Cultural Heritage Administration Extends Closure of Indoor Viewing Facilities Including the Palace Museum

On the 27th, the National Palace Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul, which closed due to the spread of COVID-19, is quiet. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jonggil Lee] The Cultural Heritage Administration is extending the closure of indoor exhibition facilities under its jurisdiction and affiliated institutions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This includes the National Palace Museum of Korea, Deoksugung Jungmyeongjeon Hall, Changgyeonggung Grand Greenhouse, Yeoju Sejong the Great History and Culture Center, Daejeon Natural Monument Center, Asan Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin Memorial Hall, Geumsan Chilbaek's Tomb and Namwon Manin's Tomb Memorial Halls, Mokpo and Taean Marine Relics Exhibition Halls, Jeonju National Intangible Heritage Center, and cultural halls within the Joseon Royal Tombs.

On the 5th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on its website that “the closure will be further extended until separate notice” and described it as “an unavoidable measure for the life and safety of users.” The originally designated closure was until the 5th. It appears that the closure was extended as the government decided to implement a high-intensity “social distancing” for two more weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and schools also shifted to “online classes.” Outdoor spaces of palaces and Joseon Royal Tombs will remain open as usual. However, cultural heritage guided tours will not be conducted. In the case of Seoul Seolleung and Jeongneung, the walking path connecting the interiors was closed, but the outer walking paths were opened.

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