Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace to Open at Night This Summer for 12 Romantic Evenings

▲ South Korea’s Gyeongbokgung Palace announces its summer nighttime opening dates. (Photo / Taken fromthe official website of the Korea Tourism Organization)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

South Korea’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is only open to visitors in the evenings during specific seasons, has recently announced its summer nighttime opening hours. From the 30th until August 11, the palace will be open for 12 evenings, allowing visitors to enjoy a completely different and enchanting atmosphere compared to its majestic daytime presence.

According tothe “Korea Tourism Organization,”those wishing to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace at night must purchase a separate ticket. Visitors can start reserving tickets online on the Korean websiteAuctionfrom 2 PM on the 23rd, with a limit of two tickets per person. Considering the large crowds that usually gather during each nighttime opening—comparable to New Year’s Eve—the palace is also implementing visitor limits this year, with a maximum of 1,500 people allowed each night.

Foreign tourists who wish to make online reservations can also do so through the Auction website, and after the 23rd, between 9 AM and 5 PM, they can purchase tickets by phone. Additionally, Gyeongbokgung Palace allows international visitors to buy tickets on-site, but only 110 tickets are available each day, and a passport or other identification is required for purchase.

The areas open to the public during Gyeongbokgung Palace’s nighttime openings include Gwanghwamun Gate, Heungnyemun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Meanwhile, the National Palace Museum of Korea will also be open free of charge until 10 PM (last entry at 9 PM) during the event period, except for August 4 and 11 when it will be closed. This gives visitors the chance to enjoy both the palace and artifacts from the Joseon royal family. In addition, Changgyeonggung Palace, which has previously held nighttime openings alongside Gyeongbokgung, will be postponed to the autumn this year.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Summer Nighttime Opening

Dates:July 30 – August 11, 2014 (August 5 is a holiday)
Time:7 PM – 10 PM
Ticket Price:3,000 KRW (approximately 88 TWD)