Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Korea as the K-Royal Culture Festival returns for its 10th anniversary with a grand fall edition. From October 9 to 13, Seoul’s four iconic royal palaces – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung – will transform into vibrant hubs of traditional Korean culture.
This biannual festival, a highlight for both locals and international visitors, has gained immense popularity for its immersive and engaging experiences. The spring edition earlier this year attracted over 600,000 visitors, eager to partake in the cultural feast. This fall, the festival coincides with Hangeul Day, a national holiday celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet, making it an even more special occasion.
The focus of this year’s fall edition is Hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing. This emphasis aligns with a nationwide initiative to promote and preserve this cherished element of Korean heritage. At the heart of the festivities is Gyeongbokgung Palace, where Hanbok-themed activities will take center stage.
Prepare to be transported back in time as you witness the “Walking of Royal Family,” a reenactment of royal family members strolling through the palace grounds, accompanied by traditional Gugak performances. The highlight of the opening night, October 9, will be the “Hanbok Royal Banquet.” This grand event will see the palace bathed in the elegance of regal Hanbok displays, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Attendees wearing Hanbok will enjoy free entry, and those who reserve in advance will receive exclusive gifts.
Beyond the captivating performances, you can delve into the world of Hanbok through various interactive activities. Craft your own Hanbok accessories, create digital Hanbok caricatures, or immerse yourself in the history of Hanbok at the “Royal Tailor of Gyeongbokgung” exhibit. This exhibit, held at Sujeongjeon Hall and Yungmuru Site from October 9-13, offers insightful glimpses into the evolution of Hanbok.
For a deeper understanding of Hanbok’s cultural significance, attend the “Humanities Concert: Hanboks Worlds Apart” at Heungbokjeon Hall on October 10-11. This concert explores the role of Hanbok in historical films and literature. Additionally, the exhibition “Beautiful Hanbok Stories in K-Royal Palaces,” showcasing award-winning Hanbok photographs, will be held at Gyejodang Hall from October 9-13.
For a comprehensive Hanbok experience, participate in the “Hanbok Best Dresser Showcase,” running throughout all four palaces from October 9-13. This interactive showcase allows you to learn about the efforts to preserve and promote Hanbok while enjoying a unique fashion experience.
Beyond the Hanbok-centric activities, the festival offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. Returning this year is the highly acclaimed “Palace Concert: Ballet x Sujecheon,” a fusion of ballet and Sujecheon (court music). This crossover performance, held from October 10 to 13 at Jibokjae Hall, originally debuted in 2022 to rave reviews. This year, the program has been expanded with an increased audience capacity of 650 people per session and an additional performance, bringing the total to four. International visitors are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance through Creatrip, a dedicated platform for foreigners, to secure a seat for this must-see performance.
Changdeokgung Palace will host the popular “Awakening the Morning Palace” program from October 9-13, offering visitors a serene morning walk through the palace grounds accompanied by stories from renowned artists and historians. This tranquil morning experience allows guests to reflect on the palace’s rich history and its role in Korea’s cultural narrative.
At Changgyeonggung Palace, theater enthusiasts can look forward to the moving performance of “Peach Blossom: A Sorrowful Scene,” scheduled from October 11-13 at Myeongjeongjeon Hall. This historical drama explores the lives of key figures such as King Yeongjo, Crown Prince Sado, King Jeongjo, and Queen Heongyeong, weaving together tales of royal life, political intrigue, and personal tragedy.
For a more modern touch, the “Changgyeonggung Moonlight Lotus Show,” a media art display illuminating Chundangji Pond, will run from October 9-13, providing a captivating visual spectacle against the palace’s natural beauty. Additionally, the “Palace Concert: Classical Meets Pungryu” will blend traditional Korean Pungryu music with classical compositions from October 9-12 at Tongmyeongjeon Hall.
At Deoksugung Palace, visitors can stroll through the historical grounds while enjoying traditional performances and exhibitions, further enhancing the cultural experience.
For those who cannot attend the festival in person, online programs are available. One such highlight is “Genre Painting for All,” running from September 13 to October 27. Participants can virtually create and share their own Hanbok-clad Joseon Dynasty characters through the dedicated website, bringing the joy of Hanbok to a global audience.
A limited-edition K-Royal Palaces PASS will also be offered, granting unlimited access to all four royal palaces, Gyeonghuigung, and Jongmyo Shrine throughout the festival. This pass, limited to 4,000 in total, includes one nighttime entry to Gyeongbokgung during the fall festival, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the palaces’ enchanting atmosphere after dark.
In the lead-up to the festival, a 20-second promotional video will be broadcast on prominent outdoor billboards in the Gwanghwamun area from September 20 to October 13, thanks to the cooperation of the Jongno-gu Office. Looking ahead to next year, the Korea Heritage Service plans to expand its promotional efforts by featuring a wider range of Korean heritage sites in videos to be displayed on major billboards throughout Seoul.
The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service hopes the K-Royal Culture Festival will serve as a gateway for both Koreans and international tourists to deepen their appreciation for the rich history and traditions embedded in Korea’s royal heritage. By offering a wide array of programs, from cultural performances to educational experiences, the center aims to continue promoting the royal palaces and tombs as vibrant, living spaces that contribute to Korea’s dynamic cultural landscape.
For more information, visit the Korea Heritage Service’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center website (royal.khs.go.kr), the Korea Heritage Agency website (kh.or.kr), or the official K-Royal Culture Festival site (kh.or.kr/fest). You can also follow the festival on Instagram at @royalculturefestival_official.
