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| ▲ This Yonhap file photo shows the opening ceremony of the Royal Culture Festival in 2024. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 7 (Yonhap) -- A springtime cultural celebration that blends history, tradition, and the beauty of Korea's royal palaces will take place in Seoul later this month.
The Cultural Heritage Administration (KHS) and the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA) announced Sunday that the 2025 Spring Royal Culture Festival will be held from April 26 to May 4 across the five major palaces in Seoul — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung — as well as at Jongmyo Shrine.
The festival will kick off a day early with an opening ceremony on the evening of April 25 at Heungnyemun Square in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Directed by Ko Seon-woong, artistic director of the Seoul Metropolitan Theatre, the event will be held under the theme “It’s a Flower!” and will feature the beauty and elegance of traditional Korean arts.
Throughout the festival period, visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of immersive programs offering a glimpse into royal life and court culture.
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| ▲ This Yonhap file photo shows children experiencing the traditional military band (Chwita-dae). (Yonhap) |
One of the highlights is “Time Travel, King Sejong,” a hands-on experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace from April 26 to 30. It will spotlight the life and achievements of King Sejong (r. 1418–1450), widely regarded as one of the greatest monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty.
Participants will become "royal newcomers" and explore various palace occupations, try their hand at making royal desserts, and learn traditional court dances. The northern section of Gyeongbokgung — including Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and Jibokjae Hall — will also be open to the public.
Another standout program, “Time Travel at Night,” offers nighttime access to Gyeongbokgung, illuminated under the spring sky, with a theme centered around King Sejong's legacy. Each session is limited to 600 guests.
Individual palaces will also host signature events during the festival.
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| ▲ Visitors to the “Wake Up the Morning Palace” event at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul on May 6, 2024, take photos while listening to an explanation about Huijeongdang Hall. (Yonhap) |
At Gyeongbokgung, a Palace Music Concert featuring 100 master musicians of traditional Korean music will take place at Geunjeongjeon Hall at 7:30 p.m. each night from May 3 to 5.
Changdeokgung Palace will offer “Wake Up the Morning Palace,” a serene forest walk, and “The Queen’s Closet,” a photo experience in hanbok set against the backdrop of major palace halls.
Other featured programs include “Greetings in Hanbok” — a hanbok-themed promenade from Changgyeonggung to Changdeokgung — and “A Night Stroll in Gyeonghuigung,” which allows visitors to enjoy the palace under the stars.
In a first for the festival, the Palaces and Tombs Center will offer limited-edition merchandise. Guests who purchase a traditional-style norigae (ornamental accessory) will receive free access to all five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine during the festival, as well as a complimentary beverage at the on-site cafe, Sarang.
Reservations for key events open at noon on April 8 via Ticketlink.
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