Tickets for the K-Royal Culture Festival Fall 2026 to open on Sep 4

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A Special Time in the Autumn- Colored Palace: The 2026 K- Royal Culture Festival

– Held Oct 7–11 at the four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, with expanded opportunities for international visitors to participate
– New programs make their debut, including the “Gyujanggak Chogye Munsin Workshop” and “Tracing Joseon Space”

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hosted by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service (Director General Jo Gyu-hyeong) and organized by the Korea Heritage Agency (President Lee Gui-young), an affiliated organization of the Korea Heritage Service, K-Royal Culture Festival Fall 2026 will take place over five days from Oct 7 (Wed) to Oct 11 (Sun), at the four palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung Palaces), as well as Jongmyo Shrine.

The K-Royal Culture Festival is Korea’s flagship national heritage festival, presenting a wide range of programs across Seoul’s royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, including performances, exhibitions, hands-on experiences and historical reenactments. The spring editions of the festival in 2026 attracted about 725,000 visitors, setting a new record. This fall’s festival will offer a distinctive experience from the spring edition, with an expanded lineup of nighttime viewing, guided tour and hands-on programs designed to make the most of autumn of the royal palaces. During the day, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, tours and experience programs that invite them to explore the spaces and history of the palaces in greater depth. At night, the focus shifts to performances and immersive experiences set against the palaces standing in harmony with natural scenery. 

K-PALACE Meets K-POP… KBS2 “Immortal Songs” Special Performance

On Oct 6 (Tue), the eve of K-Royal Culture Festival Fall 2026, a K-Royal Culture Festival Special Performance: “KBS2 Immortal Songs” performance will take place at Heungnyemun Square of Gyeongbokgung Palace to celebrate the opening of the festival. Under the theme “Palaces Awaken the Arts”, the performance will bring together music ranging from traditional Korean music to K-POP, offering something for audiences of all generations. Admission is free, and applications to attend the performance will be available later through the official KBS “Immortal Songs” website.

Autumn at the Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine: A Unique Array of Programs at Each Palace

First, at Gyeongbokgung Palace, “Hanbok Royal Banquet (Yeonhyang)” (Oct 9–10 19:00~21:00) will offer an immersive program spanning the entire area open for nighttime viewing. Highlights include “A Royal Stroll”(Oct 9–10 19:00~20:30), a reenactment of a royal procession featuring the king and queen; “A Guide to Royal Court Attire from Sunhwagung Palace”(Oct 9–10 19:00~21:00), an exhibition spotlighting 「Sajeol Boksaek Jajang Yoram」, a record by Royal Consort Gyeongbin Kim (consort of Heonjong, the 24th king of Joseon) detailing the seasonal attire of women at the royal court; and “Joseon Royal OOTD”(Oct 9–10 19:20~19:40), a fashion talk show exploring the functions and symbolism of royal court attire. A variety of other programs will also be presented, including “The Sounds of Making Hanbok”(Oct 9–10 19:00~21:00), featuring live demonstrations by holders of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

At Changdeokgung Palace, the craft exhibition “Tracing Joseon Space : The Rhythm of Stillness” (Oct 7–11, 10:00~17:00) will be held at Huijeongdang Hall. The exhibition is directed by Baek Jong-hwan, CEO of WGNB. Drawing on the rhythm of traditional wooden architecture and the use of empty space, the exhibition interprets “white” as an aesthetic order defined by emptiness, restraint and harmony. Also, “Awakening the Morning Palace”, a popular program at the festival that invites visitors to experience the palace at daybreak while walking through its halls and the Secret Garden, will be offered twice daily throughout the five-day period.

