Free Admission to the Four Major Palaces, Jongmyo, and Joseon Royal Tombs During Seol Holiday

'Changing of the Guard Ceremony' Held Twice Daily

In celebration of Seol, the representative holiday of our nation, palaces and royal tombs will be open to the public for free. The Cultural Heritage Administration's Office of Palaces and Royal Tombs announced on the 1st that during the Seol holiday period (9th to 12th), anyone can visit the Four Major Palaces (excluding Changdeokgung Secret Garden), Jongmyo Shrine, Joseon Royal Tombs, and the King Sejong Historic Site without a reservation and free of charge. However, all sites will be closed on the 13th, the day after the free admission period.

The Office of Palaces and Royal Tombs and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation will also hold national heritage utilization events around Gwanghwamun in Gyeongbokgung Palace during the Seol holiday. The 'Changing of the Guard Ceremony,' which reenacts the duty shift of the royal guards and gatekeepers, will be held twice daily. On the 9th and 10th, at the Suwonjangcheong in Heungnyemun Plaza, 'Sehwa (歲畵)'?paintings wishing to ward off misfortune and bring good luck?will be distributed.

The latter features a painting of a royal guard standing against the backdrop of a blue dragon. It was created by artist Jeong Eun-hye, a caricature artist widely known for her appearance in the drama "Our Blues." The paintings will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis per session.