Joseon-era royal guards in Korea
The Wanggung Sumunjang (Korean: ; Hanja: ) literally translates as "door guard of the royal palace" or Sumungun (Korean: ; Hanja: ) literally translates as "military doorkeepers", for short is a royal guard unit of the Joseon Dynasty, whose primary duty is to guard the walls and gates of the Five palaces of Seoul.
Description.
The Wanggung Sumunjang were a special unit of the Royal Guards in the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. The Sumungun were responsible for guarding the gates and walls of the five royal palaces and Hanseong's city gates, and would also patrol the surrounding areas to prevent any unauthorized entry. They were highly skilled in martial arts and weaponry, and were trained to use a variety of weapons including swords, spears, and bows. In 1469, King Yejong established the King's Royal Palace Gatekeepers as a separate organization from the main body of the Royal Guards. King Yeongjo established the "Sumunjangcheong" (守門將廳) to manage them. They were recruited from the commoner class and were often referred to as "commoner soldiers" or "lowborn soldiers", as opposed to the aristocratic soldiers who made up the majority of the Royal Guards. Despite their lower social status, the Sumungun were known for their fierce loyalty to the royal family and their skill in combat. The Sumungun were known for their distinctive uniforms, which included a red jacket with black trim and a black hat with a white feather. Their uniforms were designed to be both practical and stylish, and were often decorated with intricate patterns and designs. In addition to their duties as guards, the Sumungun also played a role in various official ceremonies and events within the royal court. For example, they would participate in military parades and other public events, and would also serve as escorts for members of the royal family.
Equipment.
The guards wore royal uniforms, carried traditional weapons, and played traditional instruments. The "Sumunjang" and "Sujongjang" wore and plate and mail armor ("gyeongbeongap", Korean: ; Hanja: ) and the "Gapsa" wore "dudumiggap" (Korean: ; Hanja: ), a ceremonial armor that does not provide protection in battle.
Ranks.
The following list is the "Sumungun" ranks with their roles and duties:
Re-enactment.
Guard ceremonies have been reenacted since 1996, and are a major tourist attraction.