are required online.

Mibo Jewelry (미보 주얼리)

Mibo Jewelry (미보 주얼리)

4.7Km    2021-06-15

183, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2273-7622

Mibo Jewelry carries a wide selection of necklaces, rings and earrings made with gold, silver and precious gemstones like diamond, ruby, sapphire, pearl, etc. The most popular items include diamond rings, luxury watches, gold rings and necklaces. Moreover, at Mibo Jewelry, customers may custom order their personalized jewelry.

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

4.7Km    2020-05-07

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5842

Hwangudan Altar, also called Hwandan Altar, refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon dynasty.

Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Hwangudan Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon dynasty was renamed as the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived.

Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.

SAERAN OPTICAL[Korea Quality]/세란안경[한국관광 품질인증]

SAERAN OPTICAL[Korea Quality]/세란안경[한국관광 품질인증]

4.7Km    2024-06-25

30 , Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-10-8746-2715

Seran Optical Center is a specialty eyewear store on the 1st basement floor of the Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, and opened in 1979 along with the Lotte Department Store and Hotel in Myeong-dong. Drawing on long-standing expertise, Seran optometrists offer a 1:1 customer-centered service, providing high-quality glasses and precision processing to suit customers’ lifestyle. There is also post-tax exemption for foreigners, and thorough post-sales support. Featured brands include LINDBERG, Cartier, CHROME HEARTS, and Berlin.

Prada - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (프라다 롯데 본점)

Prada - Lotte Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (프라다 롯데 본점)

4.7Km    2024-04-19

30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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