Jaqueline Perez Gamboa, Frédérique Morré

Junior Editor, Editor GSIS Newsletter

Every spring, Seoul’s royal palaces come alive with traditional performances, historical reenactments, and cultural experiences that allow visitors to travel back in time. The K-Royal Culture Festival, held every year at the end of April and during May, offers unique opportunities to immerse oneself in Korea’s royal heritage. Everything from night tours, cultural performances or being part of the reenactment as a Choson Era scholar makes this festival the perfect blend of education and enchantment. 

In Gyeongbokgung, night tours are hosted, along with daily reenactments of different royal rites and traditions. If you are lucky enough, you might take part in traditional instruments concerts or even join a seonbi (Choson scholar) experience right at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.  

Changdeokgung offers amazing and unique experiences too. Special tours in the Secret Garden are hosted, just in time to have a walk alongside the king, the royal family, and their court. At the end of the tour guests are invited to enjoy a traditional dance and music performance while having delicious snacks right in the middle of the garden. 

Deoksugung opens its doors to experience a night in the Daehan Empire (1987-1910) along with a night tour at the contrasting Western and Korean-style buildings. Visitors can enjoy having a tea time at the terrace of the Seokjojeon Hall and watch a musical piece about Emperor Gojong. 

This festival is more than just entertainment – it is a celebration of Korean history and identity, where locals and foreigners have the chance to connect with the country’s past in memorable ways. With this year’s edition just around the corner, the GSIS newsletter team encourages you to visit any palace event during the festival. Take the opportunity to try on a hanbok, play traditional games, or to try the delicious snacks while appreciating Korean culture. Maybe, for a moment, you can feel like royalty yourself. 

For more information and schedules, check the official SNS channels of the Korean Cultural Heritage Agency and don’t miss your chance to witness history come alive. You may also check out the resources below:

Heritage Agency website: https://www.kh.or.kr/cms/content/view/888

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.heritage.agency/?hl=en

Official Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmXj21ymSuKMNtgm0jypkw