Starting next year, Changgyeonggung Palace will be open at night all year round.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Thursday that it will conduct a night open at Changgyeong Palace from January 1 next year in line with the increase in the leisure time of the people following the implementation of the 52 hour-work a week system.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace was originally built as Suganggung Palace by the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (r.1418-1450), for his retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong (r.1469-1494), the palace was renovated and renamed to Changgyeonggung Palace. It later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule. The palace grounds remained this way until 1983 when restoration of its old grace was completed.
The Cultural Heritage Administration had temporarily opened Changgyeonggung Palace at night in the form of special observation so far.
Starting next year, Changgyeonggung Palace will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. except for Monday and holidays. The entry deadline is 8 p.m.
Night tickets are KRW 1,000 won, the same as daytime ones, and free of charge are over 65 years old, Koreans under 24 years of age, and those who wearing hanbok.
People holding a Cheongsa Chorong
The Cultural Heritage Administration rents the Cheongsa Chorong free daily to 200 visitors at night on a first-come first-served basis.
The related festival will also increase or strengthen cultural events held at Changgyeonggung Palace, such as “Tongmyeongjeon Royal Music festival” and “King Jeongjo and Changgyeonggung Palace.”