Royal palaces and Joseon-era royal tombs across South Korea are open to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience historic landmarks and seasonal traditions without admission fees.
The four main palaces in Seoul — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung — along with Jongmyo Shrine and 22 Joseon royal tomb sites nationwide, are operating without regular closure days from Saturday to Wednesday during the five-day holiday period. Admission fees are waived at all participating sites, allowing both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in Korea’s royal heritage.
Jongmyo Shrine, which is typically accessible only through guided tours at designated times, will allow visitors to explore the grounds freely during the holiday. However, all four palaces, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs will be closed on February 19 after the free-admission period ends.
A highlight of the celebrations is the “2026 Byeong-o Year Sehwa Sharing” event taking place at Heungnyemun Square inside Gyeongbokgung Palace from Monday to Wednesday. During the event, visitors receive traditional New Year paintings known as “Sehwa,” which symbolise wishes for good fortune in the year ahead.
Sehwa, meaning “New Year painting,” refers to artworks created to ward off disease, disasters and misfortune while inviting luck and prosperity. The custom dates back to the Joseon dynasty, when the king presented such paintings to his officials at the start of the year. Over time, the tradition spread among the public and became a cherished seasonal folk practice.
Today, the annual Sehwa event at Gyeongbokgung blends cultural heritage with festive celebration, offering visitors a meaningful and historic way to welcome the Lunar New Year while exploring some of Korea’s most iconic royal landmarks.
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