The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony takes place twice a day in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, Korea. In ancient times, the royal guards of Joseon Dynasty stood guard at the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. The ceremony has taken place since 1469. After extensive historical research, this splendid and elegant traditional Korean royal court cultural ceremony was first re-enacted in 1996. The gate guardsmen, perform the changing of the guard ceremony, and hold a parade. The guards’ uniforms, weapons, and accessories as well as their strict ceremonial procedures is performed in traditional costumes at the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul.