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2026 Sungnyemun Gate Guard Duty Ceremony (Pasu Ceremony)

Name: 2026 Sungnyemun Gate Guard Duty Ceremony (Pasu Ceremony)
Start: 2026-01-01
End: 2026-12-31
Location: Sungnyemun Square

Free · Permanent · Jung-gu Sungnyemun Square

Dates: Jan 1 ~ Dec 31
Hours: 10:00~15:40
Venue: Sungnyemun Square
Area: Seoul Jung-gu
Price: Free
Enquiries: 02-3789-7402

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About this event

The 'Sungnyemun Gate Guard Duty Ceremony,' which guards Sungnyemun Gate, operates daily from 10:00 to 15:40 except on Mondays, its official day off. Pasu (guarding) refers to defending the capital city and was one of the major military ceremonies during the Joseon Dynasty. Defending the capital city was a paramount concern during Joseon, emerging as a critical issue especially after experiencing events like the Imjin War and the Manchu invasion under King Seonjo. The ceremony connected Joseon military rituals with the opening and closing of capital gates at curfew (Injeong) and dawn (Paru), as well as night patrols (Sunra). Considering its military position and responsibility, it was as vital as guarding the royal palace itself. The sequence of the ceremony begins with guards lining up in front of Sungnyemun Gate, followed by the arrival of the Geumru-guan official announcing dawn, signaled by the blowing of conch shells and brass horns. By command of the commander (Hogun), guards perform the gate opening ceremony. Guard duty officially commences as the first and second guard units execute their shift change. Shift changes and guard rituals repeat six times throughout the day, ending with the gate closing ceremony on the commander's orders. - Main Program: Sungnyemun Gate Guard Duty Ceremony - Side Events & Programs: Guard Patrol Ceremony (Sunra) / Sungnyemun Gate Opening & Closing Ceremonies / One Day Patrol Guard Experience, etc.

Location

Jung-gu Sungnyemun Square

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Weather

Today(Fri)Showers · 25° ~ 25° · 60% chance of rain
Aug 29(Sat)Rain · 26° ~ 30° · 60% chance of rain
Aug 30(Sun)Cloudy · 23° ~ 29° · 60% chance of rain

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