Changing of Guards Ceremony

Do you notice, the 1395 Joseon Dynasty building, Gyeongbokgung Palace have several guards that keep the eye at the Gwanghwamun Gate. If you are on your plan to visit this historical palace, you should mind on visiting there during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and you will find it is exciting to wonder about the Palace Guards.

During the Joseon Dynasty, the Palace Guards were responsible for guarding and patrolling the gates of the capital city and the royal palaces. They were called, “Wanggung Sumunjang” (왕궁수문장), and they had the very important duty of protecting the palace by guarding the entrance gates where the king resided. 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 the Changing of the Guard ceremony took place whenever the shift changed over.

Looking back to the history during Joseon Dynasty, the Changing of the Guard ceremony was conducted at Gyeongbukgung Palace as at that time Gyeonbukgung was the first and primary royal palace and the king then resided there. However, in the late period of the dynasty, Gyeongbukgung was burned down during the Japanese Invasion of 1592 to 1598. Then Deoksugung was made the primary royal palace and the Changing of the Guard ceremony was then conducted at Deoksugung.

After some historical research, this exciting and elegant traditional Korean royal court cultural ceremony was first re-enacted in 1996 and has been a must-see among Seoul’s tourist attractions ever since. This ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea, as the ceremony is re-enacted exactly as it used to be held, with guards wearing royal uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing traditional instruments. A tradition comparable to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, this ceremony takes place twice a day in front of Gwanghamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbukgung at 10 AM and 2 PM except on Tuesdays as the palace close on that day.

In addition, to give a littl e bit of interest on how the ceremony being held. Here is the plan of actions roughly. It starts with the first drumbeat signal sounds, and then the relieving guard unit mobilizes towards Gwanghwamun Gate. Next, the second drumbeat signal sounds and the relieving guard unit moves outside of Gwanghwamun Gate, and the chief of the relieving guard unit and the chief of the guard unit on duty perform an identification check. Then, the chief of the relieving guard unit orders his unit to take their positions at the gate and the relieved guard unit mobilizes to the inside of the gate. Lastly, the third drumbeat signal sounds and the chief of the relieved guard unit orders his unit to exit the vicinity.

Furthermore, the Palace Guards too have their own roles and duties. To make it short, here are some of the list about their positions and the duties.

Positions

Sumungun

Position: Keeper of the Royal Palace Gates
Duty: Responsible for guarding the palace gates

Sumunjang

Position: Chief Keeper of the Royal Palace Gates
Duty: In charge of guarding the palace gates and commanding the Sumungun

Sujongjang

Position: Deputy Keeper of the Royal Palace Gates
Duty: Daejonggo (Management of Large Bells and Drums)

Jongsagwan

Position: Lieutenant to the Chief Keeper
Duty: Assistance to the Chief Keeper, and management of the gate book

Gapsa

Position: Armed Guardsman
Duty: Guarding the palace gate

Jeongbyeong

Position: Regular Guard
Duty: Private soldier of the Joseon’s central army

Daejol

Position: Subordinate Soldier
Duty: Sentry of the palace gate

Jeollugun

Position: Jeollugun
Duty: Delivery of time for the royal court

Chwita

Position: Military Band Musician
Duty: Member of a royal military band

Since it is hard to experience traditional events in such city like Seoul, the Change of Guards ceremony is a great opportunity that you are not going to miss.

Performance Times

Sumunjang (Royal Guard) Changing Ceremony
10:00, 14:00 / 20 minutes per ceremony
Gwanghwamun Gate Guard-on-Duty Performance
11:00, 13:00 / 10 minutes per ceremony
Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training (outside Hyeopsaengmun Gate)
09:35, 13:35 / 15 minutes per ceremony

Additional Events

Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Costume Experience
(1) Venue: Sumunjangcheong Building
(2) Time: before and after the Guard Changing Ceremony and the Guard-on-Duty Performance (closed on Tuesdays)
(3) Inquiries: +82-2-3210-1645~6

• Reservation required for the king or queen’s costume.