The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a reenactment of the changing of guards based on the duty roster of the officials belonging to the Sujeongcheong during the Joseon Dynasty. This event takes place at Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, and Changdeokgung Palaces in Seoul. Taking inspiration from this, various locations across the country, such as Gyeonggijeon Hall in Jeonju Hanok Village, Nakan Fortress in Suncheon, Jinju Fortress in Jinju, Andong Unification Park’s Daedohobu Changing of the Guard Ceremony, Namsan Fortress, and Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress, also hold Changing of the Guard Ceremonies at historic sites and relics.
When it comes to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, the one held at Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most well-known.
“Gyeongbokgung’s Changing of the Guard Ceremony Held Twice a Day”
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace takes place twice a day. The times are at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes.
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a representative traditional cultural event symbolizing the royal guard culture of the Joseon Dynasty, and it is reconstructed based on historical records of the institution of the Sujeongjang system in the first year of Yejong’s reign, 1469, according to the “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.”
In the case of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, it takes place between Gwanghwamun Gate and Hongyemun Gate.
“Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony”
The Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony is also held twice a day. However, there is a difference in the times. The ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and it lasts for about 10 minutes.
Additionally, there is a public training session for the guards. This takes place outside of the Hyeopsaengmun Gate and is held for 15 minutes starting from 9:35 AM and 13:35 PM.
“Events You Can Enjoy for Free”
There is no separate admission fee for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony. These events are open for everyone to enjoy for free.
“Procedure of the Changing of the. Guard Ceremony”
The procedure of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony is as follows:
- The duty guards of Sujeongcheong are stationed at Gwanghwamun Gate, and when the first bell rings, the changing guards depart and arrive at Gwanghwamun Gate.
- When the second bell rings, the changing Sujeongjang and the duty guards confirm each other’s military rites and statuses.
- The changing guards are positioned at Gwanghwamun Gate by the order of the Sujeongjang, and they inspect the boundary situation and military bearing of the guards.
- The duty Sujeongjang and guards prepare to leave, and when the third bell rings, they depart under the command of the Sujeongjang.
“Gyeongbokgung’s Changing of the Guard Ceremony & Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony”
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-3700-3901
- Gyeongbokgung’s Changing of the Guard Ceremony Times: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM
- Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony Times: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM
- Introduction to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony: https://www.chf.or.kr/cms/content/view/217