And the first to be presented the “Gyujanggak Chogye Munsin Workshop” (Oct 9–11, 14:30) at Changdeokgung Palace is an interactive history lecture program inspired by the “Chogye Munsin”, young civil officials who received special training at Gyujanggak, the royal library and scholarly institution of the late Joseon Dynasty. Virtual history-themed creator “Hyangachi” will host the program, joined by experts from various fields as panelists. Held once a day, each session will explore different topics. After each session, visitors can also take part in “Find Hyangachi,” an activity where they search for Hyangachi around Changdeokgung Palace and solve quizzes along the way.

At Deoksugung Palace, “From Gwangmu(光武) to Yunghui(隆熙)” (Oct 7–11, 10:00~17:00) will be held at Deokhongjeon Hall to mark the 100th anniversary of the passing of Emperor Sunjong and reflect on the history of the Korean imperial family. The program will feature a chronological exhibition on Emperor Sunjong, an AI-powered conversation session, and a historical tour of Deoksugung Palace accompanied by a Jeongisu (traditional storyteller). An academic seminar under the theme “K-Royal Culture Festival as a K-Content Platform” will also be held at Jeonggwanheon Hall.

At Junmyeongdang Hall of Deoksugung Palace, the “JunMyeongDang Hall Children’s School” (Oct 9–11, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00) will offer a program for children. The program gives children the opportunity to experience royal court etiquette and learn about nature within the palace grounds. All participating children are required to wear hanbok, while a child actor portraying Princess Deokhye will engage them in role-play scenarios designed to create a more immersive experience. The program will be held three times a day and is open to children aged 7 to 10.

At Changgyeonggung Palace, “A Time Travel, Changgyeonggung Palace” (Oct 9–10, 12:00, 15:30) will recreate scenes from daily life at the royal court across Myeongjeongmun Gate, Tongmyeongjeon Hall, Haminjeong Pavilion and Munjeongjeon Hall. “Donggowol Jangwonseo” (Oct 7–11 10:00, 14:00, 16:00) , a hands-on traditional horticulture program inspired by Jangwonseo, the government office responsible for landscaping the royal palaces, will also be offered.

At Jongmyo Shrine, “Jongmyo Shrine Architectural Expedition” (Oct 10–11, 09:30, 11:30, 14:00, 16:00) will offer a mission-based guided tour for teenager visitors. Participants will explore Hyangdaecheong Hall, Jaegung, Jeongjeon Hall and Yeongnyeongjeon Hall while completing missions such as “Uncover the Secrets of Jeongjeon, the World’s longest Wooden Shrine Building” and “Spot the Differences: Jeongjeon vs. Yeongnyeongjeon”. Through these activities, participants will discover the stories embedded in Jongmyo Shrine’s architecture and spaces.

Expanded Opportunities for International Visitors: Dedicated Sessions and Reserved Capacity

K-Royal Culture Festival Fall 2026 will expand opportunities for international visitors to experience Korea’s national heritage by offering dedicated sessions and reserving a set number of places specifically for them. “Hanbok Royal Banquet (Yeonhyang)” will reserve a total of 800 places for international visitors over two days (400 per day), while the second daily session of “Awakening the Morning Palace” will be conducted in English exclusively for international visitors. A total of 300 seats will also be reserved for international visitors at the special eve performance at Heungnyemun Square of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which will mark the commencement of the festival.

“Moonlight Lotus Show”, Illuminating Changgyeonggung Palace on Autumn Nights & “Palace Concert: Ballet × Sujecheon” at Gyeongbokgung Palace

During the Festival period, partner program “Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace” (Oct 7 – Nov 1) will welcome visitors to the Chundangji Pond area. This nighttime media art program combines light and visual projections with the natural scenery around Chundangji Pond, offering visitors a unique way to experience the history and beauty of Changgyeonggung Palace. This fall, a pilot advance reservation system will be introduced to ensure safe operation and reduce crowding. “Moonlight Lotus Show”, a media art presentation at Scene 2, Daechundangji Pond, will be open exclusively to visitors with advance reservations. It will run for a total of 20 days, from Wednesday through Sunday each week, with three sessions per day at 19:00, 19:30 and 20:00.

