The Opening and Closing of the Royal Palace Gates and Royal Guard Changing Ceremonies

Royal Guard

In ancient times, the royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place, with the present reenactment ceremony being based on historical records for authenticity.

The reenactment of the original ceremony began in 1996. The gate guardsmen serve their sentry, perform the changing of the guards, and hold a parade. The guards' uniforms, weapons, and accessories, as well as their strict ceremonial procedures, catch the eyes of passersby, especially foreign tourists. Since it is hard to experience traditional events in such a big city like Seoul, the change of the guard's ceremony is a great opportunity. It takes place every day except Tuesday.

Performance Times

Sumunjang (Royal Guard) Changing Ceremony
10:00, 14:00 / 20 minutes per ceremony
Gwanghwamun Gate Guard-on-Duty Performance
11:00, 13:00 / 10 minutes per ceremony
Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training (outside Hyeopsaengmun Gate)
09:35, 13:35 / 15 minutes per ceremony

* Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
* Event may be canceled in the case of rain.

Duration of Performance

Varies by performance

Additional Events

Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Costume Experience
(1) Venue: Sumunjangcheong Building
(2) Time: before and after the Guard Changing Ceremony and the Guard-on-Duty Performance (closed on Tuesdays)
(3) Inquiries: +82-2-3210-1645~6
※ Reservation required for the king or queen’s costume.

Age Limit

Open to visitors of all ages

Transportation

[Subway]
Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2.

Information Location Gallery

No ceremonies and performances on Tuesdays
Period : 01.01.2019 ~ 12.31.2019

Address
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)
Location
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun area
Telephone
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3210-1645

Gallery