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* The Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony
 

The royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) were in charge of protecting the gates of the capital city and the royal palace. The royal palace guards, who were known as the ‘Wanggung Sumunjang’, had the very important duty of protecting the king.  They were in charge of opening and closing the palace gates, inspecting all visitors, and maintaining a close surveillance of the palace.  They were divided into day and night shifts, and this ceremony used to take place every day when the shifts changed over.  The Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony now takes place daily all year long, excluding Tuesdays when the palace is closed.  The ceremony is reenacted exactly as it used to be held, with guards wearing the Joseon uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing instruments.  The ceremony takes place every hour on the hour from 10:00am to 3:00pm. 
 

In front of the Gyeonghoeru pavilion, visitors to the palace are able to dress up in the uniforms of the royal guards and have their photo taken.  As well as the royal guard uniforms, Hanboks (traditional Korean clothing) have been specially prepared for children. Best of all, the program is completely free. 
 

* Taekwondo Cultural Performance
 

The Taekwondo Cultural Performance will introduce visitors to the energy and skill of the martial art Taekwondo one of Korea’s national sports, which has fans throughout the world. This is a particularly special performance as it presents both traditional Korean classical music and Taekwondo in the same show. On every second and fourth Saturday of the month, a group of Korean children perform Taekwondo, which is always a hit with the audience.
Click here to read the “Learn Taekwondo in Gyeonghuigung Palace!” Column 

Taekwondo classes are held in the Taeryeongjeon Jeongak and the front courtyard of Gyeonghuigung Palace.  Here visitors can learn the basic forms of Taekwondo, the art of self-defense, and wood breaking.  Classes are only one hour long, so can be easily included in a busy sight-seeing schedule, although those who want to make a day of it can do all three classes.  Learning this traditional sport in a beautiful, historical setting will really enable you to experience Korea’s culture.  The classes are offered daily (excluding Mondays), three times a day.  Be sure to check the schedule as different classes are taught at different times, and to make reservations through the website a day in advance. 
 

* Royal Birthday Ceremony Reenactment
 

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) banquets would be held regularly at the royal court in order to create harmony in the nation. One such example is the Yangnoyeon (a banquet to respect the elderly royal court nobles). The ‘Eoyeon’ banquet, was a very special banquet as it was held in honor of the king. When the 21st Joseon king, King Yeong-jo, turned 50, he received a ‘Eoyeon’ birthday banquet from his royal subjects and then returned the favor by giving them a feast as well. This feast is reenacted at the Myeongjeongjeon area of Changgyeonggung palace, every Saturday at 2pm from April to September.
Click here to read the “Changgyeonggung Royal Birthday Ceremony Reenactment” news article

Just like at Gyeongbokgung palace, visitors to Changgyeonggung palace can also try on traditional royal guard uniforms and royal court costumes and take photographs. This program will continue as long as the ‘Royal Birthday Ceremony Reenactment’ takes place and is free of charge.