Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

458.2M 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.

Gwanghwamun Market (광화문 마켓)

459.6M 2025-12-05

B172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-337-3692

Gwanghwamun Market takes place along with the Seoul Lantern Festival to support local small businesses and promote Seoul night tourism. The market features local store owners and businesses that exhibit and sell seasonal decor, handcrafted items, and winter snacks.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

469.4M 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.

KT Square (KT스퀘어)

471.8M 2021-07-08

178, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1577-5599

KT Square is a multi-complex that offers various cultural performances as well as hands-on experiences of the latest in IT technology. Gallery 130 showcases the history of KT Corp.

The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기)

487.8M 2022-09-13

jiha 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-1000

The Story of King Sejong comprises six different sections with a total area of 3,200 square meters. The museum consists of exhibition zones, an event space, video room, shop and more to display King Sejong’s scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions, including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics. King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics.

King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

505.1M 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-7713

King Sejong Statue can be found at Seoul’s Gwanghawmun Square. The statue commemorates King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450), the fourth king of Joseon (1392-1897). He is thought to be the greatest king in Korean history, for he is credited with great developments in science and technology, expansion of Joseon’s territory, and the creation of the Korean script, [Hangeul]. King Sejong’s likeness can be found on the 10,000 won bill as well.

Korea Medical Tourism Promotion Association ((사)대한의료관광진흥협회)

516.6M 2025-10-23

(#601) 29-3 Saemunan-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Korea Medical Tourism Promotion Association aims to attract over 100,000 medical tourists within three years by establishing a structured system for attracting medical tourists, training specialized personnel, and supporting both domestic and international medical tourism. With the increasing number of foreign visitors coming to Korea for various purposes beyond tourism, such as international conferences, business, and exhibitions, there is a growing need for specialized services.

Plans is a company that can meet all these diverse customer needs. ceremonial arrangements, tours, and events often proceed irregularly due to changes in weather, group size, and transportation. To address these variables, Plans, the plural form of "Plan," represents a company that is always prepared from start to finish. It is a leading VIP travel agency in Korea, tailored to meet the needs of its clients.

Myth Jokbal Myeongdong (미쓰족발명동)

518.7M 2024-10-15

21, Myeongdong 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-8799

This restaurant specializes in Jokbal (Braised pigs' feet) and Bossam (Napa wraps with pork), both of which are served with vegetable wraps and salad. Jokbal (Braised pigs’ feet) is prepared by braising pigs' feet in spiced stock, a process that removes excess fat, enhances the flavor, and gives the meat a chewier texture. Each order of Jokbal (Braised pigs' feet) is accompanied by Kongnamulkimchiguk (Bean sprout and kimchi soup), to which Kalguksumyeon (Noodles) are added. For those who find the dishes too spicy, the restaurant offers a self-serve Jumeokbap (Riceball), featuring laver flakes, pickled radish, and mayonnaise to cool the palate.

Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

531.3M 2023-06-14

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-1000

Sejong Center, officially known as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, opened on July 1, 1999 to provide citizens with a cultural art space. Having completed a grand remodeling project in 2007, Sejong Center offers customer-friendly programs aimed at improving the quality of art performances in a comfortable resting area. Comprising the Grand Theater of Sejong Center, Sejong M Theater, Sejong Chamber Hall, Exhibition Hall, and other subsidiary facilities, Sejong Center is a multicultural art center.

Various genres of performances including traditional, classic, and crossover have taken place in the center, giving many opportunities for cultural nostalgia.

* Opened April 14, 1978

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

532.7M 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

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