Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

654.4M 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.

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654.3M 2021-03-29

139-1, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-0659

This store, which has a long history of over 50 years, makes noodles using only Bongpyeong buckwheat. The best menu at this restaurant is buckwheat noodles. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Frisbee - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (FR광화문점(금강 프리스비))

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KYUNGBOKKUNG(경복궁)

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+82-2-722-2004

This Korean cuisine is located near Jonggak Station, Seoul. The representative menu is grilled Korean beef sirloin. Assorted specials include loin, flank steak, and top blade of beef for barbecue.

Honghwa Jokbal Bindaetteok (홍화족발빈대떡)

656.0M 2021-03-26

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+82-2-723-0614

A great place for group dinners and gatherings. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs' feet. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The Bus Stop (더버스스탑)

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Located between Myeongdong Street and Namsan Mountain, this café is a perfect place to stop for a drink and dessert while traveling around Seoul, as its name means "bus stop". They serve tasty coffee, ade, bubble tea, and other drinks, as well as a variety of desserts. The neighboring Namsan Pork cutlet Street is worth a visit for meal before visit here.

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

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

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L’Escape Hotel (레스케이프 호텔)

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+82-2-317-4000

L’Escape Hotel has multiple branches in Seoul and is a boutique hotel by Josun Hotel and Resort. It was listed on Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotels for three years in a row since 2020. The guest rooms were designed by world famous interior designer Jacques Garcia. Facilties include a fitness center, spa, and small banquet hall. The hotel is located a quick two minute walk from Shinsegae Mall.

Bando Camera - Myeong-dong Chungmu [Tax Refund Shop] (반도카메라 명동충무)

668.4M 2024-04-17

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Daenamu Wine Samgyeopsal (대나무와인삼겹살)

675.5M 2021-03-18

29, Toegye-ro, 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-7271

It sells pork belly aged with wine. The most famous menu is wine marinated grilled pork belly. A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Myeong-dong, Seoul.

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