Seoul · Royal guard ceremony
Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony at Deoksugung Palace
January 1–December 31, 2026
- Dates
- January 1–December 31, 2026
- Ceremony times
- 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Closed
- Mondays
- Admission
- Free outside the palace gate
- Venue
- Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace
- Address
- 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Continue through Seoul’s Jeongdong district
Traditional marketSeparate stop · about 6 km awayDaerim MarketThis five-day market is in Eunpyeong-gu, not at Deoksugung. Market days end in 5 and 0.View market details Art museumBeside the palaceSeoul Museum of ArtCheck the current exhibitions in the former Supreme Court building along Jeongdong-gil.View details Historic streetAfter the ceremonyJeongdong-gilWalk past diplomatic, religious, and education landmarks from Seoul’s late-19th-century transformation.View details Arrive before the guards form up
Avoid Monday
The ceremony is held Tuesday through Sunday.
Choose 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.
Both ceremonies take place outside Daehanmun Gate, so palace admission is not required to watch.
Check cancellations
Severe weather and official events can change the outdoor schedule.
A palace gate ceremony in the center of Seoul
At a glance
The ceremony recreates the changing of guards who once controlled access to a royal palace during the Joseon era.
What to watch
Traditional uniforms, command flags, drums, and formal movements are based on historical records.
Before you go
The ceremony is free and takes place outside the palace. Separate admission applies if you enter Deoksugung.
