SEOUL, Sept. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – In a celebration of South Korea’s rich cultural heritage, four grand palaces in Seoul will open their gates for a five-day festival next month, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in traditional customs and the elegance of hanbok, the country’s traditional attire.
The Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency announced on September 20 that the “2024 Autumn Royal Culture Festival” will take place from October 9 to 13 at Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung palaces.
Coinciding with Hangul Day, which celebrates the Korean alphabet, and the weekend, the festival will showcase a variety of performances, interactive experiences, and exhibitions.
At Gyeongbokgung Palace, visitors will be able to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of hanbok. On October 9 at 7 p.m., the “Hanbok Yeonhyang” event will allow participants dressed in hanbok to engage in traditional games and enjoy street performances that express the four seasons through costume and music.
Gyeongbokgung’s Sujeongjeon Hall of will host an exhibition and hands-on activities centered around the Sangeuiwon, the royal office responsible for managing the king’s clothing and daily palace items during the Joseon Dynasty. This event aims to introduce the history and significance of hanbok.
A “Best Hanbok Dresser” contest will be held across all four palaces. Professional photographers will capture images of visitors wearing hanbok, with about 20 winners to be selected through online voting and internal judging.
Changgyeonggung Palace will offer unique entertainment against its historic backdrop. From October 11 to 13, Myeongjeongjeon Hall will stage “Peach Blossoms, The Thought Makes Me Sad” (unofficial translation), an original play depicting the stories of King Yeongjo, Crown Prince Sado, King Jeongjo, and Lady Hyegyeong Hong.
The media art performance “Mulbit Yeonhwa,” which debuted during the spring festival, will return to illuminate the area around Chundangji Pond throughout the five-day event.
At Changdeokgung Palace, early morning walking tours will allow visitors to explore the “king’s space” and various corners of the palace grounds.
Other programs include traditional street performances (October 12) and a unique concert series blending ballet with court music titled “Palace Concert – Ballet × Sujecheong” (October 10-13).
Online participants can join an online painting event until October 27, creating and sharing Joseon-era characters dressed in hanbok.
During the festival, a special Palace Pass will be available, allowing unlimited entry to the four main palaces as well as Gyeonghuigung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. The organizers plan to sell 4,000 passes, which will also include nighttime admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace during the festival period.
A representative from the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center expressed hope that “diverse domestic and international visitors will have the opportunity to enjoyably experience and understand the history and traditions embedded in our national heritage.”
Image credit: Korea Heritage Service, Royal Culture Festival, Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
