English, Chinese, Japanese tours of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung in May and June
Online reservations for nighttime tours of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, two of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces in Seoul, will run through March 19 and 23, respectively, according to the Korea Heritage Service.
The agency will randomly choose applicants to take part in the two tours, announcing those selected March 20 for the Gyeongbokgung Moonlight Night Tour, and March 25 for Changdeokgung Moonlight Night Tour applicants. Gyeongbokgung reservations are open now but Changdeokgung reservations will open March 17, both at Ticketlink.
The Gyeongbokgung tours will run from April 2 to May 17, twice daily at 6:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Participants will be treated to royal court music performances and food and accompanied by a guide who will introduce them to major spots on the palace grounds, including pavilions and bridges closed during daytime tours.
The Changdeokgung tours will take place from April 10 to June 15 on Thursday-Sunday. Six tours will run daily at 7:20 p.m., 7:25 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:05 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.
A guide with a traditional Korean lantern will start off a tour from Geumho Gate, covering key halls such as Injeongjeon, Nakseonjae and Yeongyeongdang. At Nakseonjae, the Joseon kings’ study, there will be a traditional Korean bamboo flute ― daegeum ― performance. Refreshments will be served at Yeongyeongdang, where royal feasts would take place.
English tours for Gyeongbokgung will also be available May 14-17. Online reservations will open April 2 at Creatrip.
Chinese and Japanese Changdeokgung tours also will be offered on May 18, May 25, June 1 and 8. The date online reservations open and the website are the same as for Gyeongbokgung tours.
For more information, go to royal.khs.go.kr.
siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com
