At a Glance: Experience the traditional Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony for free, featuring vibrant costumes and historical significance.
Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁) is located at 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul. Easily accessible via the City Hall subway station (Line 1 and Line 2), this historic site offers not just stunning architecture but also a captivating glimpse into Korea’s royal past. One of the key events to witness here is the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, which occurs three times daily at Daehanmun Gate.
What is the Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony all about?
The Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식) has been performed since 1996. This ceremony replicates historical practices and allows visitors to immerse themselves in a ceremonial tradition similar to that of Buckingham Palace’s guard change. It’s an engaging way to appreciate Korea’s cultural heritage.
This event takes place in front of the iconic Daehanmun Gate. Each performance lasts approximately 40 minutes to one hour and includes traditional music, costume displays, and drum beats that echo through the palace grounds. The guards wear striking primary-colored uniforms that make for stunning photographs against the backdrop of historical architecture.
What are the highlights and letdowns of this ceremony?
A highlight of this ceremony is undoubtedly its colorful pageantry. Watching the guards exchange duties while clad in elaborate uniforms is visually impressive. The entire experience feels authentic; guards even engage in a brief password exchange before switching places.
But here’s the thing: while it is free to attend, be prepared for large crowds during peak tourist seasons. Finding a good viewing spot can sometimes be tricky. The only downside is that there are no ceremonies on Mondays or during extreme weather conditions — so check ahead if you’re planning your visit around those dates. I thought that was a nice touch.
How do you plan your visit around the event?
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony happens three times each day at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM throughout 2025, with no performances on Mondays or severe weather days. It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a decent viewing spot.
if you want nearby attractions, consider visiting Seoul City Hall or taking a leisurely stroll around Deoksugung Palace’s lovely gardens after catching the ceremony. You can even capture photos with some of the gatekeepers afterwards — just approach them politely!
Pro tip:
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. The ceremony occurs three times daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM throughout 2025 but not on Mondays. No, admission to witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is completely free. Each performance lasts approximately 40 minutes to one hour. Tap to expandPhoto Gallery
Essential Information
Address
99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
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
Admission Fee
Free
Duration
30 minutes
Event Period
Jan 1, 2025 ~ Dec 31, 2025
Venue
Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace
Show Time
11:00 / 14:00
* No performance on Mondays
Age Limit
Open to visitors of all ages
Organizer
Seoul Metropolitan City (• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-737-6444)
Map
View on Google Maps
Additional Details
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony take place?
Is there an admission fee for attending this ceremony?
How long does the ceremony last?
Useful Korean Phrases
Nearby Recommendations
Explore more places within 5km of this location
Nearby Restaurants
- Jinju Hoegwan (진주회관)332m26 Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Luii (루이)364m40, Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Korea Samgyetang (고려삼계탕)365m1 Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearby Accommodation
- Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Seoul Namdaemun (라마다 호텔앤스위트 서울남대문)637m27 , Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- 57 Myeongdong Hostel [Korea Quality] / 57명동호스텔 [한국관광 품질인증]790m57 , Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hillhouse Hotel / 힐하우스 호텔1km42 , Sogong-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearby Attractions
- Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)44m99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)87m15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)158m24 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul