October 3 (Fri) – October 4 (Sat), 2025 | 19:30–20:30
Special Stage at Yeonmudae
In 1795, on the fourth day of his royal procession, King Jeongjo went up to the Western Command Post of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and personally commanded his royal guards, the ‘Jangyongyeong’, in the night military training known as the ‘Yajo’(night military training). Inspired by this historic event, today’s grand performance brings history to life at Yeonmudae, the very ground where real military training once took place. Featuring equestrian performances, martial arts, mass choreography, fireworks, and spectacular sound and visual effects, the show recreates the grandeur of King Jeongjo’s vision.
[Performance] Main Performance Suwon Fantasy ‘Yajo’ (Free Performance)
•Date and Time: October 3 (Fri) – October 4 (Sat), 2025, 19:30–20:30
•Venue: Yeonmudae, Hwaseong Fortress
[Advance Reservation Information]
• Reservation Date : September 8, 2025 (Mon) 14:00
• Ticket Office : Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival website – Program/ Advance Reservation page
• Seats: 1,000 per day (2,000 total), first-come-first-served
• Fee: Free Performance
• On-site Guidance: After reservation, please check in at the Yeonmudae ticket booth to receive your ticket. Seating is on a first-come basis (Free Seating)
[Performance Overview]
In 1795, on the fourth day of his royal procession, King Jeongjo went up to the Western Command Post of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and personally commanded his royal guards, the ‘Jangyongyeong’, in the night military training known as the ‘Yajo’. Inspired by this historic event, a large-scale outdoor performance unfolds, combining equestrian displays, martial arts and military tactics, mass choreography, dazzling fireworks, special stage effects, water screens, and a projection mapping show harmonized with music. Staged at Yeonmudae, located in the northeastern part of Hwaseong Fortress and once used as a real military training ground, the performance maximizes the liveliness and immersion of the show through an elevated stage and a three-dimensional seating arrangement. In particular, about 200 citizens take part as performers, playing diverse roles such as court ladies, generals, and soldiers.
[Story]
One night, Crown Prince Sado dreamed of a dragon flying in with a dragon pearl, and the prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of his son, Yi San. The time of destiny passed. Jeongjo became a new king who envisioned a new world for his people. Yet, opposing forces sent assassins to threaten his life. With no one left to trust, the king decided to defend himself and to establish a new royal guard, the ‘Jangyongwi’, rather than relying on the existing military forces. Meanwhile, those who had lost power turned to Jeombang’s curse and conspired to hatch another plot. Their plan was to bring down the fortress walls before King Jeongjo himself during the royal procession to Suwon. Upon entering Hwaseong Fortress, Jeongjo dreamed of a new era with new people of talent. ‘Byeolsi’, a special state examination, was held, and young scholars wrote words of reform and unity with their brushes. As night deepened, drums thundered and the Yajo began. Torches flared, hundreds of flags waved atop the fortress walls, and Jeongjo proclaimed: “You are all my people, my soldiers!” The song of the people drove away the darkness, heralding a hopeful tomorrow as bright as the moon. On this night in Hwaseong, every heart rose together as one.
[Scene-by-Scene Synopsis]
Prologue _ The Dragon in the Clouds
In Crown Prince Sado’s dream, a dragon appears carrying a dragon pearl. The following year, his son Yi San (later King Jeongjo) is born, destined for greatness blessed by the spirit of dragon.
Act 1. The Coronation and Threat
Upon becoming king, King Jeongjo declares his vision for reform. Yet opposing factions send assassins into the palace to kill him. Despite the threats, Jeongjo decided to stand strong and protect himself.
Act 2. King Jeongjo’s Determination
In the harsh reality of not being able to trust anyone, not even those inside the palace, Jeongjo falls into deep concern. Still, he vows to carry forward his father Crown Prince Sado’s legacy, committing to the creation of a new royal guard.
Act 3. The Birth of Jangyongyoung
Jeongjo establishes the ‘Jangyongwi’ (royal guard unit) and orders training based on the Muye Dobo Tongji (Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts). The unit is later elevated to Jangyongyoung (Royal Elite Camp), becoming central to royal protection and national defense.
Act 4. The Conspiracy of the Adversaries
The Left State Councillor and the Commander of Military Training Forces conspire against the king, invoking shamanic curses through Jeombang, the shaman. Before Jeongjo’s royal procession to Suwon, they plan to set the fortress on fire. Within the curse’s vision, Jeongjo’s royal robe is seen burning in flames.
