2026 Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony

Festival Highlights
- Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony
- Joseon Dynasty Military Ritual

The "Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony," which protects Sungnyemun Gate, operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, excluding Mondays. "Pasu" (guarding) was one of the important military rituals of the Joseon Dynasty for defending the capital city (Doseong). The defense of the capital city was a paramount issue during the Joseon Dynasty, and its importance was further highlighted especially after experiencing the Imjin War and the Qing Invasion during King Seonjo's reign. This ceremony was a Joseon Dynasty military ritual that connected the opening and closing ceremonies of the capital gates at injeong and paru, along with patrol rituals, playing a role as important as guarding the palace.
The main program is the "Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony." Sub-events and programs include the "Sungnyemun Gate Guard Patrol Ceremony," "Sungnyemun Gate Opening and Closing Ceremony," and "One-day! Patrol Guard." The event procedure begins with the guard soldiers lining up in front of Sungnyemun Gate, their duty station. When the Geumrugwan, announcing paru, appears and the signals of conch shells and trumpets ring out, the guard soldiers proceed with the Sungnyemun Gate opening ceremony under the command of the Hogun. Following this, the guard ceremony guarding Sungnyemun Gate begins, and after the first and second shifts of guard soldiers exchange duties, the guard ceremony continues. After a total of 6 rounds of exchange ceremonies and guard ceremonies, the guard soldiers proceed with the Sungnyemun Gate closing ceremony under the command of the Hogun.
Held at Sungnyemun Plaza. The address is 40, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (Namdaemun-ro 4-ga).
Admission is free.
Mondays are official holidays, and the event operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, excluding Mondays. The event runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
The "Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony," which guards Sungnyemun Gate, operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, except for Mondays, which are official holidays. "Pasu" (把守) refers to guarding the capital city (都城), and it was one of the important military rites of the Joseon Dynasty. Defending the capital city was a paramount concern during the Joseon Dynasty, and it became an even more serious issue particularly after experiencing the Imjin War and the Qing Invasion during King Seonjo's reign. The Guard Ceremony is a Joseon Dynasty military ritual that connects the opening and closing ceremonies of the capital gates (conducted at injeong and paru) with patrol rituals. Considering its position and role within the central military system, it was a ritual as important as guarding the palace. The procedure for the "Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony" begins with the guard soldiers lining up in front of Sungnyemun Gate, their duty station. The Geumrugwan (official in charge of announcing time) appears to announce paru, followed by the sound of conch shells (nagak) and trumpets (nabal). Under the command of the Hogun (commander), the guard soldiers proceed with the Sungnyemun Gate opening ceremony. Following this, the guard ceremony guarding Sungnyemun Gate begins, and after the first and second shifts of guard soldiers exchange duties, the guard ceremony continues. Subsequently, six more rounds of exchange ceremonies and guard ceremonies are performed, after which, under the command of the Hogun, the guard soldiers proceed with the Sungnyemun Gate closing ceremony.
- Main Program: Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony - Sub-events & Programs: Sungnyemun Gate Guard Patrol Ceremony / Sungnyemun Gate Opening and Closing Ceremony / One-day! Patrol Guard, etc.
- Main Program: Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony - Sub-events & Programs: Sungnyemun Gate Guard Patrol Ceremony / Sungnyemun Gate Opening and Closing Ceremony / One-day! Patrol Guard, etc.
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