Gyeongbokgung Guard Changing Ceremony: Times and Best Viewing Spot

Short answer: The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is usually held twice a day, at 10:00 and 14:00, and lasts about 20 minutes. It takes place in the courtyard between Gwanghwamun Gate and Heungnyemun Gate, which is outside the ticket gate, so watching is free. There is no ceremony on Tuesdays, when the palace is closed, and it can be cancelled for heat waves, heavy rain or special events. For the best view, arrive 15-20 minutes early and stand along the rope line facing Heungnyemun Gate.

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The ceremony recreates how gate guards changed shifts during the Joseon dynasty: drums, banners, guards in bright red, blue and yellow uniforms, and a formal exchange of passwords between the outgoing and incoming captains. It is one of the easiest free cultural shows in Seoul, and it fits neatly into a palace morning.

Ceremony times and schedule

Main ceremony

When: usually 10:00 and 14:00.
How long: around 20 minutes.
Where: Heungnyemun courtyard, just inside Gwanghwamun Gate.
Cost: free to watch.

Some schedules also list a short public training display by the guards before the main ceremony, and a brief guard-on-duty performance at Gwanghwamun Gate later in the morning and around midday. These extra programs change more often than the main ceremony, so treat them as a bonus.

When it does not run

Tuesdays: Gyeongbokgung is closed, and the ceremony is not held.
Bad weather: it can be cancelled during heavy rain, heat wave alerts or extreme cold.
Special state or palace events: on some days the courtyard is used for other rites, and the ceremony is paused.

Because times and cancellations do change, check the official Gyeongbokgung Palace website or the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center site on the day you plan to go.

Best viewing spot

The ceremony happens in front of Heungnyemun Gate, the second gate you reach after walking through Gwanghwamun from the main road. A rope line marks the performance area.

Front and center, facing Heungnyemun: the best overall spot. You see the guards march in, the drum, and the exchange at the gate. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get the front row.
Side of the courtyard near Gwanghwamun: good for photos of the procession as it enters, with fewer people in front of you.
For a quick look: the edges near the ticket office usually have space even at the last minute, but the view is partial.

Weekday mornings are calmer than weekends. The 14:00 ceremony tends to be busier because tour groups arrive after lunch, so the 10:00 slot is the better pick if you also want a quieter palace visit.

Photo tips

Do not step over the rope line or block the guards' path; staff will ask you to move.
After the ceremony, guards often stand at the gate and visitors can take photos nearby. Keep a respectful distance and do not touch them or their equipment.
Morning light comes from the side and works well for photos of the colorful uniforms.

How to get there

The closest subway stop is Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3. An exit leads toward the palace and the National Palace Museum, and from there it is a short walk to Heungnyemun courtyard. Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5 is also close: walk north across Gwanghwamun Square and enter through Gwanghwamun Gate, which brings you straight into the ceremony area.

Plan your palace morning

A simple, low-stress plan:

Arrive around 9:30 and buy a palace ticket if you plan to go inside (or rent a hanbok first, see below).
Watch the 10:00 ceremony from the rope line.
Enter the palace through Heungnyemun once the crowd thins and walk to Geunjeongjeon (the throne hall) and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.
Finish at the National Folk Museum inside the grounds, or walk to Bukchon or Samcheong-dong for lunch.

Wearing a hanbok

Visitors wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) have long been able to enter the palace without buying a ticket. Rental shops are clustered around the palace and Gwanghwamun, and many people book a rental slot just before the 10:00 ceremony so their photos include the guards. Our hanbok rental guide for Gyeongbokgung explains the rules and what to check before you pay. If you prefer to book ahead, you can reserve a Gyeongbokgung hanbok rental on KKday.

Seeing more palaces

Deoksugung Palace, near City Hall, holds its own guard ceremony at its main gate, which some visitors find more intimate. If you want to see several palaces in a few days, read our guide to the Seoul palace pass.

Yara from POPORO CITY likes to say: "Ten o'clock, front row, and let the drums wake you up better than coffee."

Quick tips

Go to the 10:00 ceremony for smaller crowds.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early for a front-row spot facing Heungnyemun.
Skip Tuesdays: the palace and ceremony are closed.
Check the official site the same morning for weather cancellations.
Combine it with a hanbok rental for free palace entry and better photos.

FAQ

Do I need a ticket to watch the guard ceremony?

No. The ceremony takes place in the courtyard before the ticket gate, so anyone can watch for free. You only need a ticket (or a hanbok) to enter the palace grounds beyond Heungnyemun.

Is the ceremony held every day?

It is usually held every day the palace is open. The palace closes on Tuesdays, and the ceremony can be cancelled for bad weather or special events.

Which time is better, 10:00 or 14:00?

10:00 is usually less crowded and leaves the rest of the morning for the palace. 14:00 works if you have a busy morning elsewhere, but expect more tour groups.

Can I take photos with the guards?

Yes, usually after the ceremony when the guards take their positions at the gate. Stay a polite distance away, do not touch them, and follow staff instructions.

How long should I plan for the ceremony and palace?

Allow about 30 minutes for the ceremony including waiting, and 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the main palace areas.