2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival:

A Decade of Cultural Enrichment

 - Kicking off with the Opening Ceremony on April 26, the Nine-Day K-Royal Culture Festival to Take Place Spanning April 27 to May 5 Across Five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine -

In collaboration with the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, the Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced to host the 2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival from April 27 through May 5. This grand celebration will take place amidst the historic splendor of Seoul's five royal palaces - Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Gyeonghuigung Palace - as well as Jongmyo Shrine.

Marking its tenth anniversary this year, the K-Royal Culture Festival stands as Korea's premier cultural heritage event, showcasing a diverse array of traditional cultural content against the backdrop of these magnificent palaces. Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, last year's festivals collectively drew over 675,000 visitors from both domestic and international spheres.

The 2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival kicks off with the Opening Ceremony on April 26, promising an even richer program in commemoration of its milestone anniversary. Additionally, efforts have been made to expand permanent programs, allowing visitors to partake in palace experiences without the need for prior reservations. Furthermore, the establishment of a program reservation system via global platforms and the introduction of tailored programs for foreigners aim to make the festival more accessible and enjoyable for international visitors.

Opening Ceremony the Dignity of Traditional Performances

Opening Ceremony of the spring festival is themed around the "Love for the People" of King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty, presenting a captivating concept that reimagines King Sejong's proclamation of the Hunminjeongeum script in 1446. With elements of time travel evoking the authenticity of the royal court, the festival's dignified commencement sets the stage for a spectacular display of K-Culture.

Experiencing the Essence of Joseon Dynasty’s Royal Palace Culture at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Throughout the festival, the Gyeongbokgung Palace will host a variety of programs offering insights into the activities of the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court. From May 1 to 5, visitors can participate in the "A Time Travel, King Sejong" program, offering a glimpse into various aspects of palace life during the reign of King Sejong the Great (1418-1450). This immersive experience includes tasting palace cuisine and learning about the figures and achievements of that era.

At the Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Geunjeongjeon Hall, the “Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists” will take place on May 4 and 5. Featuring 100 performers playing traditional Korean musical instruments such as the daegeum, gayageum, and haegeum, this concert promises to be a magnificent showcase of the music of the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court. The sight of 100 performers adorned in crimson attire performing in front of the Geunjeongjeon Hall is sure to create a majestic spectacle.

Furthermore, following its sold-out success at last year's spring festival, the "Royal Palace Musical - King Sejong, 1446” will be performed again at the Geunjeongjeon Hall from April 28 to 30. This musical portrays the hardships and trials faced by King Sejong the Great, from his days as Crown Prince Chungnyeong to his reign as king, including the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul. Presented at the historic Geunjeongjeon Hall, the performance adds an extra layer of emotion to the festival.

Gyeongbokgung'sHeungryemun Square will host the "K-Heritage Market," an outdoor market where visitors can enjoy traditional crafts, cultural products, palace sweets, and more. Operating throughout the festival, this lively market is set to become a vibrant hub of festival excitement for visitors to the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Exhibition Programs and Morning Events at Changdeokgung Palace

The Changdeokgung Palace will host its inaugural traditional craft exhibition, "MEETS: A Timeless Harmony" from April 27 to May 5. Held at the Changdeokgung'sInjeongjeon Hall for the first time, this exhibition is especially significant. Comprising elements of "Light," "Color," and "Elegance," the exhibition features 24 works, including five intangible cultural heritage items such as hanji (traditional Korean paper) and dancheong (traditional Korean decorative coloring). The theme of "Coexistence of Past, Present, and Future in Craft" resonates uniquely within the space of Injeongjeon Hall, adding a special resonance to the venue.

A morning program, "Awakening the Morning Palace" will be introduced for visitors to stroll through the Changdeokgung Palace in the morning. Starting at 8 a.m. from April 29 to May 3, this program allows up to 50 participants per day to enjoy the scenery of the Changdeokgung Palace in the morning accompanied by commentary from writer Lee Si-woo. Reservation is required for this program, offering a unique opportunity to experience the fresh morning atmosphere of the palace not available to the general public.

Experiencing Royal and Modern Culture at Deoksugung Palace

During the festival, the Deoksugung Palace offers programs where visitors can experience both modern and royal culture.

At the Palace’s Jeonggwanheon Hall, the " Royal Recreations Club" program will run from April 27 to May 5. This program allows participants to experience the hobbies enjoyed by King Gojong (1852-1919), the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty and the first emperor of the Korean Empire, including coffee and billiards, without the need for prior reservations.

Additionally, a small-scale experiential event called " Royal Court Games Playroom" featuring the volunteer character "Goong-eeDoong-ee," who can be considered the mascot of the festival, will also be offered.

Family-friendly Programs at Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeonghuigung Palace

In celebration of Family Month in May, the Changgyeonggung Palace will host the "Children's K-Royal Culture Festival" from May 1 to 5. This event offers children the opportunity to experience various occupations from the late Joseon Dynasty, such as court chefs, doctors, gardeners, interpreters, and Chwitadae (Korean Traditional Marching Band) members. Alongside performances and explanations, guided tours of the Changgyeonggung Palace will also be provided.

At the Changgyeonggung Palace's Chundangji Pond, the "Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace" program will debut from April 27 to May 5. Visitors can enjoy media art works created by artist Lee In-nam both at bigger and smaller ponds of Chungdangji, and various content utilizing light along the walking paths.

Various events will take place at Gyeonghuigung Palace from May 1 to 5 under the theme "Discover Gyeonghuigung Palace" allowing visitors to explore the history and structure of the palace, which was once called the Western Palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Operated in conjunction with the Seoul Museum of History's children's education program, this event is divided into three categories: education, exhibition, and performance, offering programs tailored to children.
Advance reservations for the spring festival programs will be available for purchase on Ticketlink (www.ticketlink.co.kr) starting at 12 p.m. on April 5, on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid programs such as " Royal Palace Musical - King Sejong, 1446," " Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists," " A Time Travel, King Sejong," and " Awakening the Morning Palace" will be limited to 800, 700, 160, and 50 seats per session, respectively. Admission to free events such as the "Opening Ceremony," " Children's K-Royal Culture Festival: Palace Job Diaries" is free but requires advance reservation.

Additionally, reservations for foreigner-exclusive performances such as " A AA Time Travel, King Sejong - A time travel to the Joseon dynasty" and " Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists" will be available for booking from April via the newly introduced global reservation platform "Creatrip."

Furthermore, during the spring festival period, a limited number of "K-Royal Palaces PASS" tickets (up to 10,000 passes), offering unlimited access to the five grand palaces, are available for pre-sale until April 26.

For detailed information and schedules of the 2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival, visit the Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center’s website (royal.cha.go.kr), the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation’s website (www.chf.or.kr), the K-Royal Culture Festival’s website (chf.or.kr/fest), or the K-Royal Culture Festival’s Instagram (@royalculturefestival_official), or call the Royal Palace Program Center (☎ 1522-2295) or Ticketlink Call Center (☎ 1588-7890).

(Attachments)
Festival Overview
Festival Programs
Advance Reservation Information
2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival’s Planned Programs (Advance booking required)
Planned Programs of K-Royal Culture Festival (On-site Participation)
K-Royal Culture Festival Programs for Foreigners