"Experience the Majesty of Spring: The 2026 K-Royal Culture Festival" - From a festival to watch to a festival to participate in... 24 programs capturing the unique character of each palace - Expansion of programs for international visitors... An inclusive festival reaching children and the socially vulnerable Hosted by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service (Acting Director Ahn Ho) and organized by the Korea Heritage Agency (President Lee Gui-yeong), the K-Royal Culture Festival Spring 2026 (hereinafter, the “Festival”) will take place for nine days, from April 25 to May 3, at Seoul’s five royal palaces—Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Gyeonghuigung Palace—as well as Jongmyo Shrine. Now in its 12th year, the Festival is South South Korea’s largest national heritage festival featuring traditional culture content set against the backdrop of the royal palaces. it drew a record-breaking 1.37 million visitors—the highest attendance to date—garnering significant attention from both domestic and international audiences. The 2026 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival, themed “Palaces, Awakening the Arts,” will present a diverse array of programs centered on four key directions: •Immersive experiences where visitors participate as protagonists within the performances; •Art-specialized programs that highlight the unique historical identity of each palace; •Expanded participation for international visitors and strengthened multilingual services; •Enhanced inclusive programs designed for everyone to enjoy together, including children, the elderly, the socially vulnerable, and local small business owners. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Festival will kick off with the Opening Ceremony (Apr. 24) at Heungnyemun Gate Square. Directed by Yang Jeong-woong, who served as the Artistic Director for the 2025 APEC Summit cultural events, the performance titled “Palaces, Awakening the Arts – Hyper Palace” will blend the modern sensibilities of K-content with the timeless aesthetics of the royal court. Hosted by announcer Oh Jung-yeon, the program will begin with the National Dance Company of Korea’s Mongyudowonmu. It will also feature a wide range of performances, including “Ganggangsullae” by rapper Woo Won-jae and the Performance Arts Group of the Korea Heritage Agency, as well as a hanbok fashion show combined with gugak (Korean traditional music) EDM. Highlights will include a collaborative stage featuring Choi Hojong, winner of Mnet’s male dance survival program Stage Fighter, and Heo Yoon-jeong, an apprentice graduate in Geomungo Sanjo, a National Intangible Heritage tradition. The lineup will also include a joint performance by vocalist Choi Ye-rim and the Noah Children’s Choir, as well as a reinterpreted Bongsan Mask Dance performance by AIKI with HOOK. The finale will feature a media facade mapping show and Hyangamurak by the National Gugak Center, showcasing the essence of royal court dance. Visitors can experience “A Time Travel, Gyeongbokgung (Apr. 25–29),” a large-scale immersive program that recreates the living history of the Joseon Dynasty. Additionally, “Royal Palace Daily Life (Apr. 25–29)” allows visitors to encounter various Joseon-era artists and artisans across the palace grounds: starting with the King’s morning audience at Geunjeongjeon Hall, and moving to the royal painters at Sujeongjeon Hall, as well as court musicians and seamstresses in the residential quarters. In “Newcomers of Royal Palace (Apr. 25–29),” visitors can experience court culture more deeply from the bearers of intangible heritage. At the “Children’s K-Royal Culture Festival (May 1–3),” children can participate in hands-on career experiences, learning about Joseon-era professions such as royal physicians (uigwan), guards (gapsa), royal chefs (suksu), court historians (sagwan), and military bands (chwitadae), while also enjoying fusion performances that blend tradition with modernity. The “A Stroll to Gyeonghoeru with Royal Court Musicians (Apr. 25–May 3)” program, designed for the socially vulnerable including single-parent families, offers a special opportunity to create lasting memories at the palace through activities such as playing traditional wind instruments and taking family portraits. Meanwhile, at Heungnyemun Gate Square, the “K-Heritage Market (Apr. 25–May 3)” will operate daily for nine days, featuring 23 booths with craftworks by bearers of National Intangible Heritage traditions and special exhibitions of Joseon royal tribute goods. At Changdeokgung Palace, the Festival will present “Awakening the Morning Palace (Apr. 28–May 3),” a guided walking tour where visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the palace in the early