South Korea's most treasured historical sites will welcome visitors free of charge during the upcoming Chuseok holiday period, as the Korea Heritage Service announces a special week-long initiative from October 3 to October 9. The program offers unprecedented access to four major royal palaces and other significant cultural landmarks in celebration of the country's traditional autumn harvest festival.
The free admission program covers four prestigious royal palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung, along with the sacred Jongmyo Shrine and the historic Joseon Royal Tombs. Notably, Jongmyo Shrine, which typically requires advance reservations for entry, will be accessible to visitors without any booking requirements throughout the Chuseok period, making it easier for families and tourists to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors should note the varying closure dates for different sites. While the Joseon Royal Tombs will close on October 10, the four royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine will remain open through October 12 as part of the larger 2025 Fall K-Royal Culture Festival. This extended access period provides additional opportunities for those who may not be able to visit during the initial free admission week.
Gyeongbokgung Palace will feature several signature cultural programs that showcase traditional Korean royal ceremonies. The famous royal guard changing ceremony will take place twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., while the guard patrol ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. These popular attractions will not require reservations during the festival period, allowing spontaneous visits and reducing barriers to participation.
Additional special programs require advance booking but offer unique cultural experiences. Visitors can participate in traditional court dessert tastings at Gyeongbokgung's Saenggwabang, where they can sample authentic royal cuisine. The highly sought-after Moonlight Night Tour at Changdeokgung provides an enchanting evening experience featuring illuminated palace grounds, stunning night views, and live traditional performances that bring the site's rich history to life.
The comprehensive 2025 Fall K-Royal Culture Festival, running from October 8 to 12, expands the cultural offerings with interactive programs designed for diverse audiences. Highlights include a special talk concert featuring renowned historian Choi Tae-sung on October 8, and a specialized gardening workshop for senior citizens held at Changgyeonggung Palace, demonstrating the festival's commitment to intergenerational cultural engagement.
Families and children will find plenty of engaging activities throughout the festival period. The program includes a palace-themed stamp tour that encourages exploration of multiple sites, dedicated children's activity zones designed for younger visitors, and vibrant traditional street parades. These parades will take place at Deoksugung on October 9 and Changgyeonggung on October 12, featuring colorful costumes, traditional music, and cultural performances.
A special highlight on October 3 will feature Korea Heritage Service Administrator Huh Min serving as a one-day palace guide at Gyeongbokgung. He will be joined by French influencer Fabien in personally greeting visitors and sharing insights about Korean royal history, providing a unique opportunity for direct interaction with cultural leadership.
Recognizing the digital age and accessibility needs, organizers have created an interactive online campaign for those unable to visit in person. Running through October 26, this virtual experience allows users to create personalized Joseon-era characters, bringing historical roleplay into the digital realm. Supporting this online initiative, photo booths will be installed at various locations nationwide from October 1 to 14, enabling people across the country to participate in the cultural celebration.
The festivities extend beyond Seoul to other regions of South Korea. The National Intangible Heritage Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, will host a traditional games festival on October 4. This event features a Gonu tournament, showcasing Korea's traditional board game, alongside various folk play experiences that preserve and celebrate the country's intangible cultural heritage. All events are offered free of charge, though some activities require advance registration to ensure proper capacity management and visitor experience quality.
