FestivalFreeOngoing

Seoul Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Name: Seoul Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
Start: 2026-01-01
End: 2026-12-31
Location: In front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace

Free · All ages · Permanent · Jung-gu In front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace

Dates: Jan 1 ~ Dec 31
Hours: 11:00 / 14:00※ 매주 월요일 휴무
Venue: In front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace
Area: Seoul Jung-gu
Price: Free
Who can attend: All ages
Organiser: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Enquiries: 서울특별시 02-6242-7402

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About this event

Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the 'Seoul Royal Guard Changing Ceremony' is a representative traditional culture reenactment program that realistically revives the guard rotation of royal guards (Sumungun) who protected Joseon palace gates. The chief guard (Sumungun Chief, Sumungang) held a Junior 6th Rank position and, alongside subordinate officers and guards of the Sumunganchong, protected palace gates, controlled access, and conducted patrols. Reconstructed based on historical records, the ceremony centers around Deoksugung Palace in the late Joseon period. It takes place at Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace six days a week (closed Mondays) at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. To entertain local citizens and international tourists, various hands-on programs are available: 'Opening Drum Ceremony' allows visitors to beat the drum to announce the start, 'I Am a Royal Guard' lets participants put on guard uniforms to act out the role, and 'Traditional Costume Experience' is a popular activity for taking photos in Joseon-era attire. - Main Program: Seoul Royal Guard Changing Ceremony - Side Events & Programs: 'I Am a Royal Guard' Experience / 'Opening Drum Ceremony' Experience / Traditional Costume Experience / 'Special Day of My Life' Photo Experience [Side Event & Program Details] 1. I Am a Royal Guard - Schedule: Tuesday–Sunday (During Changing Ceremony hours) - Capacity: 1 participant per session - Content: Royal guard role experience / Wearing costume / Role training - Note: Advance reservation required / Arrive at waiting room 1 hour before 2. Opening Drum Ceremony - Schedule: Tuesday–Sunday (During Changing Ceremony hours) - Capacity: 1 participant per session - Content: Drummer (Eomgosu) role experience / Wearing costume / Role training - Note: Advance reservation required / Arrive at waiting room 30 minutes before 3. Traditional Costume Experience - Schedule: Weekends & Public Holidays 10:30–15:30 - Capacity: Unlimited - Content: On-site traditional costume fitting experience - Note: Free of charge 4. Special Day of My Life - Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays (10:00, 13:00, 15:00) - Capacity: 1 team per session (Up to 5 people) - Content: Commemorative photo with Royal Guards / 1 instant photo provided - Note: Duplicate applications by the same person not allowed / Photography equipment, costumes, props, and makeup are not provided / Mobile shooting with guards not permitted

Location

Jung-gu In front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace

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Weather

Today(Thu)Partly cloudy · 25° ~ 31° · 30% chance of rain
Aug 21(Fri)Rain · 24° ~ 30° · 60% chance of rain
Aug 22(Sat)Cloudy · 24° ~ 31° · 30% chance of rain

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