Palaces and Royal Tombs to Open Free During Chuseok Holiday; Jongmyo Also Accessible Without Reservations

[Financial News] Visitors will be able to tour the four major palaces, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, as well as Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty free of charge during the Chuseok holiday. In Jeonju-si, North Jeolla Province, yut-nori and traditional cultural experience programs will be held ahead of the holiday.
According to the Korea Heritage Service on the 19th, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will offer free admission from the 24th to the 27th. Huwon, the Rear Garden of Changdeokgung Palace Complex, is excluded. Jongmyo Shrine can be visited freely without advance reservations.
At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal guard-changing ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., while the guard-post ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. At 3 p.m., a royal guard patrol ceremony will take place inside and outside the palace. Visitors can watch all of these ceremonies without advance reservations.
Admission waivers for the palaces and royal tombs should be distinguished from participation in separate experience programs. Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang, the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Night Tour and the Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace are paid programs that require advance reservations, so visitors should check the fees and reservation requirements before visiting.
The online participation program Moduui Pungsokdo 2026 also began on the 18th. Through November 1, participants can create their own Joseon-era characters on the program's dedicated website.
The 2026 Chuseok Folk Playground will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on the 19th at the National Intangible Heritage Center in Jeonju-si, North Jeolla Province. All events are free.
The yut-nori tournament, held from 2 to 4 p.m., will feature 32 teams, including families and adult groups. The winners will be determined through a tournament format, with prizes awarded to the teams placing first through fourth.
Visitors can also take part in rice-cake pounding, nongak and mini gat and dancheong keychain-making activities. They can enjoy traditional games such as gonu, ssangnyuk and tuho, and take commemorative photos.
Participants can register for the yut-nori tournament in advance or on-site on the day of the event. On-site registration will be available for canceled slots and remaining places. The other folk games and experience programs will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the venue on the day.
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter