Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun.
Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun.

Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun announced on his social media that "the grand and overwhelming stage — 'Yajo' — has returned."

"The thunderous drumbeats and soldiers' battle cries fill Yeonmudae, and brilliant lights wash over the fortress walls," Lee wrote. "On Wednesday, 'Suwon Fantasy Yajo' opened to great fanfare. Even on a weekday evening, citizens packed every seat."

He added that "the nighttime military drill that King Jeongjo personally commanded over the Jangyongyeong royal guard in 1795 has been brought back to life on a magnificent stage, with citizen actors performing alongside professional performers."

"From heart-pounding equestrian performances and razor-sharp martial demonstrations to sweeping ensemble choreography set to majestic music and fireworks lighting up the night sky — the relentless spectacle drew applause and cheers from throughout the audience," he said.

"Suwon Fantasy Yajo," the signature performance of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, runs through Sunday at Yeonmudae. [Provided by Suwon City]
"Suwon Fantasy Yajo," the signature performance of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, runs through Sunday at Yeonmudae. [Provided by Suwon City]

"This year, we have expanded the run, so you can catch the show every evening at 8 p.m. on a special stage at Yeonmudae through Sunday," Lee said. He also noted that visitors who use the paid hanbok rental service "Hanbok Masil" at Haenggung Square will receive complimentary tickets to Yajo on a first-come, first-served basis, adding that dressing in hanbok would make the experience even more special.

"Suwon Hwaseong's night is more beautiful than its day. I hope you will create unforgettable memories with the people who matter most to you," he added.

"Suwon Fantasy Yajo," the signature performance of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, opened Wednesday and runs nightly at Yeonmudae through Sunday. The show draws on the "yajo" — a nighttime military drill conducted on the fourth day of King Jeongjo's 1795 royal procession, during which the king climbed Seonjangdae fortress and personally commanded his elite guard unit, the Jangyongyeong — and stages it at Yeonmudae, the site of the original combat training ground. The production blends torchlight processions, equestrian performances, military ensemble choreography, fireworks and sound design, and stands as one of the festival's signature attractions. More than 100 citizen actors recruited in advance take part in a range of roles, including court ladies, generals and soldiers.


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