Royal Culture Festival: A Journey Through Korea’s Rich Heritage

Date: October 9th – 13th, 2024

The Royal Culture Festival is a biannual celebration of Korean cultural heritage held within the majestic setting of Seoul’s five grand palaces – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung – and the Jongmyo Shrine. These historical landmarks, steeped in the history of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, provide a breathtaking backdrop for this immersive cultural experience.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, the festival offers an array of captivating programs throughout the spring and autumn seasons.

Spring Highlights:

• Time Travel, King Sejong (Gyeongbokgung Palace): This main program transports visitors back in time to the reign of the revered King Sejong, known for his significant contributions to Korean culture and history.
• K-Heritage Market (Heungnyemun Square): Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Korean market, showcasing a diverse range of handicrafts, cuisine, and cultural performances.
• Symbiosis: Overlapping Space and Time (Changdeokgung Palace): This exhibition, held within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Changdeokgung Palace, presents a captivating display of traditional Korean crafts.

Autumn Highlights:

• Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Performance: Experience the elegance and beauty of Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, through mesmerizing performances set against the backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Peach Blossoms, It’s Sad to Think (Changgyeonggung Palace): Be captivated by this enchanting musical performance that tells a poignant story through traditional Korean music and dance.
• Royal Palace Concert – Ballet x Sujecheon (Changgyeonggung Palace): Witness a unique fusion of classical ballet and traditional Korean Sujecheon music in this captivating concert.

Program Highlights:

• Main Programs:
  • Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Performance
  • Changdeokgung ‘Humanities Concert’
  • Changgyeonggung Royal Palace Musical ‘Peach Blossoms, It’s Sad to Think’
• Associated Program:
  • Royal Palace Music Concert – Ballet x Sujecheon
• Participation Program:
  • Beautiful Royal Palace Hanbok Photo Exhibition

The Royal Culture Festival offers a diverse range of programs, including performances, exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and reenactments of traditional ceremonies. Each program is carefully curated to reflect the unique characteristics of the palace or shrine where it is held.

The festival organizers strive to make the experience accessible and engaging for all visitors, inviting everyone to become an active participant in this celebration of Korean culture and heritage.

Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Entrance Fees:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: 3,000 won
• Changdeokgung Palace: 3,000 won
• Deoksugung Palace: 1,000 won
• Changgyeonggung Palace: 1,000 won
• Gyeonghuigung Palace: Free

Free Admission:

• Korean citizens aged 24 and under or 65 and over
• Visitors wearing Hanbok

(For other free admission benefits, please refer to the Cultural Heritage Administration website.)

Contact: 1522-2295

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalculturefestival_official/

Website: www.kh.or.kr/fest

Poster: