The World Falls for the Charm of Our Palaces [Royal Culture Festival]

Offering 'Spaces to Experience' with Interactive Content
Special Programs for International Visitors to Expand This Year
At Four Main Palaces, Heungnyung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine Until May 4

A palace is the space where a king lives and governs. In every country, palaces captivate the eye with their splendor and grandeur. The four main palaces in the heart of Seoul?Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung?are no exception. Designed in harmony with nature and the surrounding environment, they exude elegance. The philosophies and ideologies of the dynasty are also fully reflected in their architecture.

The Opening Ceremony of the Royal Culture Festival Venue

The Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Center are expanding visitors' experiences at these tradition-rich palaces by introducing interactive content. This marks a shift from 'spaces to observe' to 'spaces to experience.' Beyond traditional cultural events, the aim is to develop participatory festivals that attract international visitors.

At the forefront is the Royal Culture Festival, held until May 4 at the four main palaces, Heungnyung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine. This is the largest cultural heritage festival in Korea, held every spring and autumn. From 2014 to last year, 6.2 million visitors attended. Last year saw a record high of 960,000 attendees, of whom 22% were foreigners?more than double the previous year.

Having confirmed this potential, the National Heritage Center began implementing changes last year. They introduced a global reservation system and strengthened programs for international visitors. The palaces are being transformed from popular photo spots to historical and cultural spaces where the value of tradition is shared.

Royal Culture Festival 'Time Travel, Sejong' On Site

Jin Mikyung, head of the Royal Culture Festival team at the National Heritage Center, said, "Many foreigners are attracted to the traditional architecture in the city center, but have expressed disappointment at the lack of participatory programs. The foreigner-focused programs we introduced last year were more popular than expected, so we are increasing their number this year." She added, "More than 25% of foreign visitors to the palaces last year experienced the Royal Culture Festival. As it has become a must-see for tourists, we are focusing on making it a global festival."

It is rare for countries overseas to use national heritage sites as venues for cultural and artistic programs. Most offer guided tours, concerts, or changing-of-the-guard ceremonies to convey the atmosphere and language of their palaces. Yoon Ji-hyun, an official at the Palace and Royal Tombs Heritage Division of the Cultural Heritage Administration, said, "Korea may be the only country that invites the general public to palaces for hands-on programs. By preserving and restoring these sites while offering unique cultural experiences, we can lead a new trend."

The Royal Culture Festival 'Awakening the Morning Palace of Changdeokgung' On Site

The National Heritage Center has prepared specialized programs reflecting the interests and preferences of international visitors. One such program is 'Awakening the Morning Palace,' which was offered to Korean visitors last year. Participants can stroll through the forest paths of Changdeokgung in the morning, when no other visitors are present, and enjoy the palace's serene atmosphere and natural beauty. The tour starts at Geumcheongyo Bridge and visits Injeongjeon, Seonjeongjeon, Huijeongdang, Daejojeon, Seongjeonggak, Nakseonjae, Buyongji, and Yeongyeongdang. French broadcaster Fabien will serve as a guide, sharing the history and traditions of Changdeokgung.

Jin explained, "We planned this program to share the tranquil beauty we felt while viewing the palace at dawn, when no visitors were present. Because Korean participants were highly satisfied, we have created sessions exclusively for foreigners."

Royal Culture Festival 'Hanbok Yeonhyang' On Site

'The Emperor's Table,' a program where participants experience the royal cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty, will also be offered to international visitors this year. The program recreates the luncheon served to Alice Roosevelt, the eldest daughter of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, during her 1905 state visit to the Korean Empire. Dishes include Goldongmyeon, Jang Kimchi, Hwayangjeok, Abalone in Soy Sauce, Jeonyueo, and Pyeonyuk. Goldongmyeon is a royal noodle dish made by mixing buckwheat noodles with various ingredients and soy sauce seasoning. Han Bokryeo, the holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Royal Cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty,' will prepare the dishes herself.

Jin said, "This program allows participants to experience both royal cuisine and the state banquet culture of the Korean Empire. It also offers a glimpse into Emperor Gojong's resolve to establish a sovereign nation through dignified banquets, even in turbulent times."

Another notable program is 'Nice to Meet You in Hanbok,' designed in response to the large number of international visitors wearing Hanbok. This is a couple-oriented program where participants, dressed in Hanbok, tour date spots such as the Changdeokgung Royal Pharmacy. They enjoy royal tea and snacks and write love letters, creating special memories. The main venue, the Changdeokgung Royal Pharmacy, was the medical institution responsible for the health of the Joseon royal family.

As the number of international visitors increases, the National Heritage Center is also working to improve accessibility and convenience. All programs have guides exclusively for foreigners, and staff with strong foreign language skills have been selected for visitor support roles.

'Gungidungi' volunteering at the Royal Culture Festival

Yoon stated, "Although we rely heavily on volunteers due to budget constraints, this does not hinder our efforts to lay the foundation for a global festival. We will continue to support foreigner-only sessions, English-language guided programs, and the introduction of a global reservation system." She added, "We aim to establish the Royal Culture Festival as a leading K-culture brand and drive the industrial growth of traditional culture."