From Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gyeonghuigung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace, the royal palaces from the Joseon dynasty in Seoul are representative tourist destinations in Korea, attracting countless visitors every year. Experience Korean history and culture in these palaces, which preserve the beauty of the past, right in the heart of the city.
ⓒKorea Tourism Organization Photo Korea - Lee Beom-su 】
【 Right: Deoksugung Palace’s Royal Guard Changing Ceremony ⓒSeoul Tourism Archive 】
Diverse events are held at the palaces to preserve and promote the traditional culture of Korea. A prime example is the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung Palaces. Dozens of people dressed as guards of the palace gates perform the ritual at scheduled times, accompanied by a Chwitadae (royal court band). The ceremony reenactment is based on historical records, vividly recreating the royal guard culture and majesty of the Joseon dynasty.
[Changing of the Royal Palace Guards Ceremonies]
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Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony LINK
- Address: Heungnyemun Gate area, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 경복궁 흥례문 일원)
- Ceremony schedule: Wednesday-Monday 10:00, 14:00
* Palace is closed on Tuesdays - Fee: Free
- Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Inquiries: +82-2-3210-1645
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Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony LINK
- Address: Daehanmun Gate area, 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 세종대로 99)
- Ceremony schedule: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00, 14:00
* Palace is closed on Mondays - Fee: Free
- Website
- royal.khs.go.kr/dsg (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- www.royalguard.kr (Korean, English) - - Inquiries: +82-2-6462-7402
- - TIP: Many other programs are available, such as the royal chief gatekeeper experience and traditional costume experience
【 Right: Changgyeonggung Palace ⓒKorea Tourism Organization Photo Korea - Oh Han-sol 】
Night to showcase the beauty of the palaces, including the K-Royal Culture Festival, a grand festival set against the backdrop of Seoul's five grand palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, as well as evening admission to palaces and special viewing of the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Most of these events are limited to specific periods, so visitors are advised to check the event schedule ahead of time.
[Palace Evening Admissions]
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Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace
- Address: Chundangji Pond area, 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185 창경궁 춘당지 일대)
- Period: March 7 - December 31, 2025
* Closed on Mondays - Fee: Free
* Admission to the palace charged separately - Inquiries: +82-1522-2295
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- * 2026 event schedule for Gyeongbokgung Palace Starlight Tour, Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour, and Deoksugung Palace Seokjojeon at Night are not yet announced.
Tip. Guided Tours
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine offer free guided tours in English, Japanese, and Chinese for international tourists. Additionally, Gyeongbokgung Palace offers guided tours in French on Wednesdays and Thursdays and in Spanish on Fridays and Saturdays. Participate in the guided tour to get a closer look around the palace grounds and a deeper understanding of the royal culture.
>> See Guided Tour Schedule
Related pages
- Special Tips to Enjoy the Five Royal Palaces in Seoul
- Hanbok Programs
* 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay, and Indonesian)
This page was last updated on October 29, 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.
