A Clear Autumn: The Four Grand Palaces Open to the Public

by Lee Jonggil

Published 10 Sep.2025 09:00(KST)

'Royal Culture Festival': From Hanbok Yeonhyang to Media Art
A Variety of Experiences Including Floral Workshops, Traditional Children's Games, and Media Art

'Royal Court Newcomer' held at the Royal Culture Festival this spring

A cultural event where visitors can stroll through the royal palaces on a clear autumn day and learn about history and culture will be held.

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Center announced on the 10th that the 'Autumn Royal Culture Festival' will take place from October 8 to 12, spanning five days, at the Four Grand Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung) and Jongmyo Shrine. This is the largest traditional culture event in Korea, encompassing performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences. This year, the festival has significantly expanded its content in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the restoration of the Jongmyo Main Hall.

At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the highly praised 'Hanbok Yeonhyang' from last year will be reenacted. This program allows participants to stroll around Jibokjae and Hyangwonjeong in traditional attire, and this year, a new stage will feature artisans demonstrating the hanbok-making process. Holders and trainees of National Intangible Cultural Heritage will showcase techniques such as needlework, embroidery, and gold leafing, while court dances and intangible cultural heritage performances like pansori and Ganggangsullae will be presented with a modern twist.

This spring, the "Children's Royal Culture Festival" held at the Royal Culture Festival

At Changgyeonggung Palace, a new program called 'Donggwal Jangwonseo' will be introduced for the senior generation. Participants aged 60 and above can create their own companion plants and experience traditional horticultural culture. Throughout the palace, performances recreating the daily life of the Joseon royal family and nighttime guided tours will be held. There will also be an event where a science communicator explains astronomy and history in an engaging way, centered around the astronomical observatory.

At Deoksugung Palace, the interactive 'Junmyeongdang Children's School' will open. Children can learn about palace etiquette, nature, and traditional games through role-playing activities. A humanities concert for adults will also take place at the same venue. Professor Jang Yoojeong of Dankook University will highlight the significance of the 80th anniversary of Liberation with the theme 'Songs That Defied the Empire,' and Professor Jeon Kyungwook of Korea University will introduce 'Korean Traditional Mask Dance Drama.'

'Waking Up the Morning Palace' Presented at the Royal Culture Festival This Spring

At Changdeokgung Palace, the 'Waking Up the Morning Palace' program will continue this season, following its spring debut. Visitors can stroll through the rear garden while listening to commentary from writer Kim Seoul, and experience the daily life and culture of the palace. Exhibitions and craft workshops highlighting the lives of women in the imperial family of the Korean Empire will be held at Nakseonjae, Seokbokheon, and Sugangjae.

At Jongmyo Shrine, lecturer Choi Taeseong will revisit the significance of the Main Hall restoration through a humanities concert. There will also be a classical palace music concert combining traditional ritual music and other performances, as well as an architectural exploration program for youth.

Additionally, during the festival, Changgyeonggung Palace will feature the nighttime media art performance 'Mulbit Yeonhwa.' By adding light and music to the ponds and pavilions, the tranquil palace nights will be transformed into a unique experience. A stamp tour connecting the Four Grand Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine will also be available, allowing visitors to collect stamps while exploring the history and spaces of each palace.