King Jeongjo's Royal Parade

• DatesSun, Oct 4
• Hours09:00-21:00
• WhereGyeongbokgung Palace161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• FeeFree (Separate charges apply to programs)Age Open to visitors of all ages
• OrganizerSeoul Metropolitan Government, Gyeonggi Province, Suwon Special City, Hwaseong Special CitySeoul +82-786-0610Suwon +82-31-5191-2367 Hwaseong +82-70-4202-1017

Picture yourself walking alongside a royal procession in traditional costume, watching King Jeongjo's grand journey to Hwaseong Fortress unfold across Seoul, Suwon, and Hwaseong. This isn't a museum exhibit—it's a living recreation of one of the Joseon dynasty's most spectacular events.

What it is

King Jeongjo's Royal Parade recreates the historic 1795 journey when King Jeongjo traveled from Seoul to Suwon to celebrate his mother's 60th birthday. Based on detailed records from the "Wonhaeng Eulmyo Jeongni Uigwe," the festival faithfully reenacts the royal procession with traditional costumes, performances, and ceremonial displays across three cities.

What to expect

The event spans Seoul, Suwon, and Hwaseong with different programs in each location. In Seoul, you'll see the Ceremony of Departure and Citizen Parade at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Suwon features a Welcoming King Jeongjo ceremony and Suwon Hwaseong Parade, while Hwaseong offers both Modern and Traditional Section Parades.

Good to know

The event is free to attend, though separate charges apply to specific programs. It runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and welcomes visitors of all ages. The festival is a collaborative effort between Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon, and Hwaseong, so you might want to plan which locations you'd like to visit.

Gatnyang summarised the official description from the Korea Tourism Organization. Dates, hours and fees are shown exactly as listed — check the official page before you go.