Royal Procession

[Anchor Lead]

King Jeongjo's royal procession dating back to the Joseon period has recently been reenacted based on historic evidence. The parade began at Cheongdeokgung Palace in Seoul and stretched all the way to Suwon-Hwaseong fortress. Efforts are underway to inscribe King Jeongjo's parade on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

[Soundbite] Jeongjo(22nd King of Joseon Dynasty) : "This year marks the 20th anniversary of my enthronement as well as the 60th birthday of my mother, Lady Hyegyeong, and my deceased father. I will hold the grandest celebration ever."

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King Jeongjo's royal procession, which began at Changdeokgung Palace, passes by Namdaemun and arrives at the Hangang River. A bridge made of 36 boats in order for the parade to cross the river was also reenacted in its original form.

[Soundbite] Kim Ik-hoon(Seoul Resident) : "It's an opportunity for children and adults to learn about how our ancestors lived a long time ago."

Meanwhile on the river bank, artists captured and drew the rare spectacle on a huge canvas. Some four thousand citizens and 690 horses were deployed to reenact the largest procession of the Joseon period. People who acted as King Jeongjo and Lady Hyegyeong were selected through a public contest.

[Soundbite] Yeom Tae-young(Suwon Mayor) : "It's a pan-national celebration of our cultural heritage based on King Jeongjo's filial piety and love for the people by bringing nine local governments together, as one."

The special procession was reenacted based on exact historic facts. Efforts are underway to designate it as an UNESCO World Heritage.