Gyeongbok Palace guard changing ceremony halted due to extreme heat

The intense heatwave gripping Seoul has forced the suspension of the traditional changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbok Palace. The Cultural Heritage Administration's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced the halt on August 5, citing the "extreme heatwave" and government directives.

This decision aligns with the Ministry of Interior and Safety's guidelines for severe heatwave alerts. The ceremony, which recreates the historical guard duties of the Joseon Dynasty, is performed daily at Gyeongbok Palace. It includes a main changing of the guard ceremony and a smaller "guard inspection and changing" ritual at Gwanghwamun Gate.

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Due to the extreme heatwave, all schedules for the Guard Changing Ceremony program are suspended in accordance with the Ministry of Interior and Safety's severe heatwave warning guidelines.

Officials stated the suspension is a safety measure to prevent heat-related illnesses among both the performers and the audience. The program is scheduled to resume only after the severe heatwave warning has been rescinded. The administration emphasized that the safety of participants is paramount during these extreme weather conditions.

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This is a safety measure to prevent heat-related illnesses among performers and spectators. It is scheduled to resume after the severe heatwave warning is lifted.