Act 5. The Royal Procession to Suwon
Arriving at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Jeongjo is welcomed by the people. Through a special state examination (Byeolsi), he recruits talented new officials and declares his determination to reform.
Act 6. Night at the Haenggung Palace
Lady Hyegyeong-gung Hong, gazing toward Hyeonnyungwon, mourns her late husband, Crown Prince Sado. Discovering the commander's conspiracy, she reminds him of past loyalty and changes his mind.
Act 7. The Beginning of Yajo
As drums echo and torches blaze, the Yajo unfolds. Gates open and close, commands are repeated, and citizens and soldiers unite in defending the majestic fortress.
Act 8. A New Beginning
The commander confesses his plot against the king and seeks forgiveness. Jeongjo embraces him, declaring, “You are all my people, my soldiers!” With equestrian martial arts displays and grand drills, the king lights the path toward harmony and reform.
[Credits]
<Creative Team>
Director - Cho Hyeongje /Playwright - Kang Boram/ Music- Kim Taegeun, Jang Yunhee/ General PM- Ha Namgyeong/ Production Director - Song Jaeseong/ Technical Director- Lee Jaeuk/ Associate Director - Han Jiyeon /Choreography - Gu Seulgi/ Costume Design - Kim Mijeong/ Video Production- Saengdonggam /Makeup - Lee Sumin Assistant Director - Kim Sohee/Assistant Choreographers - Yu Saehan, Lee Yejin /Stage Manager - Kang Hyeonho
<Cast>
King Jeongjo - Jeong Bogwon /Lady Hyegyeong-gung Hong - Kim Nani /Jeong Yak yong - Kim Bongyeong /Chae Jegong - Lee Sanghwa /Kim Jonggu - Moon Jisu /Training Commander - Park Jongwon /Shaman (Jeombang) - Han Ayun/ Baek Dong su and Jangyongyoung Soldiers - Suwon City Performing Arts Company /Citizen Actors
Dancers - Kim Gyuri, Kim Minseok, Kim Beomsu, Kim Seoyeon, Kim Suin, Kim Yeongpil, Kim Eungmin, Kim Hangil, Ryu Sebin, Park Hayoung, Bae Seojin, Baek Seonghyeon, Seo Juwon, Shin Jieon, Eo Jinju, Yu Saehan, Yuk Jihyeon, Yun Seongjae, Lee Yejin, Lee Yuri, Lee Eunji, Jang Mingyeong, Jo Hyeongjun, Jin Hyeonwoo, Cha Juyeong, Choi Siwoo, Choi Yeji, Heo Jonggeun
[Performance] Main Performance Suwon Fantasy ‘Yajo’ (Free Performance)
•Date and Time: October 3 (Fri) – October 4 (Sat), 2025, 19:30–20:30
•Venue: Yeonmudae, Hwaseong Fortress
[Advance Reservation Information]
• Reservation Date : September 8, 2025 (Mon) 14:00
• Ticket Office : Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival website – Program/ Advance Reservation page
• Seats: 1,000 per day (2,000 total), first-come-first-served
• Fee: Free Performance
• On-site Guidance: After reservation, please check in at the Yeonmudae ticket booth to receive your ticket. Seating is on a first-come basis (Free Seating)
[Performance Overview]
In 1795, on the fourth day of his royal procession, King Jeongjo went up to the Western Command Post of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and personally commanded his royal guards, the ‘Jangyongyeong’, in the night military training known as the ‘Yajo’. Inspired by this historic event, a large-scale outdoor performance unfolds, combining equestrian displays, martial arts and military tactics, mass choreography, dazzling fireworks, special stage effects, water screens, and a projection mapping show harmonized with music. Staged at Yeonmudae, located in the northeastern part of Hwaseong Fortress and once used as a real military training ground, the performance maximizes the liveliness and immersion of the show through an elevated stage and a three-dimensional seating arrangement. In particular, about 200 citizens take part as performers, playing diverse roles such as court ladies, generals, and soldiers.
