[Seoul] Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)
Hello! Here is the detailed information for ‘Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)’.
💡 Overview
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.
📋 Detailed Information
| 📍 Address | 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (Zipcode: 04519) |
|---|---|
| 📞 Phone | • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444 |
| 🌐 Website | royal.khs.go.kr/dsg www.royalguard.kr |
| 📅 Period | 2025-01-01 ~ 2025-12-31 |
| Event Location | Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace |
| Schedule | 11:00 / 14:00 * No performance on Mondays |
| Event Duration | 30 minutes |
| Fees | Free |
| Age Limit | Open to visitors of all ages |
| Sponsor | Seoul Metropolitan City |
| Sponsor Phone | • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444 |
| Co-Sponsor Phone | +82-2-737-6444 |
📝 Additional Information
[Introduction]
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.
📸 Gallery (Click to enlarge)
📍 Nearby Attractions
Pyunkang Yul Flagship & Tea house (편강 율 플래그십&티하우스)Distance: 1.8km | 35-4 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gwanghwamun Market (광화문 마켓) 🔗Distance: 739m | B172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Modern Shabu House Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch (모던샤브하우스 광화문D타워점)Distance: 712m | 17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Beauty Play (뷰티플레이)Distance: 912m | 73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
NKDB North Korean Human Rights Exhibition Hall (북한인권전시실) 🔗Distance: 1.1km | 393 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장) 🔗Distance: 1.5km | Songhyeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
HIDE AND SEEK – Ssamzigil Branch (하이드앤시크 쌈지길점) 🔗Distance: 1.3km | 44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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Toin (토인)Distance: 1.3km | 48 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Source: Korea Tourism Organization
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