Joseon Royal Guard Parade 'Cheopjong' to Be Reenacted at Gyeongbokgung Palace Starting on the 31st

Royal Guard Inspection Ceremony and Martial Arts Experience
Free Performances Twice Daily at Heungnyemun Square

Royal Palace Guard Parade Ceremony 'Cheopjong (Stacked Bells)'

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the National Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency announced on the 23rd that they will reenact the royal palace guard parade ceremony, known as 'Cheopjong (Stacked Bells),' at the Heungnyemun Square of Gyeongbokgung Palace from the 31st until the 2nd of next month. The ceremony will take place twice daily (at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), and anyone can attend free of charge without prior reservation.

Cheopjong was a ceremony during the Joseon Dynasty in which the king personally inspected the training status of the royal guards. Based on records from the 'Gyeongguk Daejeon' and 'Gukjo Oryeui,' the center will reenact, in theatrical form, the king's procession through the palace and his review of the guards' formations and martial drills. The event will feature historically verified early Joseon-era costumes, weapons, ceremonial items, group combat demonstrations, and one-on-one martial arts contests.

At the training ground next to the Hyeopseongmun Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the 'Gapsa Martial Arts Experience' will be held twice daily (at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.), where participants can wear the iron robe (cheollik), the traditional attire of Joseon-era military officers, and try archery, spear spinning, staff techniques, and spear techniques. Selected participants will receive an appointment certificate and a souvenir featuring the gatekeeper character.