Royal Parade Reenactment Dazzles Netizens And Tourists In Seoul

On Saturday, the Changdeok Palace located in central Seoul was crowded of people waiting to witness the beginning of a royal procession reenactment carried out over hundred years ago.

The celebration of 53rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival that ran from Friday to Sunday, the city governments conducted an event recreating King Jeongjo's parade from Seoul to Suwon that run for two days.

In 1975, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea embarked an eight-day trip to Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon which is about 50 kilometers away from Seoul, for a pilgrimage conducted for the monarch's dead father and as a celebration of his 20th anniversary for his reign and the 60th birthday of his mother.

The cultural heritage designated by UNESCO was built by the king in the 18th century to show the latest technological developments and the monarch's affection toward his father.

The 2016 King Jeongjo Tomb Parade Reenactment marked the first reenactment to start from the capital city Seoul. In the past, the route of the parade only covers Gyeonggi Province near Seoul.

The parade began with dozens of king's warrior on horses ahead the monarch followed by court musicians playing the traditional instruments which is the signal to the king's march.

Lee Kwang-ki, a South Korean actor, portrayed the role of King Jeongjo while the role of the Crown Princess was played by Hwang Chee-seok, who is an ordinary citizen chosen from 600-700 people participated in the parade.

There was also a court dress exhibition and a food market on Nodeul Island in Han River where the locals and foreigners could try the food served to King Jeongjo and Crown Princess Hong. People welcomed the parade with a big hand of applause when it arrived on the island.

More than 1,200 people and 168 horses were used for the event. After the music and dance performances, the parade embarked for Siheung Temporary Palace, where it stopped for the night before arriving at the fortress.

"We hope this parade becomes Seoul's representative festival that can give a sense of pride to those who take part in the event, and joy to our citizens and tourists," city official Chung Sang-hoon said.