K-Royal Culture Festival Returns This Fall with Expanded International Access

The Korea Heritage Service's flagship heritage event returns this fall with five days of performances, exhibitions, tours and hands-on programs, along with expanded opportunities for international visitors.

K-Royal Culture Festival runs Oct. 7-11 at Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung, and Jongmyo Shrine.

The spring edition drew about 725,000 visitors, a record for the festival, organizers said. The fall edition will offer a distinct experience with programs designed to make the most of the season.

The festival will open with a special performance of KBS' music program “Immortal Songs” on Oct. 6, the eve of the official opening. Held at Heungnyemun Square at Gyeongbokgung, the performance will feature music spanning traditional Korean music and K-pop. Admission is free, and applications to attend the performance will be available later through the official KBS website.

At Gyeongbokgung, the “Hanbok Royal Banquet (Yeonhyang)” on Oct. 9-10 will combine a royal procession reenactment, an exhibition on Joseon-era seasonal court clothing and a fashion talk. The program will also feature demonstrations by holders of national intangible cultural heritage titles, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in making hanbok.

Changdeokgung will host “Tracing Joseon Space: The Rhythm of Stillness,” a craft exhibition at Huijeongdang Hall from Oct. 7-11. The palace will also continue its popular program “Awakening the Morning Palace,” which invites visitors to explore its halls and Secret Garden in the early morning.

Changgyeonggung will present “A Time Travel, Changgyeonggung Palace,” recreating scenes from daily life at the royal court at several locations within the palace. Visitors can also join “Donggowol Jangwonseo,” a hands-on traditional horticulture program inspired by Jangwonseo, the Joseon government office responsible for landscaping the royal palaces.

Organizers are also expanding access for international visitors this year.

The “Hanbok Royal Banquet” will reserve 800 places for international visitors over two days, while the second daily session of “Awakening the Morning Palace” will be conducted in English exclusively for international visitors. Another 300 places will be reserved for international visitors at the “Immortal Songs” opening performance.

A partner program, the “Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace,” will run from Oct. 7 to Nov. 1 around Chundangji Pond. The nighttime media-art program will combine light and visual projections with the palace’s natural surroundings.

For the first time, the program will use an advance-reservation system to manage crowds and ensure safe operation. It will be held Wednesday through Sunday, with three sessions each evening at 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.

More information is available on the official K-Royal Culture Festival website and Instagram account.