Title: Discover Korea’s Royal Heritage at the Royal Culture Festival

(Korea Heritage Foundation)

If you’re looking for a way to dive into Korea’s royal history while enjoying cultural performances, interactive experiences, and stunning palace scenery, the Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전) is the perfect event. Held twice a year, in spring and fall, this festival brings the past to life at Seoul’s five royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine (Korea Tourism Organization). Whether you’re a history enthusiast or love experiencing new cultures, the festival has something unique to offer.

First launched in 2015, the Royal Culture Festival celebrates the grandeur of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). This era left behind not only magnificent palaces but also deep-rooted traditions in Confucianism, governance, and court culture. The festival takes place at some of the most historically significant locations, including Gyoengbokgung, Changdeokgug, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung Palaces, as well as Jongmyo Shrine, where past kings are honored (Korea Heritage Foundation). Through various programs, visitors can experience the beauty and traditions of royal Korea firsthand.

(Yonhap News Agency)

One of the festival’s biggest draws is the chance to step into history. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, visitors can witness reenactments of royal ceremonies, including the king’s grand procession and other court trials. The attention to historical detail makes it feel like you’ve traveled back in time (Korea Heritage Foundation).

Another unforgettable experience is the Changdoekgung Moonlight Tour, where you can explore the palace grounds at night, illuminated by soft lantern light. The Secret Garden (Huwon) looks breathtaking under the moon, and performances featuring traditional storytelling and music add to the magical ambiance (Korea Tourism Organization).

For a more hands-on approach, the festival offers traditional craft workshops, where you can try your hand at calligraphy, painting paper fans, or wearing hanbok (traditional Korean attire). Food lovers will appreciate the Royal Cuisine Tasting, which brings back the flavors enjoyed by Korean royalty, offering a delicious glimpse into the past (Korea Heritage Foundation).

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional Korean music and dance performances, featuring instruments like the gayageum (zither) and haegeum (fiddle). The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace is another highlight, with performers dressed in elaborate uniforms recreating historic military rituals (Korea Tourism Organization).

The festival also hosts special exhibitions, often featuring themes like royal attire, historical artifacts, and digital recreations of palace life. These exhibitions provide deeper insights into Korea’s past and its rich cultural heritage (Korea Heritage Foundation).

Work Cited

Korea Heritage Foundation. “궁중문화축전: Royal Culture Festival.” Korean Heritage, www.kh.or.kr/cms/content/view/521. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Korea Heritage Foundation. “Royal Culture Festival Performance.” Korean Heritage, www.kh.or.kr/jnrepo/namo/img/images/000016/20210927152650195_9069OMRQ.png. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Korea Tourism Organization. “2024 궁중문화축전 상세 안내.” Visit Korea, korean.visitkorea.or.kr/kfes/detail/fstvlDetail.do?fstvlCntntsId=41577144-a7e0-482a-a7fd-1f94e273d6ad. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Yonhap News Agency. “Royal Culture Festival Event at Gyeongbokgung Palace.” Yonhap News Agency, 19 Jan. 2024, img3.yna.co.kr/etc/inner/KR/2024/01/19/AKR20240119048000005_01_i_P4.jpg. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

한국역사해설진흥원. “경복궁 해설 예약.” The Gunggwol, thegunggwol.imweb.me/Preview. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.