The Implementation of the ‘Regency Ceremony’ and the Ceremony of Enthronement in the 19th Century

A significant shift in royal succession rituals occurred during the 19th century at Changdeokgung Palace Complex, with the introduction of the 'Regency Ceremony' ('垂簾聽政儀') to formalize the role of a regent queen. This ceremony, first implemented upon Sunjo's ascension in 1800, marked a departure from traditional practices by moving the Enthronement ceremony away from the main gate of Changgyeonggung Palace to Injeongmun Gate within Changdeokgung. The study reveals that subsequent kings followed this new protocol, which involved ascending the throne at Hwangyeongjeon Hall and then proceeding to Huijeongdang Hall for the Regency Ceremony. This ritual change underscored the formalization of regency power and its close association with coronation ceremonies, providing insight into the evolution of royal governance structures during this period.

Lim, H.-R. (2022). The Implementation of the ‘Regency Ceremony’ and the Ceremony of Enthronement in the 19th Century. Sarim, 80, 37–67. https://doi.org/10.20457/sha.80.2