Tickets for individual festival programs will go on sale sequentially from the noon of Sep 4 (Fri) and can be booked through Ticketlink (www.ticketlink.co.kr). Programs for international visitors can be booked through the Korean travel platform Creatrip (www.creatrip.com).

Tickets for individual festival programs will go on sale sequentially from the noon of Sep 4 (Fri) and can be booked through Ticketlink (www.ticketlink.co.kr). Programs for international visitors can be booked through the Korean travel platform Creatrip (www.creatrip.com).Tickets for the partner programs “Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace” and “Palace Concert – Ballet × Sujecheon” will be available from Sep 11 (Fri).

For more information, visit the official K-Royal Culture Festival website (kh.or.kr/fest) or Instagram (@royalculturefestival_official). Inquiries can also be made through the Royal Palaces and Tombs Program Call Center (+82 1522-2295), the Ticketlink Call Center (+82 1588-7890), or by email to Creatrip (help@creatrip.com).

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency will continue to offer diverse programs that capture the unique characteristics of each palace and the beauty of each season, providing visitors with distinctive experiences found only at the K- Royal Culture Festival. Through these efforts, they will further enhance the festival’s standing as a leading cultural heritage festival representing the Republic of Korea.

Attachment

Festival Overview
List of Programs
Original Programs
Reservation-Required Programs
Photos. The End.

(Appendix 1)

Festival Overview

Festival Overview

Event: K-Royal Culture Festival Fall 2026
Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 2026 / 5 days
Venues: Four Royal Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung Palaces) and Jongmyo Shrine
Hosted / Organized by: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service / Korea Heritage Agency

Festival Poster

(Appendix 2)

List of Programs

Original Programs by K-Royal Culture Festival

Partner Programs

(Appendix 3)

Original Programs

Gyeongbokgung Palace

[Gyeongbokgung Palace] K-Royal Culture Festival Special Performance: “KBS Immortal Songs” 

Performance     |     Advance Reservation     |     New

Dates: Oct 6 (Tue), 17:00 – 21:00 (240 min) / 1 session ※ Scheduled to air on KBS2 on Oct 31 (Sat)
Venues: Heungnyemun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace
Participation: Free / Lottery selection
* Applications to attend will open on the official KBS “Immortal Songs” website in September
Overview: An eve event marking the commencement of K-Royal Culture Festival Fall 2026, to be produced and broadcast as a special episode of the KBS music program “Immortal Songs”
Highlights:

Hosts: Shin Dong-yup, Kim Jun-hyun, Lee Chan-won
Enhancing the global brand value of the K-Royal Culture Festival through original performance content combining K-PALACE, K-HERITAGE and K-POP under the theme “Palaces Awaken the Arts”
Creating a global stage for audiences of all generations and from around the world, featuring a diverse lineup of artists ranging from traditional Korean music to K-POP

[Gyeongbokgung Palace] Hanbok Royal Banquet (Yeonhyang)

Official     |     Complex     |     Advance Reservation

Dates: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 10 (Sat), 19:00–21:00 (120 min) / 1 session per day (2 sessions over 2 days)
Venues: Gyeongbokgung Palace (nighttime viewing area)
Participation: Free / Advance reservation
Overview: An immersive nighttime experience themed around “Hanbok Lifestyle”, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, inviting visitors to enjoy the palace dressed in hanbok
Highlights: Exhibition on royal court attire, hanbok fashion talk show, craft demonstrations by holders of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, traditional arts and audience-participation performances, hands-on experiences with hanbok accessories

[Gyeongbokgung Palace – Partner Program) Palace Concert: Ballet × Sujecheon

Performance     |     Advance Reservation

Dates: Oct 2 (Fri) – Oct 5 (Mon)
Venues: Jibokhae Hall, Gyeongbokgung Palace
Overview: A crossover performance bringing together Korean royal court music and Western court dance of ballet
Highlights:

