Deoksugung Royal Guard Changing Ceremony Guide — Experiencing the Spirit of the Korean Empire in the Heart of the City (2026)

Amidst the forest of towering buildings, the bustling office workers, and the lively atmosphere of the Seoul City Hall plaza, the area in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace turns into a time machine every day at a set hour. This is due to the magnificent 'Deoksugung Royal Guard Changing Ceremony,' which begins with the grand sound of conch shells.

While the ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace is grand and formal, the one at Deoksugung offers a more dynamic energy as it interacts closely with the citizens. For those who want to fully enjoy Korean traditional beauty in a short amount of time during their city tour, here are all the tips for the Deoksugung guard changing ceremony.

Seoul Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held in front of Deoksugung Daehanmun Gate

What you will learn in this article:

The differences and unique charms of Deoksugung compared to Gyeongbokgung
How to follow the 'Sunla' ritual, where the guards march through the streets
The most beautiful walking course along the 'Deoksugung Stone Wall Path' after watching the ceremony
A list of budget-friendly restaurants near City Hall station loved by locals

How is the Deoksugung Guard Changing Ceremony different from Gyeongbokgung's?

The biggest differences are 'accessibility' and 'dynamism.'

Scale: While Gyeongbokgung's ceremony is grand and solemn as it takes place in a vast plaza, Deoksugung's is held right in front of the main gate, making it close enough to hear the guards' breath.
Period: Deoksugung's costumes are based on the Korean Empire period (late 19th to early 20th century), offering a glimpse of more ornate and unique patterns than those at Gyeongbokgung.
Timing: Deoksugung holds the ceremony 3 times a day, making it easier to fit into your itinerary.

How to get a good view of the ceremony in the heart of the city (City Hall Station)

The sidewalk in front of Deoksugung's Daehanmun Gate is narrow and can quickly get crowded.

Positioning: Rather than standing directly in front of Daehanmun, find a spot on the hill to the left (towards Seoul City Hall). This allows you to see the entire movement of the guards entering and exiting at a glance.
Public Transport: Take the subway to City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2), Exit 2, and the festival will unfold right before your eyes.

The Special Sequence: What is the 'Sunla' (Patrol) Ritual?

The highlight of the Deoksugung ceremony is undoubtedly the 'Sunla (巡邏)'.

This is a ritual where the guards, having completed the changing ceremony, march around the perimeter of Deoksugung Palace and up to Gwanghwamun while playing drums and trumpets.
The spectacular traditional procession cutting through the forest of skyscrapers is the perfect scene showcasing Seoul's charm, where the modern and the past coexist. Following the procession and taking photos makes for an excellent travel route.

A Beautiful Walking Course along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Path

The old superstition that "couples who walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Path break up" is a thing of the past. It is now considered one of the most beautiful walking trails in Seoul.

Recommended Route: Daehanmun Gate → Stone Wall Path → Jeongdong First Methodist Church → Jeongdong-gil pop-up cafes.
It is particularly stunning in autumn when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Are there guard-related events during the Deoksugung Night Opening?

Deoksugung is the only palace in Seoul that is regularly open at night (until 9:00 PM).

While the changing ceremony itself is not held at night, during specific seasons (spring, autumn), nocturnal guard patrol performances are sometimes held in conjunction with the 'Night at Seokjojeon' event. The guards at Daehanmun under the night lights look much more mysterious and majestic than during the day.

Budget-friendly restaurants near Deoksugung recommended by local office workers

The area around City Hall is a culinary paradise.

Jinju Hoegwan: A restaurant with 60 years of tradition famous for its soybean noodle soup (Kong-guksu). If you visit in summer, this is a must-visit.
Manjok Oh-hyang Jokbal: A Michelin-guide-listed restaurant perfect for a hearty dinner after watching the ceremony.
Yurimmyeon: Famous for its buckwheat noodles (Memil-guksu) and udon; it's also very welcoming for solo diners.

Are there days when the ceremony does not take place, other than the Monday closure?

Deoksugung is closed every Monday.

Additionally, in cases of heavy rain or snow, extreme cold below -5°C, or heatwaves above 35°C, the ceremony may be canceled or simplified for the safety of the guards.

Are there foreign language guides or explanatory boards available?

Deoksugung is very considerate of foreign travelers.

Announcements are made in English, Chinese, and Japanese before the ceremony begins. Additionally, leaflets explaining the ceremony's procedures are available at the information center next to Daehanmun Gate, so be sure to pick one up.

Coordinating the Seokjojeon tour reservation with the guard ceremony time

Inside Deoksugung, there is Seokjojeon, the first Western-style stone building in Korea.

The interior of Seokjojeon operates strictly by advance reservation (and it is highly competitive!).
If you successfully book a 11:30 AM tour of Seokjojeon, the perfect route is to watch the 11:00 AM guard ceremony from outside for about 10 minutes, then enter the palace.

The Meaning of the Ornate Colors and Patterns of the Royal Guard Uniforms

If you look closely at the guards' clothing, you can see symbols of the Korean Empire hidden within.

The golden 'Baeja' (vest) and red fabric symbolize the Emperor's authority. The feathers on their hats and the intricate embroidery signify the determination to show the world that Korea was a confident and independent nation at the time.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I watch the Deoksugung ceremony and then head directly to Gyeongbokgung?
A: Yes, it is about a 15–20 minute walk away. We recommend watching the 11:00 AM Deoksugung ceremony, taking a leisurely walk to explore Gwanghwamun Square, and then watching the 2:00 PM Gyeongbokgung guard ceremony.

Q2: Can I talk to the guards while taking photos?
A: No, there is a rule that guards must not speak during the ceremony. If you have questions, please ask the onsite information staff (those wearing yellow ribbons).

💡 Traveler Tip

Go up to the 'Jeongdong Observatory on the 13th floor of the Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building' across from City Hall Plaza. It is a hidden gem where you can overlook the entire view of Deoksugung Palace and the scene in front of Daehanmun Gate, where the ceremony is held, for free (or for the price of a cheap cup of coffee).

Recommended Service: If you are looking for guided night tours of Seoul's royal palaces or various traditional cultural festivals/experience programs in Korea, you can easily compare and book tours and packages at Klook Korea Festivals & Activities.