π Seollal Holiday in Korea: Palaces Open Free + Special Cultural Events Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year holiday, is one of the best times for visitors to experience Korean history and culture. During the 2026 Seollal holiday (February 14–18), Korea is offering free admission to royal palaces and tombs, along with special museum programs and traditional cultural events across the country. β¨ Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, this is a rare chance to explore historic sites without crowds and enjoy festive activities that only happen during the holiday. π― Free Entry to the Four Grand Palaces From February 14 to 18, the following sites are open for free: Gyeongbokgung Palace Deoksugung Palace Changdeokgung Palace Changgyeonggung Palace Jongmyo Shrine Joseon Royal Tombs Normally, Jongmyo requires guided entry reservations, but during Seollal visitors can explore it freely — a rare opportunity. π Note: Changdeokgung Secret Garden is not included in free entry. π All sites will be closed on February 19 after the holiday. Walking through the palaces in winter gives a calm, cinematic atmosphere that feels completely different from busy tourist seasons. βοΈπΈ 𧧠Special Seollal Artwork Giveaway at Gyeongbokgung https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=01410406645350520&mediaCodeNo=257&OutLnkChk=Y One of the highlights this year is the Sehwa (New Year painting) giveaway at Gyeongbokgung Palace. From February 16–18, visitors can receive a traditional New Year print featuring the theme: π “Red Horse Guardian of the Zodiac” π Sehwa paintings were historically given by the king to officials to celebrate the new year and bring good fortune. Only 6,000 prints will be distributed on a first-come basis after the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Times: 10:20 AM 2:20 PM This collaboration was created with a master of traditional Korean folk painting, making it both a souvenir and a cultural artifact. π National Museums: Holiday Cultural Programs https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=01410406645350520&mediaCodeNo=257&OutLnkChk=Y Across Korea, national museums are hosting interactive programs celebrating Seollal traditions. Highlights include: π National Museum of Korea Seasonal plum blossom exhibition “Spring Arrival” SNS photo event with prize giveaways π National Folk Museum Fortune-telling with digital yut sticks Writing New Year blessing messages Lucky pouch & envelope craft workshops Regional Museums Visitors can enjoy: Traditional folk games (yutnori, archery, jumping games) Craft workshops Cultural performances Kids’ movie screenings Rice cake pounding experiences Some activities require reservations or operate on a first-come basis. These programs are especially popular with families and foreign visitors who want hands-on cultural experiences. π§π¨ π Free Tourist Attractions Across Korea https://www.news2day.co.kr/article/20260214500008 Seollal isn’t just about palaces — many regional attractions are opening free during the holiday: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Haengjusanseong Fortress Imjingak Peace Park Oryukdo Skywalk in Busan π Traditional houses & heritage sites in Chungnam and Jeonnam Immersive media art exhibition in Gangneung This makes Seollal one of the most affordable times to travel around Korea. β¨ Why Seollal Is a Special Travel Moment https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=01410406645350520&mediaCodeNo=257&OutLnkChk=Y Seollal transforms Korea in a unique way: Cities become quieter and calmer Cultural sites are festive and welcoming Traditional activities are open to everyone Many attractions are free It’s a rare blend of holiday atmosphere and cultural access that you won’t experience at any other time of year. If you’re in Korea during Seollal, don’t stay inside — step out and experience history, art, and tradition in motion. ππ°π· #Seollal2026 #KoreanLunarNewYear #SeollalHoliday #KoreaTravel #VisitKorea #KoreanCulture #KoreanPalaces #Gyeongbokgung #Changdeokgung #Deoksugung #Changgyeonggung #JongmyoShrine #RoyalTombs #FreeAdmissionKorea #SeoulTravel #KoreaTrip #KoreaTourism #KoreanTradition #HanbokExperience #WinterInSeoul #CulturalTravel #KoreanHistory #MuseumVisit #TravelKorea2026 #HolidayInKorea #KoreanHeritage #SeoulPalaces #ExploreKorea #KoreaItinerary #AsiaTravel
