Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The “Seoul Royal Palace Gate Guard Changing of the Guard Ceremony” is a flagship traditional cultural reenactment event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, featuring a vivid reenactment of the changing of the guard by the palace guards who once guarded the gates of the royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. The Palace Gatekeeper was a sixth-rank official who, along with the Chamhwa and the Palace Guards under the Palace Gatekeeper’s Office, guarded the palace gates, regulated entry and exit, and conducted patrols. The changing-of-the-guard ceremony is based on actual historical records and takes place primarily at Deoksugung Palace during the late Joseon Dynasty. The event takes place six days a week (excluding Mondays) at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. To further engage local residents and foreign tourists, various hands-on programs are also offered. The “Ceremonial Drumming Experience” allows participants to strike the drum themselves to signal the start of the ceremony, and “I’m a Gatekeeper” is a program where participants don the gatekeeper’s uniform and experience the role firsthand, and “Traditional Costume Experience” is a popular activity where visitors can wear Joseon-era attire and take photos.

- Main Program: Seoul Royal Palace Gatekeeper Changing of the Guard Ceremony - Side Events and Programs: “I Am a Gatekeeper” Experience / “Riding a Horse” Experience / Traditional Costume Experience / “A Special Day in My Life” Photo Shoot [Details on Side Events and Programs] 1. I Am a Gatekeeper - Dates: Every Tuesday–Sunday (during the Changing of the Guard ceremony) - Capacity: 1 person per session - Highlights: Experience the role of a gatekeeper / Try on traditional attire / Role training - Notes: Advance registration required / Arrive at the waiting room 1 hour before the experience begins 2. Riding the Ceremonial Horse - Operating Period: Tuesday–Sunday (during the Guard Change Ceremony) - Participants: 1 person per session - Key Activities: Experience the role of a ceremonial horseman / Put on traditional attire / Role training - Notes: Advance registration required / Arrive at the waiting room 30 minutes before the experience 3. Traditional Attire Experience - Operating Hours: Weekends and Public Holidays, 10:30 AM–3:30 PM - Participants: No limit - Highlights: Hands-on experience wearing traditional attire on-site - Note: Free of charge 4. A Special Day in My Life - Operating Period: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM) - Capacity: 1 group per session (up to 5 people) - Highlights: Commemorative photo shoot with the Gatekeeper / 1 instant photo provided - Notes: Multiple applications by the same group are not permitted / Photography equipment, costumes, props, and makeup are not provided / Photography while the Gatekeeper is on the move is not permitted