2026 Sungnyemun Guard Ceremony

About the festival

The 'Sungnyemun Guard Ceremony' protecting Sungnyemun is officially closed on Mondays and operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, excluding Mondays. The term 'guard' refers to the defense of the capital city, which was one of the important military ceremonies during the Joseon Dynasty. The defense of the capital was a critical issue, especially during the Imjin War and the Manchu invasions in the time of King Seonjo. The guard ceremony connects the opening and closing of the city gates with the ceremony of the guards, making it as significant as the ceremony for guarding the royal palace when considering its position and role within the central military system. The procedure for the 'Sungnyemun Guard Ceremony' involves the guard soldiers lining up in front of Sungnyemun, the appearance of the golden drum signaling the start, followed by the sounds of the nagak and nabal. Under the command of the officer, the guard soldiers proceed with the gate-opening ceremony. The guard ceremony begins with the guards stationed at Sungnyemun, followed by a shift change between the first and second guard units, and then the ceremony continues with six shift changes and guard ceremonies, concluding with the gate-closing ceremony under the officer's command.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization · TourAPI · TourAPI 3107059