Enjoying 'Gabe-cha' on Terrace of Deoksugung Palace

연합뉴스 / 2024-04-03 09:22:53

▲ Visitors enjoy "Seokjojeon at Night,” a cultural event held in Deoksugung Palace, Seoul, in this file photo provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration. Seokjojeon is one of the historic Western-style buildings in this Joseon era palace. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- A special event offering a glimpse into ancient culture while touring the interior of the Western-style stone building, Seokjojeon, located in Deoksugung Palace, is set to take place. The Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace Division and the Cultural Heritage Foundation announced on the 3rd that the 'Night at Seokjojeon' event will be held from April 16th to May 25th.

Seokjojeon, a Western-style building built during the reign of Emperor Gojong (1863-1907) to serve as the main hall of the royal palace, was completed in 1910. According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, Seokjojeon consists of a reception room, guest waiting room, main dining hall, as well as the Emperor and Empress's bedrooms and various other rooms, all accessible via stone stairs leading up to the first floor.

▲ This file photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration, shows the venue for "Seokjojeon at Night,” a cultural event held in Deoksugung Palace, Seoul. Seokjojeon is one of the historic Western-style buildings in this Joseon era palace. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Participants of the 'Night at Seokjojeon' event will have the opportunity to tour the interior while listening to explanations from guides, followed by enjoying coffee and desserts on the terrace, reminiscent of the past 'Gabe-cha' and 'Yangtangguk.' Additionally, musical performances set against the backdrop of the Korean Empire will be held in the reception room. The event will be held three times a day at 6:15 PM, 6:50 PM, and 7:25 PM.

An official from the Palace Division stated, "This year, we plan to extend the event dates from 48 to 70 days for both the first and second half of the year, and also expand the number of participants per session from 16 to 18." Ticket reservations will be available on Ticketlink starting from 2 PM on the 5th, with a limit of two tickets per person on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals aged 65 and older, people with disabilities, and national merit recipients can inquire by phone at 1588-7890.