The Sumunjang (or general of the palace gate guard) in the Joseon Dynasty was a chief military officer who led the guards of the main gates of Joseon’s capital, as well as the gates of Joseon’s Royal palaces. For more completely guard of the gates and the palace, the Sumunjang was established in the first year (1469) of King Yejong in the Joseon Dynastry, and was systematized by Gyeonggukdaejeon (the complete code of law).

The opening and closing ceremony for Gungseongmun and the changing of the guard in the Joseon Dynasty introduce the ceremony of guarding the royal family through historical investigation of documents.

• Main Event: March to June, and September to November (10:00 - 15:00)
  ·The changing of the guard ceremony is carried out at fixed intervals during this time.
• Turning duty event: January to February, July, August and December (10:00 - 16:00)

• Main Event: The opening and closing ceremony for Gungseongmun, the changing of the guard ceremony, and the Patrol Ritual
• Turning duty event: Informal changing of the guard ceremony and revival of a guard
• An event in which visitors participate: Experiencing Royal Clothes (The General Publicity Experience Center)

• Sameom (the bell) is rung.
• After Dangha of Dochongbu, Juseo of Seungjeongwon, and Sayak of Aekjeongseo enter, Dangha of Dochongbu salutes the Sumunjang, completes a procedure confirming discontinuation, and then instructs him to take the key out of the Yaksiham (a box containing a palace gate key).
• The Sumunjang receives the key and instructs to open and close the palace gate.
• When the gate is open, the Yoryeongjang (a military officer), who was on standby outside the gate, enters.
• The Yoryeongjang and the Sumunjang confirm their Pae (ID) with each other and salute.
• After the salutation, duties are transferred, relief procedures for the Yoryeonggun are performed, and they line up.
• After entry of the Yoryeongjang and the Yoryeonggun, the Sukjinkgun arranges the lines and prepares to leave.

• Jungeom (the drum) is beaten.
• Sumunjangs of the guards saluted each other, confirm Pae of each Sumunjang and salute again.
• The Sumunjangs horizontally hold Deungchae, or batons, with both hands, and salute each other.
• After the salutation, duties such as civil petitions of Chulmunbu and Gweham are transferred.
• After the salutation, the old Sujongjang and the new Sujongjang confirm their Sujongjangpae (ID), and salute each other.
• The new Sujongjang goes up to Mullu (a gate pavilion) on the second floor, and begins his duty.
• After performing the relief procedures between old the Sumungun and the new Sumungun, Sumungun that was on duty leaves under the baton of the old Sumunjang.