The daily guard ceremony at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul has been temporarily suspended due to record-breaking heatwaves gripping the region. The Cultural Heritage Administration’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced the halt on August 5th, citing the government’s “Heavy Heat Special Alert” issued by the Ministry of Interior and Safety.
Heatwave Forces Suspension of Gyeongbok Palace Ceremonies
The decision to pause the Gyeongbok Palace Sumunjang (Gatekeeping) Ceremony and other related events comes as a direct response to the extreme weather conditions. This suspension affects all scheduled performances of the Sumunjang Ceremony, which typically takes place twice daily at 10 AM and 2 PM in front of Heungnyemun Gate. Additionally, the water gate ceremony, usually held at 11 AM and 1 PM, has also been called off.
Officials from the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center and the Cultural Heritage Administration stated that these cultural events will remain suspended until the highest level of heatwave advisory, the “Heavy Heat Special Alert,” is lifted. This measure is primarily in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both performers and the numerous visitors who attend these popular attractions.
“All schedules for the Sumunjang Ceremony program have been suspended for the safety and enthusiastic welcome of the performers and visitors,” a representative from the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center explained. “We plan to resume the events once the Heavy Heat Special Alert is rescinded.”
Understanding the Heavy Heat Special Alert
The “Heavy Heat Special Alert” is the highest level of heatwave warning issued by meteorological authorities. It is typically declared when the highest perceived temperature is expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for two consecutive days, or when the highest perceived temperature is expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or the highest actual temperature is expected to exceed 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least one day.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) had expanded its heavy heat advisories on the morning of the announcement. New areas placed under the special alert included parts of Gyeonggi Province such as Gwangmyeong, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Gapyeong, Namyangju, Uiwang, Hwaseong, and the eastern and western parts of Yangpyeong, as well as Nam-gu in Incheon and Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province.
As of the announcement, a significant portion of the Seoul metropolitan area, including all of Seoul, was already under a heavy heat advisory. Out of 46 regions nationwide that had received the land-based weather advisory, 20 were under the special heavy heat alert, underscoring the severity of the ongoing heatwave.
Impact of Extreme Heat on Cultural Heritage Sites
The suspension of the Gyeongbok Palace guard ceremony highlights the broader impact of extreme weather events on cultural tourism and public events. Palaces and other historical sites often involve extensive outdoor activities, making them particularly vulnerable to prolonged periods of intense heat. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated and take precautions when visiting outdoor attractions during such weather conditions.
The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates on the resumption of the Sumunjang Ceremony and other events as the weather conditions improve. The safety of the public and the preservation of cultural heritage remain top priorities during this period of extreme heat.
Looking Ahead: Resumption of Ceremonies
While the exact date for the resumption of the Gyeongbok Palace guard ceremonies remains uncertain, it is directly tied to the de-escalation of the heatwave warnings. The public and potential visitors are encouraged to check the official website of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center for the latest information regarding event schedules. The cultural institution is committed to reinstating these popular displays of tradition as soon as it is safe to do so, ensuring that the rich history and cultural practices of Gyeongbok Palace can be experienced without risk.
