Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Introduction Information

Start date: 2024-01-01
End Date: 2024-12-31
Viewing Duration: Varies by performance
Performance Time: [Royal Guard Changing Ceremony] 10:00, 14:00
[Ceremony of Guarding Gwanghwamun Gate] 11:00, 13:00
[Public Training of the Royal Guard Soldiers] 09:35, 13:35

* Schedule is subject to change; refer to the official website for details.
* Events may be canceled in the case of rain.
Venue: Gyeongbokgung Palace Heungnyemun Gate and Gwanghwamun Gate areas
Age Limit: Open to visitors of all ages
Fee: Free
Host Company: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation
Host's Contact Information: +82-2-3210-1645

Introduction: In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.