Seoul Royal Palace Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The ‘Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony in Seoul’ 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 Sumunjang was a government official of the 6th rank who, along with subordinates from the Sumunjangcheong and the Sumungun, guarded the palace gates, controlled entry and exit, and conducted patrols. The ceremony is structured based on actual historical records and takes place primarily at Deoksugung Palace during the late Joseon period. 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 the general public and foreign tourists, various hands-on programs are also offered. These include the ‘Opening Drumming Experience,’ where participants personally beat drums to signal the start of the ceremony; ‘I Am a Sumunjang,’ a program where participants wear Sumunjang attire to experience the role; and the popular ‘Traditional Costume Experience,’ which allows visitors to take photos while wearing Joseon Dynasty clothing.