Seoul
Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony
서울 왕궁수문장 교대의식
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Plan your visit
- Dates
- –
- Venue
- Deoksu Palace Daehan Gate Front
- Address
- 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Admission
- Free
- Organizer
- Seoulteukbyeol-si / Seoulteukbyeol-si
Page updated . Dates and availability can change; confirm with the organizer before travelling.
About the festival
The 'Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony' is a representative traditional cultural event hosted by the city of Seoul, vividly reenacting the scene of the guard change of the palace gatekeepers from the Joseon Dynasty. The guard, a sixth-rank official, was responsible for protecting the palace gates, controlling access, and patrolling alongside the guards from the Guard Command. The ceremony is based on actual historical records and takes place primarily at Deoksugung Palace during the late Joseon period. The event is held six days a week, except Mondays, at 11 AM and 2 PM in front of the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace. To enhance the interest of general citizens and foreign tourists, various experiential programs are also operated, including 'Experience the Drum Ceremony,' where participants can strike the drum to signal the start of the ceremony, 'I Am the Guard,' where participants can dress up as guards and experience the role, and 'Traditional Costume Experience,' which allows participants to wear Joseon-era clothing and take photos.