The Seoul Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (왕궁수문장 교대의식) is a free traditional cultural reenactment held daily (except Mondays) at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁). Based on historical records from the Joseon Dynasty, the ceremony vividly recreates the changing of the palace gate guards. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on programs including trying on traditional Korean costumes.
What Is the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony?
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is one of Seoul’s most iconic traditional cultural reenactments, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It recreates the ceremonial changing of the Sumunjang (수문장, Gate Guard Commander) and Sumungun (수문군, Gate Guard Soldiers), who were responsible for guarding the royal palace gates during the Joseon Dynasty. The reenactment is set in the context of late-Joseon-era Deoksugung Palace.
The Sumunjang held the rank of jong yukpum (종6품, Junior 6th Rank) and, together with the soldiers of the Gate Guard Office, was responsible for guarding palace gates, controlling access, and conducting patrols. Today, this ceremony has become one of Seoul’s signature cultural attractions, drawing both locals and international visitors alike.
2026 Royal Guard Changing Ceremony Schedule
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operating Period | January 1 – December 31, 2026 (year-round) |
| Ceremony Times | 11:00 AM / 2:00 PM (twice daily) |
| Closed | Every Monday |
| Location | In front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace |
| Address | 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (Jeong-dong) |
| Admission | Free |
| Age Restriction | None (all ages welcome) |
| Hosted by | Seoul Metropolitan Government |
| Contact | 02-6242-7402 |
| Website | royalguard.kr |
The ceremony runs year-round, so you can catch it any day during your Seoul trip as long as you avoid Mondays. No reservations or tickets are required — simply show up and enjoy.
What Experience Programs Are Available?
The Main Ceremony
The core event is the guard-changing ceremony itself, held daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM in front of Daehanmun Gate. You can watch up close as the Sumunjang and Sumungun, dressed in full traditional attire, perform the formal guard-changing ritual.
Hands-On Experience Programs
In addition to watching the ceremony, visitors can participate in several interactive programs:
| Program | Hours | Capacity | What You’ll Do | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be a Royal Guard | Tue–Sun, during ceremony times | 1 person per session | Dress up as a guard and join the ceremony | Advance registration required; arrive 1 hour early |
| Beat the Ceremony Drum | Tue–Sun, during ceremony times | 1 person per session | Play the eomgo drum that signals the start of the ceremony | Advance registration required; arrive 30 min early |
| Traditional Costume Experience | Weekends & holidays, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM | No limit | Wear Joseon-era traditional clothing and take photos | Free, walk-in |
| A Special Day in My Life | Tue, Wed, Fri at 10:00 AM / 1:00 PM / 3:00 PM | 1 group per session (up to 5 people) | Take a commemorative photo with the Sumunjang; 1 instant photo provided | No duplicate applications; costumes/props not provided |
Be a Royal Guard — You’ll wear the full guard uniform and actually take part in the ceremony. Advance registration is required, and you must arrive at the waiting room at least 1 hour before the ceremony starts.
Beat the Ceremony Drum — You’ll play the role of the eomgo drummer, striking the drum that officially opens the ceremony. Advance registration is also required, and you need to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Traditional Costume Experience — Available on weekends and public holidays for free with no registration needed. You can try on Joseon-era costumes and take photos — a favorite among tourists.
A Special Day in My Life — A commemorative photo session with the Sumunjang. It runs three times a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each session accommodates one group of up to 5 people and includes one instant photo. Note that camera equipment, costumes, props, and makeup are not provided.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Watching the Ceremony | Free |
| Be a Royal Guard | Free |
| Beat the Ceremony Drum | Free |
| Traditional Costume Experience | Free |
| A Special Day in My Life | Free |
Everything is free — both the ceremony itself and all experience programs. Since the ceremony takes place in the open area in front of Daehanmun Gate, you don’t even need to pay palace admission to watch it.
How to Get to Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace
By Subway (Most Convenient)
Take Seoul Subway Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station (시청역) and use Exit 2. Daehanmun Gate is immediately visible — it’s about a 1-minute walk. This is by far the easiest way to get there.
From Seoul Station
From Seoul Station, take Subway Line 1 just one stop to City Hall Station. The ride takes about 3 minutes.
From Busan
Take the KTX from Busan Station to Seoul Station (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes). From Seoul Station, it’s just one subway stop on Line 1 to City Hall Station.
From Incheon International Airport
Take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) direct train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station (approximately 43 minutes). Then transfer to Subway Line 1 and ride one stop to City Hall Station.
Tips Before You Visit
- Closed on Mondays — The ceremony does not run on Mondays. Make sure to plan your Seoul itinerary accordingly.
- Register for experiences in advance — The “Be a Royal Guard,” “Beat the Ceremony Drum,” and “A Special Day in My Life” programs require advance registration. Check the official website (royalguard.kr) for schedules and how to sign up.
- Costume experience is weekends & holidays only — The free traditional costume experience is walk-in only on weekends and public holidays, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
- All ages welcome — There are no age restrictions for any program. Families with children are welcome.
- Combine it with a Deoksugung Palace tour — After watching the ceremony, consider exploring the palace grounds for a deeper dive into Joseon-era royal culture. Note that entering Deoksugung Palace requires a separate admission ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I see the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony?
The ceremony is held daily except Mondays at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, year-round. You can watch it any day of the week during your Seoul visit as long as you avoid Mondays.
Is the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony free?
Yes, both the ceremony and all experience programs are completely free. No reservations or tickets are needed for viewing — just show up.
How do I sign up for the experience programs?
Programs like “Be a Royal Guard,” “Beat the Ceremony Drum,” and “A Special Day in My Life” require advance registration through the official website (royalguard.kr). You must arrive at the waiting room before the designated time on the day of your experience.
Can children participate?
Yes, there are no age restrictions. Anyone of any age can watch the ceremony and join the experience programs.
Do I need to enter Deoksugung Palace to see the ceremony?
No, the ceremony takes place in the open area in front of Daehanmun Gate, outside the palace. You can watch it freely without purchasing a palace admission ticket. If you’d like to tour the palace interior afterward, a separate admission fee applies.
When is the traditional costume experience available?
The free traditional costume experience runs on weekends and public holidays from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. No advance registration is needed — just walk up and participate.
How do I get there from Seoul Station?
Take Subway Line 1 from Seoul Station to City Hall Station — it’s just one stop, about 3 minutes. Exit through Exit 2, and Daehanmun Gate is immediately visible.
How do I get there from Incheon Airport?
Take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station (about 43 minutes). Then transfer to Subway Line 1 and ride one stop to City Hall Station.