▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service shows a wintry scenery at the main hall of Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be opened free of charge every Wednesday, while free admission days for major palaces in Seoul will also be expanded, the cultural heritage authority said Tuesday.

The Korea Heritage Service's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center said it will gradually expand free admission programs for royal palaces and tombs in line with the government's broader "Culture Day" policy.

Until now, free admission had been offered only on the last Wednesday of each month.

The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will begin offering free admission every Wednesday starting May 27.

Deoksu Palace will introduce free Wednesday admission beginning in August, while Changdeok Palace, Changgyeong Palace and Jongmyo Shrine will follow in October.

The timing for applying the policy to Gyeongbok Palace will be reviewed later in consideration of crowding and safety concerns, the agency said.

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center said it will work to improve accessibility so that all citizens can enjoy national heritage sites more comfortably while also creating a safe and pleasant viewing environment.

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