Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)

9.6Km    2022-08-11

15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. The observatory has a cafe inside where visitors can enjoy a drink while gazing upon the magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace from above. In addition, the walls of the cafe are decorated with photos of old Jeongdong.

Ipamnamu - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이팝나무 인사)

9.6Km    2024-04-18

4, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Fraternité(프라테르니테)

9.6Km    2025-09-09

서울특별시 종로구 동숭길 123 (동숭동)

Treadmill(트레드밀)

9.6Km    2025-09-15

서울특별시 종로구 동숭길 123 (동숭동)

Paradise(낙원)

9.6Km    2025-09-16

서울특별시 종로구 동숭길 123 (동숭동)

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

9.6Km    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.

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop(어서오세요, 휴남동 서점입니다)

9.6Km    2025-09-15

서울특별시 종로구 대학로8가길 52 (동숭동)

Seoul Gongyesa [Tax Refund Shop] (서울공예사)

9.6Km    2024-04-16

1F, 27-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Theatre Changdeokgung (창덕궁 소극장)

9.6Km    2021-12-07

88-1, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-7278

Theatre Changdeokgung is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gugak-ro Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. To recreate the traditional Korean entertainment setting and offer a better view of the stage, the theater is designed with floor seatings facing a platform stage. The theater offers a wide array of performances including samulnori (traditional Korean percussion quartet), traditional Korean music, and madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and Insa-dong.

Olive Young - Mugyodong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 무교동점)

9.6Km    2024-06-26

1F, 24, Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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