Suwon Military Training Performance 'Suwon Fantasy-Yacho' Continues at Yeonmudae Through the 11th

The 'Suwon Fantasy-Yacho' theme performance of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival began on the 7th. Running nightly through the 11th at the Yeonmudae of Suwon Hwaseong, the Yacho is a nighttime military training exercise from the Joseon dynasty.

Yacho is a representative content of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, combining torch processions, equestrian performances, military group dances, fireworks, and sound effects. About 100 citizen actors recruited in advance participate in various roles including court ladies, generals, and soldiers.

Suwon Fantasy-Yacho is based on the nighttime military training 'Yacho' personally commanded by King Jeongjo on the fourth day of his 1795 royal procession to Suwon Hwaseong, when he ascended the Seojangdae fortress. The performance unfolds at the Yeonmudae, which was the site of actual tactical training.

King Jeongjo established the Jangyongryeong, an elite royal guard unit, to strengthen royal authority and fortify national defense. The Yeonmudae of Suwon Hwaseong is where Jangyongryeong soldiers trained, serving as a historically significant location embodying the military training and national defense policies of that era.

The performance unfolds across eight scenes: the enthronement of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of Joseon, the threats surrounding him, the birth of Jangyongryeong, the royal procession to Suwon, and the beginning and unity of Yacho. With narrative, music, dance, and traditional performances enhanced by lighting, video, media mapping, and special effects, audiences erupted in cheers.

Suwon Special City Mayor Lee Jae-jun, who attended the first performance on the 7th, said, "Suwon Fantasy-Yacho is a performance that captures the spirit of King Jeongjo, who dreamed of a prosperous and strong nation. I hope all citizens will fully enjoy this festival of 'Yacho.'"