Witnessing a Royal Ceremony

The grand gate that stands in front of Gyeongbok- gung (Palace) is Gwanghwamun. First built in 1395, the gate has been destroyed or dismantled on four different occasions, either due to invasion, war, or to fix an unsatisfactory prior reconstruction. It was most recently restored and reintroduced to the public on August 15, 2010. Now back to its original location and built with a combination of wood and stone, it perfectly aligns with the royal palace’s primary north- south axis. The restoration didn’t come cheaply. The total cost was 28 billion won ($24 million)!

Of Seoul’s five royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Gyeongbokgung (Palace) is the largest. To help recreate what life was like during Korea’s royal era, visitors can experience a change of the royal guards at the entrance of Gwanghwamun (Gate) throughout the year.

Once the bell is rung, the ceremony begins! The bright colors, beautiful outfits, and the bold banners and flags combine to make the elaborate ceremony a favorite event among visitors to Seoul. When the reenactments started in 1996, the original records were reviewed to ensure that today’s ceremony honors the traditional one. In fact, there are actually two different ceremonies – one marks the opening and closing ceremony of the royal gate, while the other signifies the changing of the guards.

Note: The ceremony does not take place on Tuesdays, when Gyeongbokgung (Palace) is closed. Generally, the Opening/Closing ceremony occurs between 10:00~15:00 from March to June and September to November. The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs January to February, July, August and December between 10:00~16:00. More information: http://www.chf.or.kr/chf/eng/

TRANSIT TIPS

1. From Gwanghwamun (Gate), enter the palace compound and veer left towards Line 3’s Gyeongbokgung Station.

2. Take Line 3 southbound to Seoul University of Education station. It’s the transfer station with Line 2 (Green Line).

3. Transfer to Line 2 going in the direction of Gangnam Station.

4. Get off at Gangnam Station, exit 4.