April Spring Outing Begins in Royal Palaces

연합뉴스 / 2025-03-12 09:59:12

▲ A view from "Gyeongbokgung Starlight Night Walk," provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 12 (Yonhap) -- A series of cultural events offering a unique way to experience the beauty of Korea’s palaces in spring will begin next month.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHA) and the Korea Heritage Agency announced on Tuesday that the "Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour" and "Gyeongbokgung Starlight Night Walk" will be conducted through a lottery system starting in April.

Both programs are among the most popular palace tour experiences.

The Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour allows participants to explore the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace, often considered the most "authentically Korean" palace due to its harmonious blend of architecture and nature. Visitors will carry traditional cheongsachorong lanterns while touring key halls like Injeongjeon, Huijeongdang, and Yeongyeongdang with expert guides. Traditional performances will also be held at various sites.

▲ A view from "Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour," provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

This year, the Moonlight Tour will run from April 10 to June 15, every Thursday to Sunday. It is a paid event, held six times per evening in two sessions, with a daily capacity of 150 participants.

The Gyeongbokgung Starlight Night Walk will take visitors through the royal palace at night, immersing them in Korea’s traditional court culture. The tour includes a modern interpretation of the royal surasang (king’s meal) served as a special dinner box at Sojubang (the royal kitchen). Guests will then explore the northern section of Gyeongbokgung Palace, including the rarely accessible Chwihyanggyo Bridge at Hyangwonjeong Pavilion.

This event will take place from April 2 to May 17, running every Wednesday to Sunday. It is a paid program with two sessions per evening, at 6:40 PM and 7:40 PM, and each session is limited to 38 participants.

For the first time, both programs will be conducted via a lottery system.

"Due to overwhelming demand and rapid ticket sellouts each year, we have introduced a lottery system to ensure broader participation," the Palaces and Tombs Division explained.

▲ This composite image, provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), promotes the "Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour" and "Gyeongbokgung Starlight Night Walk." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Applications for the Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour open on March 17 at 2 PM, while applications for the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Night Walk start on March 13 at 2 PM. Interested participants can apply through Ticketlink. Each account may enter only once, and winners can purchase up to two tickets. Seniors aged 65 and above, persons with disabilities, and national merit recipients can reserve tickets via phone (☎ 1588-7890). Special tours with English and Chinese guides will also be available for foreign visitors.

Additionally, Changdeokgung Palace will host a limited-time event allowing visitors to explore the normally restricted rear garden of Nakseonjae.

Nakseonjae, built in 1847 during the reign of King Heonjong (r. 1834–1849), is part of a secluded area that includes Seokbokheon and Sugangjae pavilions, as well as a beautifully designed terraced flower garden (hwagye).

▲ This image, provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), shows the normally restricted rear garden of Nakseonjae. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The Spring at Nakseonjae event will run from March 21 to 27, offering participants the chance to enjoy guided tours by heritage experts while admiring the area’s delicate floral walls and traditional scenery.

This event is open to middle school students and older, with two sessions per day and a limit of 24 participants per session. Applications open on March 13 at 10 AM via the Changdeokgung Palace website (royal.khs.go.kr/cdg) and will be processed through a lottery system.