morning. Additionally, the nighttime program “The Dance of Crown Prince Hyomyeong and the Moon (Apr. 28–30)” will be offered. This multifaceted program recreates the year 1828, when Crown Prince Hyomyeong (posthumously King Munjo) prepared a banquet to celebrate the 40th birthday of his mother, Queen Sunwon. Participants will tour the major halls and the Rear Garden of Changdeokgung, directly experiencing and completing the performance process In addition, the Injeongjeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace will host a large-scale traditional arts performance for the first time, titled “Palace Concert – Taepyeongjiak by 100 Artists (May 1–3)”. Against the backdrop of Injeongjeon at night, a cast of 100 performers, including students and faculty from Ewha Womans University, will present a majestic and magnificent Gugak concert featuring pieces such as Sujecheon, Taepyungga, and Arirang. At Deoksugung Palace, programs have been prepared to showcase the music and culinary culture of the Korean Imperial Family. “The Royal Recreations Club (Apr. 25–May 3)” will take place at Jeonggwanheon, where visitors can enjoy special musical performances and experience the hobbies of Emperor Gojong, such as sports and tastings of Yangtangguk (the historical name for coffee). Additionally, “The Emperor’s Dining Table (May 1–3),” a gourmet talk show for international visitors, will be held at Jungmyeongjeon, offering a chance to taste the imperial banquet menu and learn about the history of royal cuisine. In front of Jeukjodang Hall, the crossover Gugak performance “Deoksugung Pungryu” will be held at 4 PM on April 26, May 1, and May 2. Audiences can enjoy a wide variety of performances, ranging from exciting stages by young Gugak artists to Gugak A cappella and OST medleys. At Changgyeonggung Palace, new programs centered on the daily lives of the King and Queen have been prepared. First, “Yeongchunheon, Spring Library (Apr. 27–May 1)” will be held at Yeongchunheon, which served as King Jeongjo’s personal reading space. Visitors can enjoy reading at individual desks while sipping royal tea, and at the Grand Greenhouse, they can participate in a hands-on activity to create their own traditional perfume sachets (hyangnang). In Tongmyeongjeon, the Queen's living quarters, the program “The Queen’s Choice (Apr. 30–May 3)” will be offered. The experience begins with an audience-participation play where visitors meet the Queen under the guidance of a court lady, followed by an exhibition of National Intangible Heritage crafts and a workshop on traditional wrapping techniques using bojagi cloth. At Gyeonghuigung Palace, the Korea Heritage Agency Arts Group will present the “K-Royal Culture Festival Gilnori (Traditional Performance Parade) (May 1)”. The parade will proceed from Heunghwamun Gate to Sungjeongmun Gate, featuring a vibrant lineup of traditional performances including the lion dance, Jindo drum dance, and pangut (communal ritual music and dance). In observance of Jongmyo Week (Apr. 25–May 3), Jongmyo Shrine will host the “Royal Ancestral Ritual Music Nighttime Performance (Apr. 28–30),” offering a rare opportunity to witness Jongmyo Jeryeak under the night sky. Recognized worldwide for its excellence and originality, Jongmyo Jeryeak was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2001. The performance features a full ensemble of musicians and ilmuwon (dancers) performing in accordance with the traditional ritual procedures. To provide a more immersive and vivid experience of the majestic melodies and disciplined dance movements, the performers will notably face the audience during this special engagement. In addition, a variety of on-site programs will be available for visitors to enjoy, including the “K-Royal Culture Festival Stamp Tour,” the “Royal Court Games Playroom” featuring the Festival’s volunteer group “Goong-ee Doong-ee,” and the “K-Royal Culture Festival Gilnori,” a traditional parade that winds through the historic palace grounds. Reservations for pre-booking programs for the K-Royal Culture Festival Spring 2026 will begin at 12 p.m. on April 8. Programs will open sequentially, and reservations can be made through Ticketlink (www.ticketlink.co.kr). Programs for international visitors can be booked through Creatrip (www.creatrip.com). For further information, visitors may refer to the official K-Royal Culture Festival website (kh.or.kr/fest) or our Instagram channels: @royalculturefestival_official (Korean) and @ royalculturefestival.global (International)) The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency will continue to develop and operate a wide range of creative programs, ensuring that everyone can fully experience and appreciate the unique charm of Korea’s royal palaces and tombs.

