Overview
The 'Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony,' which protects Sungnyemun Gate, is closed on Mondays and operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, excluding Mondays. 'Pasu' (Guard) 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 critical issue during the Joseon Dynasty, especially after the hardships of the Imjin War and the Manchu War during the reign of King Seonjo. The guard ceremony is a Joseon-era military ritual that connects the opening and closing of the city gates at dawn and dusk with patrol ceremonies. Considering its position and role within the central military system, it is as important as guarding the royal palace. The 'Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony' procedure begins with the guards lining up in front of Sungnyemun Gate, followed by the appearance of the Geumrugwan (official announcing the time) and the sounding of the nagak and nabal (traditional wind instruments). Under the commander's orders, the guards perform the gate-opening ceremony. Afterward, the guard ceremony begins, and the guards proceed with the ceremony after the shift change between the first and second guard units. Following six rounds of shift changes and guard ceremonies, the guards perform the gate-closing ceremony under the commander's orders.
