Overview
The 'Seoul Royal Guard Changing Ceremony' is a representative traditional cultural reenactment event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, vividly recreating the changing of the guards who protected the palace gates during the Joseon Dynasty. The Royal Guard (Sumunjang), a position of the sixth rank, worked alongside the guards under the Royal Guard Office to protect palace gates, control access, and conduct patrols. The ceremony is based on historical records and takes place primarily at Deoksugung Palace, as it was in the late Joseon Dynasty. The event is held six days a week, excluding Mondays, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace. To enhance the experience for citizens and foreign tourists, various interactive programs are also offered: the 'Ceremony Opening Drum Experience' allows visitors to beat the drum to signal the start of the ceremony, 'I Am a Royal Guard' lets participants wear the guard's uniform to experience the role, and the 'Traditional Costume Experience' is a popular activity where visitors can wear Joseon-era clothing and take photos.
