Nighttime Elegance: Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Luminous Legacy and Autumn Invitation
On a moonlit night, amidst the city, experience the unique beauty of the palace at night. Through this experience, appreciate the historical and cultural values and beauty of the palace. You’re invited to the Gyeongbokgung Palace night tour in the fall of 2023
Seoul, the ancient capital of the 600-year Joseon Dynasty, is dotted with historic palaces. Notably, Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the king’s official residence. Gyeongbokgung, the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty, is positioned with the Bukaksan Mountain to the north, and with its main gate, Gwanghwamun, opening onto the expansive six-lane road (now Sejong-ro), it also stands as the center of the Hanyang (old name for Seoul) city plan. The Palace was established in 1395 by King Taejo Lee Seong-gye, burned down during the Japanese invasions in 1592, and was rebuilt in 1867 during the reign of King Gojong.
The west gate of Gyeongbokgung, called Yeongchumun, carries the meaning ‘welcoming autumn.’ It was named in a contrasting concept to Geonchunmun, aligning with the idea of the west direction. This gate was mainly used by civil and military officials, especially by courtiers who worked in the western palace buildings. The current gate structure was restored in 1975 using reinforced concrete.
The Rare Nighttime Splendor of Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung looks breathtaking – just stunning when illuminated at night. Only twice a year, for a short duration and for a select number of visitors, this treasure from the Joseon Dynasty welcomes the public for evening tours.
On the evening tour, you can explore different parts of Gyeongbokgung Palace, including the Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Geunjeongjeon Hall, all under the captivating aura of an autumn night. Witness the magnificent sites where royal feasts once took place and lose yourself in the mesmerizing charm of fall in all its glory. This nighttime viewing is a cherished experience, and even locals find it challenging to secure tickets due to their limited availability and rapid sell-out.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Viewing Details
Dates: From September 1st, 2023 (Friday) to October 29th, 2023 (Sunday).
Exceptions: Closed on all Mondays & Tuesdays, and specifically on October 4th.
Note: There will be no nighttime viewing between April 26th to May 2nd due to preparations for the Royal Culture Festival.
Hours: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last Admission: 8:30 PM)
Cost: 3,000 KRW for individuals aged 7-64.
Special Offer: Gain free entry when dressed in a Hanbok.
Points to Remember:
- The palace remains open for night tours even during rain.
- Neither strollers nor wheelchairs are available for rent.
- Exercise caution as the surroundings can get dark during the nighttime viewing.
How to Get Your Tickets:
Buy It On-the-Spot (Only for Foreigners):
- Hey travelers! If you’re visiting from abroad, you can grab same-day tickets right at the ticket counter.
- Quick heads up: Those tickets are just for the day you buy them.
- Here’s what you need to know:
- Only 200 tickets up for grabs each day.
- You can get up to 2 tickets per purchase.
- Bring along your foreign passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC) to snag them.
- Good news! Once you’ve got your ticket, anyone can use it, even if they’re from Korea.
Awesome Ways to Enter for Free:
- Want a fun tip? Dress in a Hanbok, and you can waltz right in for free. Even if we’re fully packed, you’re good to go in your Hanbok!
- More free entry peeps:
- Little ones below 6 (Just show how young they are).
- Super cool seniors aged 65 and up (Again, some age proof would be great).
Location
Images from: 코리아넷, https://www.kocis.go.kr/koreanet/view.do?seq=4522&page=2&pageSize=10&photoPageSize=6&totalCount=0&searchType=&searchText=
문화재청 경복궁관리소, https://www.royalpalace.go.kr/content/preview/preview03_03.asp
해외문화홍보원, https://www.kocis.go.kr/koreanet/view.do?seq=1037509&page=1&pageSize=10&photoPageSize=6&totalCount=0&searchType=null&searchText=&RN=10&cateCode=
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