‘Sungnyemun Ceremony’ to guard the gate

Vitalize our proud cultural heritage embraced by the historical city of Seoul!

To guard is to defend the capital city which was one of important military ceremonies in Joseon Dynasty. The defense of capital city in Joseon Dynasty was the most important matter. Especially, it emerged as a severe problem after going through the experiences of Imjin War and Byeongja War in during the era of the King Sunjo. The guard ceremony was the military ceremony of Joseon Dynasty that connected the opening and closing of capital city gate at curfew and curfew-lifted with the patrol ceremony. Considering the position and role of central military system, it is considered no less important than the defense of Royal Palace.
 

Sungnyemun Gate (崇禮門)

Gate that is located at the south of Hanyang the Capital City of Joseon Dynasty, which surrounded the City for 600 years!
Currently, it is located at the center of Seoul, and its building structure is exactly the symbol of Seoul!

It is Korea National Treasure No. 1 and the oldest wooden building remaining in Seoul. It was built in the 5th year of King Taejo (1396) and completed in 7th year of King Taejo (1398). This building was reconstructed in the 30th year of King Sejong (1448), and it was revealed that there was a large construction in the 10th year of King Seongjong (1479) at the time of dismantling repairing from 1961 to 1963.

In February 10, 2008, the upper second floor of Sungnyemun Gate was destroyed by the arson. The first floor was damaged by the collapse of the second floor rather than the fire on the second floor. Moreover, about 90% of the second floor was destroyed from the fire, but the first floor did not experience any loss.

Sungnyemun Gate has been opened to the public since its completion in May 4, 2013 after the long 5 years and 2 months of restoration.