Essence of Royal Court Culture Unfolds at Historic Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine:11th “K-Royal Culture Festival” to Be Held
- Morning strolls, royal dessert making, Hanbok experiences and more at five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul (Apr26–May 4)
- Special programs for children (Children's K-Royal Culture Festival), people of distinguished service to independence (Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion), and foreigners (The Emperor’s Dining Table) also available
The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service (Director Lee Jae-phil), in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency (President Choi Young-chang), will host "Spring K-Royal Culture Festival 2025" from April 26 to May 4 at five palaces—Gyeongbokgung,Changdeokgung,Deoksugung,Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine.
Celebrating its 11th edition, "K-Royal Culture Festival" stands as South Korea's largest national heritage festival, showcasing traditional cultural content against the backdrop of historic palaces. In 2024, the combined spring and autumn festivals attracted over 960,000 visitors, both domestic and international.
"Spring K-Royal Culture Festival 2025" will focus on▲improving programs associated with national intangible heritage—such as traditional crafts and hanbok lifestyle▲Special programs associated with ‘King Sejong the Great’s Birthday’▲strengthening interactive programs that encourage visitor participation and ▲expanding offerings tailored for international audiences, thereby providing a wider variety of programs further improved from the previous year.
▲ At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the K-Royal Culture Festival Opening Ceremony will be held on April 25, followed by a wide range of programs—including performances, hands-on experiences, and exhibitions—that offer an immersive look into the essence of the Joseon Dynasty's royal court culture.
"A Time Travel, King Sejong " (April 26–30) is a large-scale interactive program set throughout the Gyeongbokgung grounds. Visitors can take part in various activities such as“New Commers of Royal Palace,”which offers experiences like making royal desserts and learning traditional court dances, as well as“Royal Palace Daily Life,” a small-scale theatrical performance, and“A Journey Through The Night,”a self-guided nighttime tour of the palace’s northern sector.
At Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung,“Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists”(May 3–5) will take the stage. A total of 100 master musicians will deliver majestic and vibrant performances of traditional court music, including Daechwita, Yeomillak, and Chunaengjeon, against the historic backdrop of Geunjeongjeon.
There are programs specially designed for children and national merit recipients too.“Children’s K-Royal Culture Festival”(May 2–4) offers activities where children can experience seven traditional professions from the Joseon era, including royal chefs, physicians, embroiderers, and members of the military band. None of the Children's K-Royal Culture Festival programs require prior reservation. "Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion" (April 26–May 4) is a special program commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, which invites people of distinguished service to independence and other socially vulnerable groups to the palace. Invited guests can wear traditional Korean attire, ascend the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and enjoy traditional performances and refreshments.
At Heungnyemun Gate Square in Gyeongbokgung,“K-Heritage Market” (April 26–May 4) will take place. Booths will be set up to sell crafts by designated intangible heritage holders and traditional cultural goods. In particular, this year’s market will include food booths where visitors can enjoy traditional Korean snacks, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
▲ Programs taking place at Changdeokgung Palace include "Awakening the Morning Palace (Apr 30–May 4)," which offers a guided morning walk at the palace area, and "The Queen's Wardrobe (Apr 30–May 4)," where the participants can try on traditional Hanbok for photo shoots. Especially, with last year's popularity of "Awakening the Morning Palace," additional sessions for foreigners have been added. The program for foreigners will be guided by Fabien, a French broadcaster in Korea.
▲At Changgyeonggung Palace’sMyeongjeongjeon Hall, the craft exhibition“Embracing: Palace Atmospheres”(April 26–May 4) will be held. The exhibition will feature works by designated intangible cultural heritage holders and trainees, alongside pieces by contemporary artisans who reinterpret traditional crafts through a modern lens.
At Yanghwadang Hall in Changgyeonggung, a new program titled “Welcome, You in Hanbok”(April 30–May 4) will invite visitors to wear traditional hanbok and enjoy a romantic palace trail that connects Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung.
In addition,“Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace” nighttime sightseeing program (April 26–May 4) will offer a special evening ambiance, with media art installations illuminating Daechundangji and Sochundangji Ponds.
▲ At Jungmyeongjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace, a new program titled“The Emperor's Dining Table”(May 1–3) will be introduced for international visitors. It is a culinary talk show where guests can taste dishes of the Korean Empire’s royal court while listening to historical stories. The program will be conducted in English.
At Deokhongjeon Hall in Deoksugung,“Royal Recreations Club” (April 26–May 4) will offer experiences related to the leisure culture enjoyed by Emperor Gojong during the Korean Empire, including music and sports. The atmosphere of Deoksugung will be further enhanced with savory coffee (gabae) tastings and special performances, and“Royal Recreations Club”is open to the public without prior reservation.
At Jeukjodang Hall in Deoksugung, a fusion Korean music performance titled“Pungryu with Disney”(Apr 27, May 1, May 4) will feature Disney theme songs reinterpreted in traditional Korean musical styles. "Pungryu with Disney" does not require prior reservation.
▲ At Gyeonghuigung Palace, a new program titled“Gyeonghuigung Palace Night Walk”(April 26–28) will take visitors on a guided tour of the palace grounds. Through stories of the kings who once resided at Gyeonghuigung, the program will shed light on the palace’s historical significance while allowing visitors to enjoy guided tours, traditional performances, and tastings of traditional tea.
In addition, a variety of walk-in programs will be offered, including “K-Royal Culture Festival Stamp Tour,”“Royal Court Games Playroom” joined by volunteers known as "Gungidungi", and“Gilnori: Traditional Performance Parade,”a festive performance that weaves through the palace grounds.
Programs requiring advance reservations can be booked through Ticketlink (www.ticketlink.co.kr), and programs for international participants can be booked via Creatrip (www.creatrip.com).
For more details on the K-Royal Culture Festival, please visit the official website (kh.or.kr/fest), follow the official Instagram account (@royalculturefestival_official), or contact the Palace Utilization Program Call Center at ☎ 1522-2295 or the Ticketlink Help Center at ☎ 1588-7890.
The Korea Heritage Agency is eager to continue to design and operate unique and original programs for “K-Royal Culture Festival” so people of all ages and nationalities can enjoy the beauty of Korean heritages.
Appendix
1. Overview of K-Royal Culture Festival
2. List of Programs in K-Royal Culture Festival
3. Programs designed by K-Royal Culture Festival (prior reservation required)
4. Programs designed by K-Royal Culture Festival (on-site registration available)