Nighttime Tours of Gyeongbokgung Palace Begins May 8th

연합뉴스 / 2024-04-22 09:07:19

▲ This photo, provided by Big Hit Music on Sept. 29, 2020, shows BTS posing for a photo in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, South Korea, where the band filmed a performance for the "BTS Week" special on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in the United States. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 22 (Yonhap) -- The nighttime ambiance of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the primary royal palace and center of Joseon Dynasty architecture, will be open to public next month, state-run cultural body said.

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Gungnyeok Headquarters announced on the 22nd that from May 8th to June 2nd, a nighttime tour program of Gyeongbokgung Palace will be operated.

Participants will have the opportunity to stroll through various areas of the palace, including Gwanghwamun, Heungnyemun, Geunjeongjeon, Sajeongjeon, and Gangnyeongjeon, under the shimmering lights.

Visitors can also explore the splendid Gyeonghoeru Pavilion where royal banquets were held, the Gyotaejeon where queens resided, and the Amisan District, a small garden created behind the Gyotaejeon.

The tour hours will be from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with the last entry at 8:30 PM. Please note that the nighttime tour will not be available every Monday, Tuesday, and from May 17th to 19th.

Tickets can be purchased on Interpark Ticket. A total of 3,000 tickets will be available per day, and online reservations will open at 10:00 AM on the 30th of this month.

Foreign visitors can purchase tickets on-site at the Gwanghwamun ticket office. Free admission is available for those wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), national merit recipients (and their spouses), individuals with severe disabilities (and one accompanying person), individuals with mild disabilities, holders of national mourning credentials, children under 6 years old, and seniors aged 65 and above.

Those eligible for free admission should present their identification or relevant documents at Heungnyemun for entry.

The nighttime tours of Gyeongbokgung Palace are divided into two periods: the first and second halves of the year. According to the Gungnyeok Headquarters, approximately 274,000 people enjoyed the nighttime scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace last year, including paid visitors.