2026 Sungnyemun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony

About the Festival

The 'Sungnyemun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony,' which protects Sungnyemun Gate, is officially closed on Mondays and operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, excluding Mondays. 'Pasu (把守)' refers to defending the capital city and was one of the important military rituals of the Joseon Dynasty. Defending the capital city was the most crucial issue during the Joseon Dynasty, and it emerged as a serious problem, especially after experiencing events like the Imjin War and the Manchu Invasion during King Seonjo's reign. The Pasu Ceremony is a Joseon Dynasty military ritual that connects the opening and closing ceremonies of the city gates (opening and closing at 'in-jeong' and 'pa-ru' times) and patrol rituals. Considering its position and role within the central military system, it is an important ceremony no less than guarding the palace. The procedure for the 'Sungnyemun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony' begins with the guards lining up in front of Sungnyemun Gate, their workplace, followed by the appearance of the Geumrugwan (official) signaling 'pa-ru,' and then the sound of conch shell and horn signals. Under the command of the Hogun (commander), the guards proceed with the Sungnyemun Gate opening ceremony. Afterwards, the Pasu Ceremony guarding Sungnyemun Gate begins, followed by the Pasu Ceremony after the shift change between the 1st and 2nd platoons of guards. Subsequently, 6 rounds of changing ceremonies and Pasu Ceremonies are conducted, and then, under the command of the Hogun, the guards proceed with the Sungnyemun Gate closing ceremony.