Where and at what time does the Gyeongbokgung Royal Guard public training take place?

The public training for the Royal Guard takes place outside Hyeopsaengmun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is held daily at 9:35 AM and 1:35 PM for 15 minutes, and may be canceled in case of rain.

Where is the best spot to watch the Gyeongbokgung Royal Guard Changing Ceremony?

The view near Gwanghwamun Gate can be obstructed by other visitors, so we recommend watching from the blue line near Heungnyemun Gate. However, if you want to take close-up photos of the guards, waiting inside the blue line right in front of Gwanghwamun Gate is also a good option.

What are the schedule and duration of the Gyeongbokgung Royal Guard Changing Ceremony?

The ceremony is held twice a day at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, every day except Tuesdays when the palace is closed. It lasts for about 20 minutes and may be abbreviated in case of rain, extreme cold, or extreme heat.

Is there any commentary provided during the Gyeongbokgung Royal Guard Changing Ceremony?

Yes, a commentator provides explanations in Korean, English, and Japanese during the event. Thanks to this, along with the basic information in the guide pamphlet, you can more easily understand and enjoy the ceremony.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Guard Changing: Times & Best Views…

Gyeongbokgung Palace Guard Changing Ceremony

Hey fellow travelers! If you are planning a trip to Seoul, exploring the historic royal palaces is an absolute must-do. From Deoksugung and Changdeokgung to Changgyeonggung and the iconic Gyeongbokgung, these palaces are not just beautiful structures—they host incredible daily events that bring Joseon-era history to life.

Royal Guards marching at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Today, I want to share my experience watching the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. It is a spectacular event, but you need to time your visit perfectly to catch it. Believe it or not, despite visiting Seoul multiple times, this was the first time I actually got the timing right to see it live!

The Royal Guard Public Training Session

Location: Outside Hyeopsaengmun Gate

Times: 09:35 AM and 01:35 PM (Duration: 15 minutes)

Held daily year-round (subject to cancellation during rain or extreme weather)

My mom and I rented traditional Hanbok and arrived at Gyeongbokgung around 1:40 PM. As we walked in, we heard the vibrant sounds of traditional Korean instruments echoing through the air. Naturally, we followed the music and found a massive crowd gathered outside Hyeopsaengmun Gate. To our surprise, we had stumbled right into the Royal Guard Public Training session!

This public training happens twice a day at 09:35 AM and 01:35 PM. It was amazing to watch them practice their precise formations and movements up close. The session ended quickly, but since the main Royal Guard Changing Ceremony was scheduled for 2:00 PM, we quickly moved to find a prime viewing spot.

Pro tip: Grab one of the free informational brochures at the entrance. It has all the basic details and historical background, which makes watching the ceremony much more meaningful.

Best Spots to Watch the Guard Changing Ceremony

📍 Heungnyemun Gate, Gyeongbokgung
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony takes place in the spacious plaza between Gwanghwamun Gate (the main south gate) and Heungnyemun Gate. The main action happens right in the Heungnyemun Gate plaza, so keep that in mind when positioning yourself.

Let me share a quick tip on finding the best spot. I stood behind the blue line right in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. While this spot was fantastic for taking close-up photos of the guards as they marched past, it didn't offer the best view of the actual changing ceremony itself.

Here is one of the close-up shots I managed to get of the guards in their stunning traditional armor!

If you stand too close to Gwanghwamun, your view of the central ceremony might get blocked by the crowds. For the absolute best view of the entire performance, try to secure a spot along the blue line closer to Heungnyemun Gate.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Guard Changing Ceremony Schedule

Times: Twice daily at 10:00 AM and 02:00 PM

Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

The ceremony runs daily except on Tuesdays, when Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed. Keep in mind that during heavy rain, extreme heat, or freezing winter conditions, the ceremony might be simplified or cancelled. Plan your day around the 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM slots to make sure you don't miss this free cultural highlight!

Who Were the Royal Guards (Sumunjang)?

Royal guard holding a traditional weapon

Standing near Gwanghwamun Gate allowed me to admire the intricate details of the guards' uniforms and weapons. It was truly fascinating!

Historically, the Sumunjang (Royal Guards) were responsible for guarding the gates of the royal palaces and the capital city, protecting the safety of the king and the royal court.

They followed strict procedures to open and close the gates, ensuring the palace remained secure. Their service played a vital role in maintaining the stability of the Joseon Dynasty.

By reenacting this historical guard system, the ceremony offers a rare, immersive look into the authentic military uniforms, weapons, and ceremonial flags of the Joseon era.

Experiencing the Grandeur of the Ceremony

Even if you aren't familiar with Korean history, the ceremony is incredibly engaging because they provide live audio commentary in English, Japanese, and Korean. It runs for about 20 minutes, and the atmosphere is wonderfully dramatic.

The deep, resonant boom of a giant drum signals the beginning and end of the ceremony. Since I was standing a bit far from the drum, I could only hear the powerful sound vibrating through the plaza. Next time, I am definitely securing a spot closer to Heungnyemun Gate!

The sheer scale and discipline of the performance left me in awe. Each group of guards had distinct roles, color-coordinated robes, and specific weapons. Watching them march in perfect unison was a highlight of my trip.

Here is another quick tip: While the brochure is super handy, you don't need to worry about language barriers during the live show. The multilingual narrator guides you through each phase of the ceremony so you can easily follow along.

Guards with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the background

The 20 minutes flew by so quickly because the performance was incredibly captivating. Photos don't quite capture the grand scale of the event, so you definitely have to experience the atmosphere in person!

To give you a small spoiler: as the final drum beats fade, the traditional band plays a beautiful rendition of "Arirang," Korea's most famous folk song. It was a deeply moving and patriotic moment that beautifully concluded the experience.

I hope this guide helps you time your visit perfectly for your next Seoul adventure! Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll take you inside the exclusive Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. See you in the next one! 👋👋