SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Korea Bizwire) – Amid heavy snowfall across South Korea on November 27, public access to several historic sites, including palaces and royal tombs, has been temporarily suspended to ensure visitor safety.
The National Heritage Administration announced on its website that Deoksugung Palace, a popular tourist destination in Seoul, will be closed for two days, from November 27 to 28, due to a severe snowstorm warning.
Under current regulations, public access to palaces and royal tombs may be restricted during natural disasters such as heavy snow, earthquakes, or extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and air pollution.
As of now, Deoksugung’s main gate, Daehanmun, remains closed, and access to the palace’s stone wall path, the “Path of King Gojong,” and Jungmyeongjeon Hall has also been restricted. Palace officials are assessing storm-related damage and working to clear and secure visitor pathways.
While Deoksugung will remain closed, other palaces are adjusting their schedules. Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung will close during the morning hours of November 28, reopening to visitors from 1 p.m.
However, Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will suspend its tours entirely for the day.
The Changdeokgung management office confirmed that pre-booked tours for the Secret Garden have been automatically canceled, with full refunds issued. Visitors can exchange their canceled tickets for future dates until December 11 by presenting the cancellation notice at the ticket office.
Additionally, access to the raised stone platform at Gyeongbokgung’s Geunjeongjeon Hall, known as Woldae, will be restricted until November 28.
Jongmyo Shrine, a sacred site housing the ancestral tablets of Joseon Dynasty kings and queens, will also remain closed for two days due to safety concerns.
The closures underscore the government’s focus on prioritizing public safety during severe weather events while maintaining the preservation of Korea’s cultural and historical heritage.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