Artistic Director: Jo Ju-hyun (Professor, Department of Dance Performance, School of Dance, Korea National University of Arts)
Music Directors: Shin Hyun-sik (Director, Ensemble Sinawi), Lim Young-ho (Director, Yeonhui Company “YouHee”)
Performers: K-Arts Ballet, Sujecheon Project, Yeonhui Company “YouHee”

Changdeokgung Palace

[Changdeokgung Palace] Tracing Joseon Space : The Rhythm of Stillness

Guided     |     Exhibition     |     On-site Admission     |     New

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 10:00 – 17:00 (Ongoing) / 5 days
Venues: Huijeongdang Hall, Changdeokgung Palace
Participation: Free / On-site admission (limited on-site reservation available)
Overview: A craft exhibition exploring the spatial aesthetics of Joseon held at Huijeongdang Hall
Highlights:

Exhibition Director: Baek Jong-hwan (CEO of WGNB; recipient of the 2025 Seoul Architecture Award)
Exhibits: Approximately 60 works, including pieces by holders of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, contemporary craftworks that reinterpret traditional craftsmanship

[Changdeokgung Palace] Awakening the Morning Palace

Experience     |     Advance Reservation

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 07:30–, 08:00– (120 min) / 2 sessions per day (10 sessions over 5 days)
* Session 1: Korean visitors (Korean) / Session 2: International visitors (English)
Venues: Changdeokgung Palace (including the Secret Garden)
Participation: Paid (KRW 10,000 per person) / Advance reservation
Overview: A guided walking tour offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy the morning scenery of Changdeokgung Palace
Highlights:

Guides: Session 1: Seong Sang-woo (Architect) / Session 2: Oh Gyeong-ju (Former Heritage Guide at Changdeokgung Palace)
Tour route: (Sesson 1) Geumcheongyo Bridge – Injeongjeon Hall – Seonjeongjeon Hall – Huijeongdang Hall – Seongjeonggak Hall – Buyongji Pond Area – Aeryeonji Pond Area – Yeongyeongdang Hall – Gwallamji Pond Area
(Session 2) Geumcheongyo Bridge – Injeongjeon Hall – Daejojeon Hall – Huijeongdang Hall – Nakseonjae Complex – Buyongji Pond Area – Aeryeonji Pond Area – Yeongyeongdang Hall – Gwallamji Pond Area

[Changdeokgung Palace] Gyujanggak Chogye Munsin Workshop

Experience     |     Advance Reservation     |     New

Dates: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 11 (Sun), 14:30 – 15:40 (70 min) / 1 session per day (3 sessions over 3 days)
Venues: Gyujanggak, Changdeokgung Palace
Participation: Free / Advance reservation
Overview: An interactive history lecture program led by virtual history-themed creator “Hyangachi” together with expert panelists
Highlights:

Program Schedule

[Changdeokgung Palace] Royal Court Games Playroom

Experience     |     On-site Admission

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 10:00 – 17:00 (Ongoing) / 5 days
Venues: Open area in front of Nakseonjae Hall
Participation: Free / On-site admission
Overview: Small-scale hands-on activities and events with the festival’s “Goong-ee Doong-ee” volunteers
Highlights:

Volunteer-led activities including “Beat Goong-ee Doong-ee”, “Palace Quiz”, “Picture of the Day at Palace”‘
Exhibition of winning entries from the K-Royal Culture Festival AI Video Contest “The Man Who Lives with the King”

Deoksugung Palace

[Deoksugung Palace] JunMyeongDang Hall Children’s School

Experience     |     Advance Reservation + On-site Admission     |     Children

Dates: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 11 (Sun), 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 (90 min) / 3 sessions per day (9 sessions over 3 days)
Venues: Junmyeongdang Hall, Deoksugung Palace
Participants: Children aged 7–10 (born 2016–2019)
Participation: Paid (KRW 5,000 per person) / Advance reservation (limited on-site admission available)
Overview: A hands-on royal education experience at Junmyeongdang Hall, where Princess Deokhye received her education
Highlights:

