Free Admission to Four Main Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon Royal Tombs Starting Late This Month

'Korea Grand Festival' from October 29 to November 9

On the 29th, when visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists was implemented, Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul, was crowded with foreign tourists, including Chinese tourists. 2025.9.29 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

The major palaces of Seoul and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will be open to the public free of charge from the 29th of this month to the 9th of next month.

The Palaces and Royal Tombs Center of the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 17th that, during the Korea Grand Festival period, anyone can visit the four main palaces-Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung-as well as Jongmyo Shrine, the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, and the King Sejong Heritage Site free of charge.

This benefit has been provided to expand public participation and increase opportunities to enjoy culture. Even Jongmyo Shrine, which usually operates on a reservation-only basis, can be freely toured. However, special tours of the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace will remain paid as usual.

The closure schedule remains unchanged. Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine will be closed on the 4th of next month, while Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, and the King Sejong Heritage Site will be closed on the 3rd of next month.

The Cultural Heritage Administration has previously opened palaces and royal tombs to the public free of charge during major holidays such as traditional festivals. During the recent Chuseok holiday (October 3-9), 1.42 million people visited the four main palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace saw the highest number of visitors with a total of 510,000 Koreans and foreigners combined, followed by Changgyeonggung Palace (220,000), Changdeokgung Palace (210,000), and Deoksugung Palace (180,000).

Heo Min, Commissioner of the Cultural Heritage Administration, stated, "The popularity of K-culture has raised the annual number of visitors to Gyeongbokgung Palace to the level of the Vatican Museums," and added, "We plan to strengthen the brand value of our national heritage and establish a cultural product center for national heritage within Gyeongbokgung Palace for international tourists."