The Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour 2026 invites guests to explore South Korea's most famous royal palace after dark. Running from 2/9 to 24/10, the program operates every Wednesday to Sunday, with two slots daily. Tours begin at 6:20 PM and 7:30 PM, each lasting about 110 minutes. The program will pause from 30/9 to 4/10 for preparations related to another music festival held at the palace.

Launched in 2016, the tour provides an immersive experience of Gyeongbokgung, the former royal palace located in central Seoul. Guided by experts, visitors gain insights into the palace's history while the tour recreates aspects of royal life during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

The journey begins at Gyejodang, a structure historically associated with the Crown Prince, before the group proceeds to the palace kitchen area. Here, guests are treated to a traditional music performance and sample "dosuk-surasang", a modern interpretation of the 12-dish royal meal once served to kings and queens.

Visitors explore Gyeongbokgung palace. Photo: Ha Nguyen

The term "dosuk-surasang" combines "dosuk", an old word for a lunchbox, with "surasang", the name for a royal meal. This multi-tiered menu features rice, various side dishes, meat, vegetables, soup, and traditional Korean desserts. A vegetarian option is also available to accommodate all guests.

After the meal, the tour continues through significant palace areas including Jagyeongjeon, Jibokjae, Geoncheonggung, and the scenic surroundings of Hyangwonjeong pavilion. A notable addition this year is a traditional opera performance about King Gojong, staged at Jibokjae, which served as his library.

Tickets for the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour are priced at 60,000 won (approximately 45 USD). Prospective visitors can register for a lottery draw via Ticketlink from 2 PM on 14/8 to 2 PM on 18/8. Winners of the lottery will receive priority booking. Any remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting 28/8.

For international visitors, special slots are reserved from 21/10 to 24/10. These specific tickets can be purchased through Creatrip, a travel platform popular among foreign tourists in South Korea.

Gyeongbokgung, built in 1395 in northern Seoul, stands as the most famous and largest palace in South Korea. It remains a premier attraction, captivating visitors with its grand royal architecture, traditional ceremonies, and diverse cultural experiences.

Tuan Anh (According to The Korea Times)