Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony at Deoksugung Palace Now
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 · Seoul
| Dates | Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | In front of Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace |
| Address | 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul |
| Admission | Free |
| Hours | 11:00 / 14:00 · Closed Mondays |
| Contact | 02-6242-7402 |
| Website | www.royalguard.kr ↗ |
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About
The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is Seoul's flagship historical reenactment: the changing of the sumungun, the guards who kept the gates of Joseon-era palaces. Reconstructed from historical records, the ceremony unfolds in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace, six days a week (closed Mondays) at 11:00 and 14:00. Hands-on programs run alongside it — beat the drum that opens the ceremony, dress as a gate guard yourself, or put on Joseon-era costume for photos. It is free, central, and one of the easiest ways to see living Joseon court ritual in the middle of modern Seoul.
