Suspension of Joseon Royal Tomb Rituals Due to COVID-19 Spread

Gatekeeper Changing Ceremony Temporarily Suspended

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The Cultural Heritage Administration's Office of Royal Palaces and Tombs announced on the 26th that, starting from the 27th, it will temporarily suspend the Joseon Royal Tombs ancestral rites and the Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Joseon Royal Tombs ancestral rites are ceremonies held by the Jeonju Yi Clan Federation on the death anniversaries of kings and queens at their tombs. These rites were scheduled to be held next month at Hyereung, Gyeongneung, and Mokneung in Donggureung, Guri; at the Tomb of Prince Gwanghae in Namyangju; and at Heereung in Seosamneung, Goyang. The Office of Royal Palaces and Tombs plans to monitor the COVID-19 situation and reschedule the events accordingly.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and the Guarding Ceremony held in front of Heungnyemun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace will also be suspended for the time being. The royal guards will continue their on-site duties at Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.

Earlier, the Cultural Heritage Administration decided to close indoor exhibition facilities such as the National Palace Museum, Mokpo Maritime Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall in Jeollanam-do, and the National Intangible Heritage Center in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, until the 8th of next month due to the spread of COVID-19.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.