Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Seoul

The 'Royal Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Seoul' is a leading traditional culture reenactment hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, vividly reviving the changing of the guards who protected the palace gates in the Joseon era. The sumunjang was an official of the junior sixth rank who, together with the chamha of the guard office and the gate guards, protected the palace gates, controlled entry and conducted patrols. The ceremony is composed on the basis of actual historical records and is set at Deoksugung Palace in the late Joseon period. It is held six days a week, excluding Mondays, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in front of Deoksugung's Daehanmun Gate. Various hands-on programs add to the interest for residents and foreign visitors: 'Opening Drum' lets you beat the drum announcing the start of the ceremony, 'I'm a Palace Guard' lets you wear the guard's uniform and take on the role, and 'Traditional Dress Experience' is a popular program for having your photograph taken in Joseon-era clothing.