Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

3.6Km 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.

Yonggeumok (용금옥)

3.6Km 2024-03-13

24-2, Dadong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-1689

Established in 1932, Yonggeumok specializes in Seoul-style chutang (loach soup), renowned for using whole loach in its preparation. This method distinguishes it from the more commonly known Namwon-style chutang, which involves grinding the loach. At Yonggeumok, guests can savor the tender and savory texture of the loach flesh in their chutang, offering a unique and authentic dining experience.

Masinneungimchijjim&Sundubu (맛있는김치찜&순두부)

3.6Km 2021-03-20

31, Ujeongguk-ro, 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-1095

Selling spicy soups, it’s a good place to visit after visiting Cheonggyecheon. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is pork and kimchi stew.

Seoul Street Art Festival (서울거리예술축제)

3.6Km 2024-07-26

Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-758-2036

Seoul Street Art Festival is held throughout Seoul and introduces high quality street performances.

Evett (에빗)

3.6Km 2024-03-11

10-5 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Evett is a fine dining restaurant operated by Austrailian chef Joseph Lidgerwood that presents creative dishes using Korean ingredients. Each dish also comes with a recommended wine or tradtitional alcohol pairing for a complete experience. Evett earned its first Michelin star in 2020, with chef Lidgerwood being recognized in the 2021 Michelin Young Chef Awards.

Shilla I'Park Duty Free (신라아이파크면세점)

3.6Km 2022-01-28

55, Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-1688-8800

Shilla I'Park Duty Free is located within Yongsan's I'Park Mall, offering multiple luxury and imported brands in fashion, cosmetics, food and more. Aiming to be a 'premium lifestyle shopping destination' for all domestic and international visitors, the store is connected to restaurants, electronic department, movie theater and other convenient facilities.