Educational activities based on historical records of Princess Deokhye’s education at the Korean imperial court
Role-play scenarios featuring a child actor as Princess Deokhye, designed to engage children and enhance immersion

[Deoksugung Palace] K-Royal Culture Festival Academic Seminar

Experience      |     Advance Reservation     |     New

Dates: Oct 11 (Sun), 14:00 – 15:30 (90 min) / 1 session
Venues: Jeonggwanheon Hall, Deoksugung Palace
Participants: Professionals of cultural heritage, festival and tourism, researchers, general visitors aged 13 and above
Participation: Free / Advance reservation
Overview: A small-scale academic seminar for national heritage content planners and aspiring planners, held in conjunction with a research project on the development of programs for international visitors to the K-Royal Culture Festival
Highlights:

Theme: “K-Royal Culture Festival as a K-Content Platform”

[Deoksugung Palace] Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Passing of Emperor Sunjong: From Gwangmu(光武) to Yunghui(隆熙)

Complex     |     On-site Admission

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 10:00 – 17:00 (Ongoing) / 5 days
Venues: Deokhongjeon Hall, Deoksugung Palace and others
Participation: Free / On-site admission
Overview: An exhibition and hands-on program marking the 100th anniversary of the passing of Emperor Sunjong, revisiting the Korean imperial family’s efforts to safeguard Korea’s sovereignty and independence
Highlights:

Deokhongjeon Hall: Special exhibition commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Passing of Emperor Sunjong: From Gwangmu(光武) to Yunghui(隆熙)
Jeong-dong Area: Guided historical tour of Deoksugung Palace with a Jeongisu (traditional storyteller)

[Deoksugung Palace] Gilnori: Traditional Performance Parade

Performance     |     On-site Admission

Dates: Oct 11 (Sun), 14:00-, 16:00- (50 min) / 2 sessions per day
Venues: Throughout Deoksugung Palace
Participation: Free / On-site admission
Overview: A lively traditional street procession bringing festive energy to the festival grounds
Highlights: Gijeopnori (flag performance), lion dance, janggu dance, sogo dance, Samulnori

Changgyeonggung Palace

[Changgyeonggung Palace] A Time Travel, Changgyeonggung Palace: Royal Palace Daily Life

Guided     |     Reconstruction     |     On-site Admission

Dates: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 10 (Sat), 12:00–, 15:30– (120 min) / 2 sessions per day (4 sessions over 2 days)
Venues: Throughout Changgyeonggung Palace
Overview: Small-scale reenactments of everyday life at the Joseon royal court
Highlights:

Director: Song Jae-seong (Former Director of Cultural Events for “Cheong Wa Dae, Back to the People”)
Program Schedule (tentative):

 [Changgyeonggung Palace] Donggowol Jangwonseo

Experience     |     Advance Reservation + On-site Admission     |     Seniors

Dates: Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 10:00–, 14:00–, 16:00– (60 min each) / 3 sessions per day (15 sessions over 5 days)
Venues: Education Hall inside the Grand Greenhouse, Changgyeonggung Palace
Participants: Seniors (aged 60 and above) *Applies to advance-reservation programs
Participation: Paid (KRW 10,000 per person) / Advance reservation (limited on-site admission available)
Overview: A hands-on traditional horticulture experience with flowers and plants inspired by Jangwonseo, the government office responsible for landscaping the royal palaces
Highlights:

[Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace] You in Hanbok, Walking Through a Painting

