In the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), the royal place gates were protected by units of gate guards whose duty was to guard the palace entrances and to open and close them according to a prearranged schedule. The Seoul Metropolitan Government restored the changing of the gate guard ceremony in 1996. This was done on the basis of research conducted by a group of experts, and since then the ceremony has been conducted on a daily basis. The changing of the gate guard ceremony is a spectacular event that is often compared to the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.
Royal Palace Changing of the Guards
Ceremony process | Time | Details |
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Gaesik tago | 2 mins | A ceremonial announcement of the Changing of the palace gate guards |
Gunhohabu Ceremony | 2 mins | The Ministry of Military Affairs reports the day’s military password to the king and with the king’s consent sends it to the Royal Secretariat who, in turn, informs the gate guards of it. |
Sulli Ceremony at Seoul Plaza | 6 mins | The palace guards patrol the palace grounds (i.e., from Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace to the Gwanghwamun Square (Bosingak (Belfry))) |
Daily Ringing of the Bosingak Bell
Application Period | year round |
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Eligibility | no restriction |
Bell Striking Participation | 4 people daily (group reservation available, prior inquiries) |
Selection Method | first-come first-served |
Application Method | Internet application |