This fall, the K-Royal Culture Festival will return on Hangeul Day October 9, a national holiday celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet. Running from October 9 to 13, the five-day event will take place across four major palaces in Seoul: Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu, and Changgyeong.
The festival will highlight the regal heritage of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) against the beautiful autumn backdrop. Since 2014, this biannual festival has been organized by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency. The spring edition attracted over 600,000 visitors, with a quarter of them coming from abroad.
On the opening day at Gyeongbok Palace, the former primary residence and office of Joseon royalty, visitors dressed in “hanbok” (traditional Korean attire) can enjoy free entry to the Hanbok Royal Banquet. This event features the Walking of Royal Family, a majestic reenactment of the king, queen, and princely couple strolling through the palace, accompanied by live performances of “gugak” (traditional Korean music).
Other hanbok-themed activities at Gyeongbok Palace include hanbok accessory crafting sessions, an exhibition of award-winning photography, and the Hanbok Best Dresser showcase.
From October 10 to 13, Jibokjae Hall at Gyeongbok Palace will host “The Palace Concert: Ballet x Sujecheon,” a special crossover dance performance blending ballet with Korea’s court music. A limited number of seats are reserved for international visitors, available through Creatrip.
At Changdeok Palace, visitors can enjoy a leisurely two-hour morning stroll through the palace grounds, enriched by stories from artist Lee Si-woo and historian Ahn Ji-young. This tranquil experience is perfect for those who want to appreciate the serene beauty of the palace in the early hours.
Other highlights include the historical play “Peach Blossom: A Sorrowful Scene” at Changgyeong Palace’s Myeongjeongjeon Hall and a nighttime media art display, “Moonlight Lotus Show,” at the scenic Chundangji Pond.
A total of 4,000 K-Royal Palaces Passes are available for purchase, granting unlimited access to all four palaces during the event, as well as one nighttime admission to Gyeongbok Palace.
