4 Major Palaces, Royal Tombs of Joseon to Open for Free During Chuseok Holiday

연합뉴스 / 2024-09-10 17:16:38

▲ This file photo shows Hanbok and Gyeongbokgung Palace. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- The four major palaces and royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will be open to the public for free during the Chuseok holiday, a key national celebration.

The Cultural Heritage Administration’s Palaces and Tombs Branch announced on the 10th that from September 14 to 18, visitors can freely explore the four palaces—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon royal tombs. However, admission to Changdeokgung's Secret Garden will remain a paid experience.

Jongmyo Shrine, typically operating on a reservation-only basis, will also be open for free visits during this period. Though the palaces and tombs usually close on Mondays or Tuesdays, they will remain open for five consecutive days and will close on the 19th.

Various traditional cultural events will also take place at the palaces.

▲ Citizens and tourists visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul watch the

At Gyeongbokgung, the changing of the royal guard ceremony, offering a glimpse into Joseon-era royal security, will occur twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Heungnyemun Gate, with an additional patrol ceremony at 3 p.m. Both events are open to the public without reservation. Paid programs, such as the popular "Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung" and nighttime tours of Gyeongbokgung, will also be available with prior reservation throughout the holiday period.

Additionally, an online program titled "Everyone's Genre Painting 2024," running from September 13 to October 27, will allow participants to create characters in the style of Joseon-era art. This year’s theme focuses on Gyeongbokgung and hanbok.

Several regional museums are also hosting special cultural events for Chuseok.

The National Jeonju Museum will offer folk game experiences, such as traditional Korean seesaws, stone-hitting games, and kite flying, from September 14 to 18.

The National Daegu Museum will feature fan-making, kite-making, and traditional dance performances like "Nalmoe Bukchum" and "Dalseong Habin Sori" on the 18th.

The National Naju Museum will hold various folk game events such as tuho (arrow-throwing) and jegichagi (Korean shuttlecock), while its outdoor garden will be adorned with blooming pink muhly grass.

Please note that the museums will be closed on Chuseok day, September 17.