Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony

About the Festival

The 'Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony' is a representative traditional cultural reenactment event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, a program that vividly recreates the changing of the guard who protected the palace gates during the Joseon Dynasty. The Sumunjang (Royal Guard Commander) held a Jong-6-pum (junior 6th rank) official position, guarding the palace gates, controlling entry and exit, and conducting patrols with subordinates and guards belonging to the Sumunjangcheong (Royal Guard Command). The changing ceremony is based on actual historical records and unfolds primarily at Deoksugung Palace during 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 at Deoksugung Palace. To enhance the interest of general citizens and foreign tourists, various experiential programs are also operated: the 'Gae-sik-ta-go Experience' allows participants to beat a drum to signal the start of the ceremony, 'I Am Sumunjang' is a program where participants wear Sumunjang attire and experience the role, and 'Traditional Costume Experience' is a popular activity where participants can wear Joseon Dynasty costumes and take photos.