Step Into Korean History This Lunar New Year Free Palace Admissions π°π·β¨ If you’re spending Lunar New Year (Seollal) in Korea this year, there’s a small tradition many foreigners living here don’t hear about — and it’s honestly one of the best seasonal perks. During the Seollal holiday, Korea opens its royal palaces and royal tombs to the public for free. Yes, completely free. No ticket lines, no admission fee, just history waiting for you. For anyone living in Korea, this is a perfect chance to slow down, step away from busy city routines, and experience a side of Korean culture that feels calm, beautiful, and deeply traditional. π― Which places are free to visit? During the holiday period, Seoul’s major royal palaces open their gates without charge: Gyeongbokgung Palace — the largest and most iconic palace Changdeokgung Palace — known for its harmony with nature Changgyeonggung Palace — quieter and less crowded Deoksugung Palace — famous for its stone-wall road and blend of Western architecture Even Jongmyo Shrine, which normally requires advance reservations, opens for free self-guided visits during the holiday. On top of that, many royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty across Korea are also included. π One small note: special programs like the Secret Garden guided tour at Changdeokgung may not be part of the free entry. π Seollal atmosphere inside the palaces Visiting during Seollal feels different from an ordinary palace trip. It’s not just sightseeing — the atmosphere becomes festive and warm. You might see: Traditional guard-changing ceremonies π New Year paintings called se-hwa being shared Visitors wearing colorful hanbok, turning the palace grounds into a living painting Even if you don’t rent a hanbok yourself, watching families and couples dressed in traditional clothing adds a special charm to the visit. It feels like history briefly comes alive. πΆβοΈ Tips for visiting comfortably Because admission is free, the palaces can get busy — especially around midday. A few simple tips can make your visit much more enjoyable: β Go early in the morningβ Choose a weekday if your holiday schedule allowsβ Bring a warm drink and take slow walksβ Explore nearby cafés or museums after your visit Most palaces are connected to subway lines and surrounded by great walking routes. It’s easy to turn a palace visit into a full afternoon of exploring Bukchon, Insadong, or the stone-wall roads nearby. π Why it’s worth going Seollal is often described as a family holiday, but for foreigners living in Korea, it can sometimes feel quiet or unfamiliar. Visiting the palaces is a gentle way to connect with the spirit of the holiday without needing a big plan. There’s something peaceful about walking through centuries-old courtyards while the city slows down. The free admission isn’t just a discount — it’s an invitation to experience Korea’s history at a more reflective pace. If you’ve lived here for months (or even years) and kept saying “I’ll go someday,” this is your sign. π Take a friend, take a camera, wear warm clothes, and step into history this Seollal. π°π·β¨ #LunarNewYear #Seollal #KoreanPalaces #Gyeongbokgung #Changdeokgung #Changgyeonggung #Deoksugung #JongmyoShrine #JoseonDynasty #KoreanHistory #CulturalHeritage #VisitKorea #LivingInKorea #KoreaTravel #ExpatLifeKorea #SeoulTravel #HistoricKorea #PalaceVisit #HanbokExperience #KoreanTradition #HolidayInKorea #FreeAdmission #RoyalPalaces #KoreaCulture #TravelSeoul #WinterInKorea #ExploreKorea #KoreaLifestyle #SeollalTrip #KoreaGuide All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke
