Naegeumwi

Naegeumwi (Korean: 내금위; Hanja: 內禁衛) was a military unit during the Joseon Dynasty period of Korean history between 1392 and 1910, responsible for protecting the king and the royal family.

[1][2][3] The monarch held random inspections of the royal guards, with the tolling of the Cheobjong bell(첩종,疊鐘), which notified the guards that the king was approaching Gwanghwamun Gate.

[1] The guards had to line up in formation and display their combat skills and tactical skills, according to the Owijinbeob (오위진법,五衛陣法), which was a contemporary document recording various movements and strategies, considered to be the most modern at the time.

At the end of the inspection the king would display his displeasure or satisfaction with the skills and performance of the Naegeumwi.

In modern days, re-enactments of the royal guards' inspection ceremony are performed for tourists at the Gyeongbokgung Palace during high season.