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 Seoul City, vividly recreating the scene of the palace guards who protected the palace gates during the Joseon Dynasty. The Sumunjang (Palace Gate Guard Commander) held a position of Jong 6-pum (a specific rank) and, along with subordinates and guards from the Sumunjangcheong (Guard Command Office), guarded the palace gates, regulated entry and exit, and performed patrols. The changing ceremony is structured based on actual historical records and unfolds mainly around Deoksugung Palace 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 interest of general citizens and foreign tourists, various experiential programs are also operated, including 'Gae-sik-ta-go Experience' where participants beat a drum themselves to announce the start of the ceremony; 'I am a Sumunjang too,' a program to experience the role by wearing a Sumunjang costume; and 'Traditional Costume Experience,' a popular activity where participants can take photos wearing Joseon Dynasty attire.

About the Festival

- Main Program: Seoul Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony - Supplementary Events and Programs: 'I am a Sumunjang too' experience / 'Gae-sik-ta-go' experience / Traditional costume experience / 'Special Day in My Life' photo shoot experience [Details of Supplementary Events and Programs] 1. I am a Sumunjang too - Operating Period: Every Tuesday ~ Sunday (during the changing ceremony) - Participants: 1 person per session - Main Content: Experience the role of a palace guard / Wearing traditional costume / Role education - Remarks: Pre-registration required / Arrive at waiting room 1 hour before experience day 2. Gae-sik-ta-go - Operating Period: Every Tuesday ~ Sunday (during the changing ceremony) - Participants: 1 person per session - Main Content: Experience the role of Eom-gosu (drummer) / Wearing traditional costume / Role education - Remarks: Pre-registration required / Arrive at waiting room 30 minutes before experience day 3. Traditional Costume Experience - Operating Period: Weekends and public holidays 10:30~15:30 - Participants: No limit - Main Content: On-site traditional costume wearing experience - Remarks: Free operation 4. Special Day in My Life - Operating Period: Every Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday (10:00, 13:00, 15:00) - Participants: 1 team per session (up to 5 people) - Main Content: Commemorative photo shoot with the Sumunjang / 1 instant photo provided - Remarks: No duplicate applications for the same person / Photo equipment, costumes, props, makeup, etc. not provided / No photography while guards are moving