2026 Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony

Date

2026.01.01 – 12.31

Hours

10:00~15:40

Venue

Sungnyemun Gate Square

Admission

Free

Inquiry

02-3789-7402

The Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony, which protects Sungnyemun Gate, operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40, except Mondays which are official closed days. Pasugi (guard duty) refers to the defense of the capital city and was one of the important military rituals of the Joseon Dynasty. Defense of the capital was the most critical issue during the Joseon period and became an increasingly serious concern especially after the Imjin War and the Second Manchu Invasion during the reign of King Seonjo. The Guard Ceremony is a Joseon military ritual that connects the opening and closing ceremony of the capital gates during Injung and Paroo, and the patrol ceremony. Considering its position and role in the central military system, it was as important a ritual as protecting the royal palace. The ceremony procedure begins with guard soldiers lined up in front of Sungnyemun Gate, followed by the appearance of the Geumrugwan who announces Paroo, and then the signal of the Nagak and Nabat horns sound. Following the commander's order, guard soldiers perform the gate opening ceremony of Sungnyemun. The Guard Ceremony then begins, and after the shift change between the 1st and 2nd guard units, the ceremony continues. Six more shift changes and guard ceremonies follow, and finally, following the commander's order, guard soldiers perform the gate closing ceremony of Sungnyemun.