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Lunar New Year : Free Palace Visits and Festivities in Korea

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by Julie Yoon 2025. 1. 26. 18:43

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Lunar New Year : Free Palace Visits and Festivities in Korea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250124171900005?input=1195m

 

 

 

 

 

This Lunar New Year holiday, Korea's iconic palaces, royal tombs, and cultural sites will open their doors to visitors free of charge.

 

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Palaces and Tombs Division has announced that from now until January 30, major heritage sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and the Joseon Royal Tombs will waive their entry fees.

 

Additionally, visitors will have a rare opportunity to freely explore Jongmyo Shrine, typically accessible only by reservation.

 

One of the highlights of this year’s holiday festivities is the “Eulsanyeon Sehwa Sharing Event” at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

 

From January 28 to 30, visitors can receive a sehwa—a traditional painting symbolizing wishes for good fortune and protection against misfortune.

 

Historically, sehwa were gifted by the king to his officials during the Joseon Dynasty as part of New Year’s celebrations.

 

At Gyeongbokgung, these modern recreations will be distributed at Heungnyemun Gate following the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony, which takes place at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

 

Visitors can also admire the regal presence of the guards holding a flag adorned with the symbol of a blue snake, representing the zodiac animal of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250124171900005?input=1195m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional Activities at National Museums and Cultural Sites

 

 

 

 

Beyond the palaces, nearby museums and cultural spaces are also offering unique experiences to mark the holiday.

 

At the National Folk Museum of Korea, located adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a series of interactive events will immerse visitors in the traditions of Korea’s Lunar New Year, or Seollal.

 

From January 27 to 28, families and friends can participate in classic New Year’s games such as yutnori, a traditional board game played with large wooden sticks, and kite-making workshops to create the gaori yeon, a Korean-style kite symbolizing hopes for success in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250124171900005?input=1195m

 

 

 

 

 

Additionally, on January 28, visitors can enjoy the lively jisinbalgi ritual in the museum's courtyard, where performers bless the community and wish for prosperity through drumming and dance.

 

For those interested in history and culture, the Folk Museum is hosting the “Everything in Harmony” special exhibition.

 

This exhibition features over 60 artifacts related to the snake zodiac, showcasing traditional items, ceremonial objects, and artwork that depict snakes as symbols of power, protection, and vitality.

 

Several international pieces illustrating the global significance of snakes are also on display.

 

The museum will be closed on January 29, the day of Seollal itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discovering Art and History at the National Museum of Korea

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visitors to Seoul can also stop by the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, which will remain open throughout the holiday, except for Seollal day on January 29. The museum is hosting two captivating exhibitions

 

 

 

1. "Shaping the World in Blue: Celadon of Goryeo"

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250124171900005?input=1195m

 

 

 


This exhibition features over 270 masterpieces of Goryeo celadon, renowned for its serene blue-green glaze and intricate designs.

 

Highlights include celadon pieces shaped as fish-dragons (eoryong) and mythical turtle-dragons (gwiryong), reflecting the skill and creativity of artisans from the Goryeo Dynasty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. "Vienna 1900: Dreaming Artists"

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.hankyung.com/article/202412160236i

 

 

 

 

 


For fans of European art, this exhibition explores the turn-of-the-century Viennese artistic movement that celebrated freedom and innovation.

 

Paintings, sculptures, and design pieces offer a glimpse into the creative world of artists who shaped modern European aesthetics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regional Celebrations and Traditional Games

 

 

 

 

 

Outside Seoul, other regional museums and cultural sites are also joining the festivities.

 

At the National Buyeo Museum and National Naju Museum, visitors can participate in traditional Korean games such as jegichagi (a game similar to hacky sack) and top-spinning competitions through January 30.

 

These activities provide a hands-on way for families to connect with Korea’s rich cultural heritage while celebrating the holiday season.

 

 

https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20250120_0003038003

 

 

 

 

While many cultural sites are open during the holiday, note that all palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and royal tombs will be closed on January 31, the day after the Lunar New Year holiday.

 

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free entry period and immerse themselves in Korea’s royal history, traditional games, and unique exhibitions.

 

Whether you're seeking blessings for the new year, exploring the vibrant history of the Joseon Dynasty, or simply enjoying a day out with family, Korea’s palaces, museums, and cultural events offer an unforgettable way to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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