Free Admission to Four Major Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon Royal Tombs During Chuseok Holiday

Held Simultaneously with the Royal Palace Culture Festival

Night View of Myeongjeongjeon Hall, Changgyeonggung Palace [Cultural Heritage Administration]

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on September 23 that from October 3 to 9, during the Chuseok holiday, the Four Major Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung), Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will be open to the public free of charge. While the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace is excluded, Jongmyo Shrine, which usually requires advance reservations, will allow free access during this period.

The Four Major Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine will remain open throughout the 'Autumn Royal Palace Culture Festival,' which runs until October 12. However, the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will be closed on October 10, the day after the free admission period ends.

During the holiday, a variety of hands-on programs will be offered. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Sumunjang Guard Changing Ceremony will take place daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the Sunra Patrol Ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Visitors can also experience royal court desserts at Saenggwabang in Gyeongbokgung, and join the Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace, which combines night views with traditional performances. Both the Saenggwabang experience and the Moonlight Tour require advance reservations.

The '2025 Autumn Royal Palace Culture Festival' will also be held during this period. At Jongmyo Shrine, a humanities concert featuring lecturer Choi Taeseong will take place, while at Changgyeonggung Palace, the Donggwal Jangwonseoga program will offer a companion plant-making experience for senior participants. In addition, palace playrooms, stamp tours, and street parades will be held throughout the Four Major Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine.

Soomunjang Sunla Ceremony [Cultural Heritage Administration]

On October 3, the first day of the Chuseok holiday, Heo Min, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, and French broadcaster Fabien will greet visitors as one-day palace guides.

Meanwhile, the National Intangible Heritage Center will host the '2025 Chuseok Folk Game Event - Gonu Tournament' at the Jeonju Outdoor Yard on October 4. The event will be divided into student and adult divisions, featuring activities such as making traditional toys, Jegichagi, and Yutnori.