By Kim Seon Ah

The Korea Tourism Organization on Oct. 1 announced that major tourist attractions will offer free admission over the extended Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holidays.

The landmarks include the four royal palaces in Seoul -- Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung; Suwon Museum of Art in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Province; National Botanic Garden of Korean Native Plants in Pyeongchang-gun County, Gangwon-do Province; Wando Arboretum in Wando-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province; and the branches of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea in Seoul, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, Deoksugung and Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province. The dates of free admission differ by attraction, so checking them before visiting is advised.

A slew of cultural events are also scheduled this month. The Fall K-Royal Culture Festival from Oct. 8-12 willl be held at the four palaces, Gyeonghuigung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul.

The festival's horticultural program Donggwol Jangwonseo (Oct. 8-12) will have senior citizens make flower pots at Changgyeonggung; the Jongmyo Shrine Architectural Expedition (Oct. 11-12) is for teens; and the JunMyeongDang Hall Children's School will be held at Deoksugung (Oct. 11-12). A media art show featuring national cultural heritage runs through Oct. 12 at the ancient tombs in Goryeong-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

Information on places offering free entry during the Chuseok period and October festivals is available in this month's edition of the domestic tourism service Visit Korea and its Naver blog.

sofiakim218@korea.kr