From August 10th to 25th, 2019, there is no entry charge at Joseon era royal palaces which are Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung and other cultural sites including Jongmyo and Joseon royal tombs. In this period, the free night tour is possible at Deoksugung and Changdeokgung. Also, Jongmyo is operated by the view method which is not time limit tour but leeway tour. However, the reservation and charge are required for the moonlight tour program of Changdeokgung, and the regular holidays of each palace are excluded from this free tour period.

▲ Geunjeongjeon of Gyeongbokgung

▲ There is also no entry charge at Jongmyo.

Palace Historic Site Headquarters of Cultural Heritage Administration determined these places as "National Liberation Day Memorial Agency" from August 10th to 25th for activating domestic tourism, celebrating 74th National Liberation Day and the 100th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement this year. Independence Movement Day is the day when a lot of people declared independence and did a universal movement during the Japanese colonial era on March 1, 1919. National Liberation Day is the day when the Korean Peninsula regained its sovereignty by becoming independent from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. These anniversary days are so important to the Koreans and in Korean history, so it is good to tour around these places commemorating these days.

▲ Cultural Heritage Administration determined these places as ˝National Liberation Day Memorial Agency˝ from August 10th to 25th.

Joseon era palaces which are included in National Liberation Day Memorial Agency from this period, make people feel a lot of Korean cultures. At the four Joseon era palaces, you can see Joseon's style of architecture and Joseon's traditional colors. Also, you can learn about the life of the kings of Joseon and space where the king and government officials debate about the policies. There is a lot of people wearing Hanbok which is the traditional clothing of Korea, so you can feel the Korean cultures.

▲ There is a lot of people wearing Hanbok which is the traditional clothing of Korea, so you can feel the Korean cultures.

Through this period that it is free of charge at Joseon era royal palaces and other cultural sites, it will be a great experience to the Koreans and foreigners, touring these places, celebrating the anniversary days, and learning Korean culture.

Aug. 18th, 2019

by Lee Ji-eun