Sungnyemun Guarding Ceremony

The 'Sungnyemun Guard Ceremony,' which protects Sungnyemun Gate, is officially closed on Mondays and operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, excluding Mondays. 'Pasu' (guarding) refers to the defense of the capital city and was one of the important military ceremonies of the Joseon Dynasty. Defending the capital was a paramount issue during the Joseon era, becoming a serious concern particularly during the reign of King Seonjo following the Imjin War and the Manchu Invasion. The guard ceremony is a military ritual of the Joseon Dynasty that combines the gate opening and closing ceremonies at Injeong and Paru with patrol ceremonies; considering its position and role within the central military system, it is a ritual just as important as guarding the royal palace. The procedure for the 'Sungnyemun Guard Ceremony' begins with guards lining up in front of Sungnyemun Gate, their duty station. A Geumrugwan appears to announce Paru, followed by the sounding of conch shell horns and trumpets. Under the command of the Hogun, the guards proceed with the Sungnyemun Gate opening ceremony. Afterwards, the guarding ceremony for Sungnyemun begins, and the ceremony is conducted after the shift change between the 1st and 2nd guards. Subsequently, six shift changes and guarding ceremonies are performed, and then, under the command of the guards, the guards conduct the Sungnyemun closing ceremony.