๐Free Royal Palace Visits During Chuseok! A Perfect Seoul Plan for Foreign Residents If you’re living in Korea, Chuseok is a great chance to experience Korean culture beyond food and family gatherings! ๐พโจ This year, from September 24 to 27, 2026, Seoul’s four major royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Joseon Royal Tombs will be open for free admission during the Chuseok holiday. ๐ So, if you’re staying in Seoul this week, why not take a little journey through Korean history? ๐ ๐ Four Major Royal Palaces — FREE! During the four-day holiday, you can visit these four major royal palaces without paying the usual admission fee: ๐ Gyeongbokgung Palace๐ Changdeokgung Palace๐ Deoksugung Palace๐ Changgyeonggung Palace Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon Royal Tombs are also included in the free-admission period. โ ๏ธ One important exception: Changdeokgung’s famous Huwon (Secret Garden) remains a paid attraction. So if you want to visit the garden, you'll still need to purchase a separate ticket. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20260924050100013?input=1196m ๐ก๏ธ Watch the Royal Guard Ceremonies! One of the most memorable things to see at Gyeongbokgung is the traditional royal guard ceremony. During the Chuseok holiday, you can watch these performances without advance reservation: ๐ก๏ธ Royal Guard Changing Ceremony→ 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM ๐ก๏ธ Royal Guard Patrol Ceremony→ 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM ๐ก๏ธ Royal Guard Patrol (Sunra)→ 3:00 PM The colorful uniforms, traditional instruments, flags, and ceremonial movements make this a fun way to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon royal court. ๐ฅ๐ https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20260924050800013?input=1196m ๐ชญ Hanbok + Gyeongbokgung = Classic Seoul Photo! And of course… hanbok + Gyeongbokgung is one of the most iconic Seoul photo combinations! ๐ธโค๏ธ If you’ve been thinking about renting a hanbok, Chuseok is a great time to explore the palace area dressed in traditional Korean clothing. Walk through the palace gates, courtyards, and traditional buildings while enjoying the autumn atmosphere. ๐๐พ ๐ก Tip: Visit in the morning if you want cooler temperatures and a little more time to explore before the busiest hours. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20260924050500013?input=1196m ๐ What Is Chuseok? Chuseok (์ถ์) is one of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays. It is often compared to a harvest festival or Korean Thanksgiving because it is traditionally associated with the autumn harvest, family gatherings, ancestral traditions, and sharing food. ๐พ๐ฅฎ Many Koreans travel to their hometowns during Chuseok, so Seoul can feel a little different from usual. But for international residents who are staying in Seoul, it can also be a fantastic opportunity to explore museums, palaces, cultural sites, and special holiday events. โจ ๐ More Traditional Experiences Around Seoul The palaces aren't the only places offering special Chuseok experiences. The National Folk Museum of Korea, next to Gyeongbokgung, will hold its “Together, Hangawi” event on September 26–27. Visitors can experience traditional activities connected with the autumn harvest, including: ๐พ Traditional threshing and grain-processing activities๐คผ Korean wrestling (ssireum) experiences๐ถ Traditional performances๐ฅ Children's traditional music programs The National Museum of Korea in Yongsan will also present traditional and contemporary performances during the holiday. https://www.newspim.com/news/view/20260924000127 ๐ป You Can Even Experience Joseon Culture Online! Can't make it to a palace? There is also an interactive online program called “Everyone's Customs 2026” (๋ชจ๋์ ํ์๋ 2026). You can create your own Joseon-era character and explore Korean traditional culture in a fun, modern way. ๐ฑโจ The program runs through November 1, so you can try it even after the Chuseok holiday. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20260924050400013?input=1196m ๐๏ธ Chuseok Palace Guide ๐ Free admission: September 24–27, 2026๐ Included: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung๐๏ธ Also included: Jongmyo Shrine & Joseon Royal Tombs๐ฐ Admission: FREEโ ๏ธ Exception: Changdeokgung Huwon remains paid๐ก๏ธ Gyeongbokgung ceremonies: No advance reservation required For Gyeongbokgung, visitor information lists the opening hours during the holiday as 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, with final admission at 5:00 PM. โ๏ธ A Perfect Chuseok Day in Seoul If you're living in Korea and don't have family plans during Chuseok, here's an easy day plan: Morning โ๏ธGyeongbokgung → Royal Guard ceremony → ๐ชญ Hanbok photos ๐ธ Afternoon ๐ตBukchon & Insadong → Traditional tea or Korean snacks Evening ๐Cheonggyecheon or Hangang Park → Enjoy Seoul's autumn atmosphere ๐ Chuseok isn't just a holiday on the Korean calendar. It's also a great opportunity for international residents to experience Korean history, traditions, food, and culture firsthand. ๐ So, if you've been saying “I should visit a Korean palace sometime…” — this weekend might be the perfect time! ๐ #Chuseok #Chuseok2026 #KoreanThanksgiving #Gyeongbokgung #Changdeokgung #Deoksugung #Changgyeonggung #Jongmyo #JoseonPalace #KoreanPalace #RoyalPalace #KoreanHistory #KoreanHeritage #KoreanCulture #KCulture #Hanbok #HanbokExperience #SeoulPalace #SeoulHeritage #SeoulEvents #SeoulTravel #SeoulTourism #VisitSeoul #SeoulAutumn #TraditionalKorea #KoreanTradition #JoseonDynasty #SeoulExperience #ExploreSeoul #KoreaTravel All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke
