Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Let’s Meet When the Flags Flutter
Introduction
In front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung, as the flags catch the wind and ripple, the beat of the drum quietly washes over the square. Precise footwork and solemn colors overlap before your eyes, and the breath of long-ago times softly seeps into today’s air.
Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Let’s Meet When the Flags Flutter
Contents
- Guide
- Program
- Impressions (Visited/Planned)
- Where to Stay
- Eats & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Wrap-up
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Dates — 2025-01-01 ~ 2025-12-31
- Times — 11:00, 14:00
- Closed — Every Monday
- Venue — In front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung (99 Sejong-daero (Jeong-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul)
- Admission — Free
- Hosted/Organized by — Seoul Metropolitan Government
- Ages — All ages
- Inquiries — 02-6242-7402
- Parking — No parking inside Deoksugung; use nearby paid parking lots
- 10:00 (Tue·Wed·Fri) Light start with the ‘A Special Day in My Life’ photo experience — In front of Deoksugung’s Daehanmun
- 11:00 Main viewing of the Guard Changing Ceremony — Focus on flags, drumbeats, and the password exchange procedure
- 11:30 Observe the flow of the Guard Duty Ritual — Watch the formation routes around Daehanmun
- 13:00 (Tue·Wed·Fri) Use the 2nd ‘A Special Day in My Life’ photo slot
- 14:00 Afternoon session — Rewatch from a different angle and capture photos
- 15:00 (Tue·Wed·Fri) Wrap up the photo experience and stroll the area
May be canceled in bad weather
Closed every Monday
Public transit recommended
The ‘Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony’ is a traditional cultural reenactment hosted by the city, bringing to life the changing of the gate-guard troops of the Joseon Dynasty based on historical records, right in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung. The sixth-rank Guard Captain, assistants, and guards strictly reenact the procedures of verifying countersigns, enforcement, and patrols. It runs at 11:00 and 14:00 six days a week, except Mondays.
Adding grandeur to the scene is the Chwita band performance, and there are hands-on programs for citizens and visitors. Deepen your immersion with activities such as ‘Opening Drum Experience’ to announce the start by striking the drum, ‘I’m a Royal Guard Too’ to don the guard’s attire and role, and ‘Traditional Costume Experience’ to wear Joseon-era clothing for memorable photos.
Program
The Guard Captain, assistants, and guards rotate duty according to formal procedures such as countersign verification and transfer of the identification tablet. Movements and formations proceed with strict historical fidelity.
The music that leads the ceremony, with drums and winds adding dignity to the proceedings. Beginnings and transitions are clearly marked by the music.
Reenacts the procedures of guarding the palace gate before and after the ceremony. Observe the positions and movements up close at Daehanmun.
Shows the guards’ patrol procedures after the changeover. Routes or times may vary by day.
For the best view, arrive 10–15 minutes early and wait near the center route in front of Daehanmun.
The event may be canceled in case of rain or snow. Please check official notices and the forecast before visiting.
As it gets crowded, keep gear to a minimum and avoid blocking movement routes for a smoother experience.
May be canceled in bad weather
Keep gear minimal
Mind others’ viewing paths
Impressions (Visited/Planned)
Standing before Daehanmun at Deoksugung as the morning sun gently shone, the ceremony that began with the drumbeat offered a moment where time seemed to pause. The resonance of the master drummer striking the large drum three times for the ‘Opening Drum’ spread quietly through my body, and the breeze brushing past the wooden gate felt like it was whispering the palace’s history. Amid the tension of the ‘password exchange’ between the assistant and the Guard Captain, each precise movement stood out like a picture.
At the 2 p.m. ceremony, the guards in traditional attire felt even more vivid; the contrast between the red dancheong and black hats had me pressing the shutter over and over. As the melodies of the Chwita band, drums, and horns intertwined, the air was slightly cool but my heart was warmly exhilarated. To immerse yourself in the sound, it also helps to take a step back and take in the whole composition.
The hands-on programs left a strong impression too. In ‘I’m a Royal Guard Too,’ wearing the weighty attire gave me a brief sense of responsibility for the role, and during the ‘Opening Drum Experience,’ the feel of gripping the drumstick with trembling fingers lingered long after. After the traditional costume experience, standing before the mirror, I felt for a moment as if I had become someone from the past. Next time, I’d like to feel a different mood with the ‘Night Royal Guards’ event around sunset.
Where to Stay
We’ve selected downtown accommodations convenient for moving around City Hall Station and Deoksugung. Consider public transit access and simple travel routes when choosing.
76-4 Jahamun-ro (Hyoja-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, convenient city access
We recommend booking early for peak-season weekends.
Distance: 2.0 km
33 Nangye-ro 11-gil (Hwanghak-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, convenient city access
Please confirm check-in time in advance.
Distance: 4.0 km
162-7 Donggyo-ro (Seogyo-dong), Mapo-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, convenient city access
Please note weekday/weekend rate changes.
Distance: 5.1 km
16 Uisadang-daero (Yeouido-dong), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, smooth city travel
May sell out early in peak season.
Distance: 6.7 km
26-9 Tongil-ro 78-gil (Bulkwang-dong, Bulgwang Trevian), Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, efficient route
For late check-in, please inquire in advance.
Distance: 7.5 km
870 Gyeongin-ro (Yeongdeungpo-dong 1-ga), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, smooth city travel
Please check check-in and check-out times.
Distance: 8.0 km
10 Yeongjung-ro 10-gil (Yeongdeungpo-dong 3-ga), Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, efficient route
If driving, confirm parking availability.
Distance: 8.1 km
7 Nambusunhwan-ro 181-gil (Sillim-dong), Gwanak-gu, Seoul
Easy public transit, smooth city travel
Allow extra travel time to fit your schedule.
Distance: 9.8 km
If driving, confirm parking availability in advance
Eats & Cafes
These spots are easy to reach on foot or by public transit before or after the ceremony. Avoid peak hours nearby for a more relaxed meal.
3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul
Korean
Expect waits at peak times.
Distance: 0.8 km
3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil (Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul
Jjukkumi (spicy baby octopus)
Visit early to avoid the lunch rush.
Distance: 0.8 km
19-3 Myeongdong 10-gil (Myeong-dong 2-ga), Jung-gu, Seoul
Charcoal grill
Expect possible waits at dinnertime.
Distance: 0.8 km
24 Samil-daero 15-gil (Gwancheol-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul
Bossam
For group visits, calling ahead is best.
Distance: 1.0 km
62 Mangwon-ro 2-gil (Mangwon-dong), Mapo-gu, Seoul
Quick bites
Please check hours before visiting.
Distance: 6.7 km
22 Eonju-ro 170-gil (Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Modern dining
Reservations recommended in the evening.
Distance: 6.8 km
Waits likely at peak times
Nearby Attractions
After the ceremony, expand your route to urban forest paths and the Seoul Trail for a light walk. Considering distances, link courses within a comfortable range.
Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
A relaxing walk in the city
Stroll slowly along the shady paths.
Distance: 3.8 km
![[Seoul Trail Section 19] Bukhansan Seongbuk Section](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/71/3526271_image2_1.jpg "Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Let’s Meet When the Flags Flutter")
Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hillside forest trail
Great for an unhurried walk at your own pace.
Distance: 5.3 km
![[Seoul Trail Section 18] Bukhansan Jongno Section](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/43/3526243_image2_1.jpg "Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Let’s Meet When the Flags Flutter")
Bulkwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Gentle forest walk
Adjust your walking pace according to the weather.
Distance: 6.0 km
![[Seoul Trail Section 16] Bongsan·Aengbongsan Section](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/15/3526215_image2_1.jpg "Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Let’s Meet When the Flags Flutter")
Jeungsan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Harmony of hills and forest
Plan water breaks and rest stops in advance.
Distance: 6.4 km
Plan a gentle loop without overexertion
Getting There
Public Transit — From City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 and 2), Exit 1, it’s about a 1-minute walk to Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung.
By Car — Deoksugung has no on-site parking, so use nearby paid parking. As there may be car-free street operations or traffic congestion, public transit is recommended.
Public transit recommended
Use nearby paid parking
Wrap-up
The changing ceremony reenacted in front of Daehanmun at Deoksugung blends drumbeats, flags, and the solemnity of traditional attire into a memorable moment. It’s free to watch at 11:00 and 14:00 six days a week except Mondays, so anyone can easily step into a historical scene.
Together with the resonance of the Chwita band, the hands-on programs help you immerse yourself. Arrive early to secure a spot, and use public transit for a more comfortable experience.
