Korean traditional martial arts performance Muyedobotongji Sibpalgi - Namhansijae 360° Video

In ancient times, Korean martial arts flourished at Namhansanseong Fortress, the site of an emergency palace located in the center of the Korean Peninsula. A special performance titled Namhansijae will be given of the martial art known as Sibpalgi, which is recorded in Muyedobotongji, a martial arts training manual used by Joseon's military after the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 (Imjin Waeran). The performance will be given twice a day at the Sueojangdae Post, West Command Post, and Oehaengjeon, the King's office quarters, at Namhansanseong Emergency Palace. Come and watch this exciting martial art training that was practiced at Namhansanseong Fortress in olden times!

The History behind the Performance
In 1779, the third year of King Jeongjo's reign, the garrison of Namhansanseong Fortress suddenly became very busy after being informed that the King would shortly pay a visit to the fortress. The warriors stationed at the fortress, and the Byeolmusa of the Sueocheong, Sueocheong army corps headquarters, in particular, were busy practicing incessantly in preparation for the Namhansijae, a martial arts examination supervised directly by the king. Just in time, however, they heard that the evaluation criteria for this Namhansijae would be changed. This time, the evaluation would be made according to the rules of Sibpalgi, which had been newly established as the standard form of martial art for Joseon's army by Sadoseja (Crown Prince Sado), the father of King Jeongjo. To earn the honor of being recognized as a distinguished warrior in front of the king, the Byeolmusa warriors of the Sueocheong engaged in a fierce martial arts contest.