[Story]
One night, Crown Prince Sado dreamed of a dragon flying in with a dragon pearl, and the prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of his son, Yi San. The time of destiny passed. Jeongjo became a new king who envisioned a new world for his people. Yet, opposing forces sent assassins to threaten his life. With no one left to trust, the king decided to defend himself and to establish a new royal guard, the ‘Jangyongwi’, rather than relying on the existing military forces. Meanwhile, those who had lost power turned to Jeombang’s curse and conspired to hatch another plot. Their plan was to bring down the fortress walls before King Jeongjo himself during the royal procession to Suwon. Upon entering Hwaseong Fortress, Jeongjo dreamed of a new era with new people of talent. ‘Byeolsi’, a special state examination, was held, and young scholars wrote words of reform and unity with their brushes. As night deepened, drums thundered and the Yajo began. Torches flared, hundreds of flags waved atop the fortress walls, and Jeongjo proclaimed: “You are all my people, my soldiers!” The song of the people drove away the darkness, heralding a hopeful tomorrow as bright as the moon. On this night in Hwaseong, every heart rose together as one.
[Scene-by-Scene Synopsis]
Prologue _ The Dragon in the Clouds
In Crown Prince Sado’s dream, a dragon appears carrying a dragon pearl. The following year, his son Yi San (later King Jeongjo) is born, destined for greatness blessed by the spirit of dragon.
Act 1. The Coronation and Threat
Upon becoming king, King Jeongjo declares his vision for reform. Yet opposing factions send assassins into the palace to kill him. Despite the threats, Jeongjo decided to stand strong and protect himself.
Act 2. King Jeongjo’s Determination
In the harsh reality of not being able to trust anyone, not even those inside the palace, Jeongjo falls into deep concern. Still, he vows to carry forward his father Crown Prince Sado’s legacy, committing to the creation of a new royal guard.
Act 3. The Birth of Jangyongyoung
Jeongjo establishes the ‘Jangyongwi’ (royal guard unit) and orders training based on the Muye Dobo Tongji (Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts). The unit is later elevated to Jangyongyoung (Royal Elite Camp), becoming central to royal protection and national defense.
Act 4. The Conspiracy of the Adversaries
The Left State Councillor and the Commander of Military Training Forces conspire against the king, invoking shamanic curses through Jeombang, the shaman. Before Jeongjo’s royal procession to Suwon, they plan to set the fortress on fire. Within the curse’s vision, Jeongjo’s royal robe is seen burning in flames.
Act 5. The Royal Procession to Suwon
Arriving at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Jeongjo is welcomed by the people. Through a special state examination (Byeolsi), he recruits talented new officials and declares his determination to reform.
Act 6. Night at the Haenggung Palace
Lady Hyegyeong-gung Hong, gazing toward Hyeonnyungwon, mourns her late husband, Crown Prince Sado. Discovering the commander's conspiracy, she reminds him of past loyalty and changes his mind.
Act 7. The Beginning of Yajo
As drums echo and torches blaze, the Yajo unfolds. Gates open and close, commands are repeated, and citizens and soldiers unite in defending the majestic fortress.
Act 8. A New Beginning
The commander confesses his plot against the king and seeks forgiveness. Jeongjo embraces him, declaring, “You are all my people, my soldiers!” With equestrian martial arts displays and grand drills, the king lights the path toward harmony and reform.
[Credits]
<Creative Team>
Director - Cho Hyeongje /Playwright - Kang Boram/ Music- Kim Taegeun, Jang Yunhee/ General PM- Ha Namgyeong/ Production Director - Song Jaeseong/ Technical Director- Lee Jaeuk/ Associate Director - Han Jiyeon /Choreography - Gu Seulgi/ Costume Design - Kim Mijeong/ Video Production- Saengdonggam /Makeup - Lee Sumin Assistant Director - Kim Sohee/Assistant Choreographers - Yu Saehan, Lee Yejin /Stage Manager - Kang Hyeonho
<Cast>
King Jeongjo - Jeong Bogwon /Lady Hyegyeong-gung Hong - Kim Nani /Jeong Yak yong - Kim Bongyeong /Chae Jegong - Lee Sanghwa /Kim Jonggu - Moon Jisu /Training Commander - Park Jongwon /Shaman (Jeombang) - Han Ayun/ Baek Dong su and Jangyongyoung Soldiers - Suwon City Performing Arts Company /Citizen Actors
Dancers - Kim Gyuri, Kim Minseok, Kim Beomsu, Kim Seoyeon, Kim Suin, Kim Yeongpil, Kim Eungmin, Kim Hangil, Ryu Sebin, Park Hayoung, Bae Seojin, Baek Seonghyeon, Seo Juwon, Shin Jieon, Eo Jinju, Yu Saehan, Yuk Jihyeon, Yun Seongjae, Lee Yejin, Lee Yuri, Lee Eunji, Jang Mingyeong, Jo Hyeongjun, Jin Hyeonwoo, Cha Juyeong, Choi Siwoo, Choi Yeji, Heo Jonggeun