Experience     |     Advance Reservation     |     New

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 09:20, 09:50, 10:20, 13:20, 13:50 (160 min) / 5 sessions per day (25 sessions over 5 days)
Venues: Changgyeonggung Palace (Yanghwadang Hall, Gyeongchunjeon Hall), Changdeokgung Palace (Royal Infirmary, Secret Garden), and other locations
Overview: An immersive tour program where participants dress in traditional hanbok and enjoy a palace date itinerary
Participation: Paid (KRW 15,000 per pair / Advance reservation)
Highlights:

[Changgyeonggung Palace] Gilnori: Traditional Performance Parade

Performance     |     On-site Admission

Dates: Oct 10 (Sat), 11:00–, 14:30– (50 min each) / 2 sessions
Venues: Throughout Changgyeonggung Palace
Participation: Free / On-site admission
Overview: A lively traditional street procession bringing festive energy to the festival grounds
Highlights: Gijeopnori (flag performance), lion dance, janggu dance, sogo dance, Samulnori

[Changgyeonggung Palace – Partner Program) Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace

Experience     |     Advance Reservation

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun)
Venues: Chundangji Pond Area, Changgyeonggung Palace
Participation: Paid (KRW 1,000 per person) / Advance reservation (limited on-site admission available)
Overview: A self-guided program combining media art, performances and light-themed installations throughout the Chundangji Pond area
Highlights:

Jongmyo

[Jongmyo] Jongmyo Shrine Architectural Expedition

Experience     |     Advance Reservation     |     Teenagers

Dates: Oct 10 (Sat) – Oct 11 (Sun), 09:30–, 11:30–, 14:00–, 16:00– (60 min each) / 4 sessions per day (8 sessions over 2 days)
Venues: Throughout Jongmyo Shrine
Young visitors aged 11–18 (born 2008–2015)
Participation: Paid (KRW 5,000 per person) / Advance reservation
Overview: A mission-based guided tour exploring the architecture and stories of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jongmyo Shrine
Highlights:

General Programs

[General] K-Royal Culture Festival Stamp Tour

Experience     |     On-site Admission

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun), 09:00–18:00 (Ongoing) / 5 days
Venues: Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine
Participation: Free / On-site admission
Overview: A K-Royal Culture Festival stamp tour connecting the Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine
Highlights: Participants pick up a stamp book at the Festival information desk, visit designated tour spots at the royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, and collect stamps to complete the mission. Commemorative gifts available on a first-come, first-served basis upon completion.

[General] Palace Pass: Hyangnang

Experience     |     Advance Reservation

Dates: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 11 (Sun) / 5 days
Venues: Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine
Participation: Advance reservation
Overview: A special festival pass that also serves as a souvenir, offering unlimited admission to the Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine throughout the Festival period
Highlights:

Unlimited admission to the Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine 
* Excludes nighttime admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace and admission to the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace
One complimentary drink voucher for the palace coffee shop “K-Heritage Store”

[Online] Genre Painting For All 2026

Hanbok     |     Online     |     Experience

Dates: Sep 18 (Fri) – Nov 1 (Sun), 10:00 – 24:00 (Ongoing) / 45 days
Venues: Online (“Genre Painting for All” website / pungsokdo.com)
Participation: Free / Online
Overview: An interactive online program where participants create their own Joseon-era characters
Highlights: Participants visit the website and create their own characters by selecting and combining different poses, costumes and facial expressions

(Appendix 4)

Reservation-Required Programs

Overview of Advance Reservation

Tickets Open: Sep 4 (Fri) 2026, from 12:00 / Ticketlink (ticketlink.co.kr)
Ticket Inquiries: Ticketlink Call Center (+82 1588-7890)

Advance Reservation Schedule

Advance Reservation Schedule for International Visitor Programs

Booking Opens: Sep 4 (Fri) 2026, from 12:00 / Creatrip (www.creatrip.com)
Booking Inquiries: help@creatrip.com 

 

CONTACT:

Ahn Young-min
Tel. 822-6450-3836

Choe Jeong-yun
Tel. 822-6450-3834

Cha Ji-eun
Tel. 822-6450-3838