We sincerely thank all applicants who applied for the 5th KHA Global Ambassadors Program operated by the Korea Heritage Agency. All applicants were highly qualified; however, due to the limited number of positions available, we regret that we are unable to select everyone. We truly appreciate your deep interest in and appreciation for Korea’s heritage, and we hope to have the opportunity to meet you again in the future. The final selected candidates are announced as follows: (The list is arranged in alphabetical order.) Final Selection Announcement for the 2026 KHA Global Ambassadors Name The last four digits of the phone number ALY*** 0632 ERN*** 8890 FER*** 9012 GAR*** 6454 GAS*** 8402 HYE*** 5100 KIN*** 4212 KUC*** 1585 NGU*** 8818 PHA*** 9267 SHA*** 0611 SHI*** 6456 □ The Appointment Schedule: March 23(Mon), 2026    ※ Further details will be communicated to you via email. □ Inquiries: KHA PR Team (02-3011-2604/genie0104@kh.or.kr)

Experience 600 years of Joseon Dynasty tradition under the spring night sky at Jongmyo Shrine—usually closed after dark. This rare performance combines majestic music, solemn dance, and dramatic lighting against the backdrop of the shrine's main hall. When light and sound intertwine, centuries-old royal music comes alive in an unforgettable evening. What Makes This Performance Special! Experience two UNESCO-recognized treasures at once: Jongmyo Shrine and Jongmyo Jeryeak. A rare opportunity to experience Jongmyo Jeryeak at night in a space usually closed after dark. A stunning blend of lighting, music, and dance against the serene nighttime backdrop of Jongmyo Tiered seating ensures a clear view for all guests (same-day ticket exchange on a first-come basis, free seating). 1. Event dates : April 28–30, 2026 (Tue–Thu) | One performance per day 2. Performance time : 20:00–21:00 (KST, about 60 minutes)   ○ Check-in time:  19:00–19:50 3. Performance venue : Jongmyo Shrine Main Hall   ○ Check-in location : <Jongmyo Jerye Music Night Performance> Reservation Desk (in front of Jongmyo Shrine Main Gate) 4. Reservation Method : Advance booking via Creatrip (maximum 4 tickets per person)   ○ Reservation : https://creatrip.com/en/spot/14770   ○ Reservation Confirmation : Admission allowed after verifying Creatrip reservation and ID on-site (passport required)   ○ Booking deadline : 2 days before the event (until 23:59 KST) 5. Capacity : 40 guests per performance 6. Age Restriction : 7 years old and up (born before 2019)   ○ Children under 7 (born after 2019) are not permitted due to safety concerns at this nighttime event.   ○ Children and teens ages 7–18 (born 2008–2019) must be accompanied by a guardian (separate ticket required for each person)   ○ Eligibility : International visitors only (including foreign citizens and permanent residents / Korean citizens not permitted) 7. How to Get There   ○ Address : 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Jongmyo Shrine Main Gate – Check-in Desk)   ○ Subway : Jongno 3-ga Station – Exit 11 (Line 1) or Exit 8 (Lines 3 & 5) | 5-minute walk   ○ Bus : Routes 101, 103, 143, 150, 201, 260, 262, 270, 271, 370, 720, 721, 7212, 931 → Get off at "Jongno 4-ga·Jongmyo" stop

Emperor Gojong blended Korean royal cuisine with Western banquet traditions to showcase Korea on the world stage.  You'll taste dishes served at actual state dinners, hear the diplomatic stories behind each course, and dine in Jungmyeongjeon Hall,  the very room where Emperor Gojong met foreign envoys and shaped Korea's modern diplomacy. Jungmyeongjeon also witnessed pivotal moments in Korean history, including the controversial treaty of 1905.  Walk through the halls where emperors once strategized Korea's future. ※ The food is provided for tasting to complement the lecture and may not be enough for a full meal. <Program> ○ Part 1: Exhibition (Jungmyeongjeon 1st Floor)   - Learn about the history and royal culture of the Korean Empire through Jungmyeongjeon’s permanent exhibitions.   - Discover the historical importance of Jungmyeongjeon, where the Eulsa Treaty was signed and modern diplomacy began. ○ Part 2 : Royal Cuisine Talk Show & Experience (Jungmyeongjeon 2nd Floor Auditorium)   - A gourmet talk show featuring Emperor Gojong’s state banquet dishes and diplomatic stories.   - Learn the history behind “The Emperor's Dining Table,” where Gojong hosted foreign envoys.   - Taste a recreated royal banquet from September 20, 1905, shared by Gojong and Alice Roosevelt.   - Main Courses : Goldongban, Jeonyu-eo, Pyeonyuk, Hwayangjeok, Jeonbokcho, Jang Kimchi, and Choganjang.   - Desserts : Fresh pear and persimmon, Susamjeong, Yeongeunjeong, Wonsobyeong. ○ Royal Cuisine Menu&Ingredients: Main Courses   - Goldongban : The royal version of bibimbap, mixed with with various vegetables, meat, and seasoning. (Ingredients : Rice, beef, shiitake mushrooms, cucumber, carrot, bellflower root, egg, soy sauce, salt, sugar, green onion, garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, black pepper, gochujang)   - Saengseonjeon : Thinly sliced white fish coated in flour and egg, then pan-fried. (Ingredients : Fish (cod), flour, egg, oil)   - Yangjimeori Pyeonyuk :Tender beef brisket boiled and sliced thin. (Ingredients : Beef brisket)   - Hwayangjjeok : Cooked ingredients skewered by color. (Ingredients : Beef (round), shiitake mushrooms, bellflower root, cucumber, egg, pine nuts)   - Jeonbokcho :Thinly sliced abalone braised in soy sauce. (Ingredients : Abalone, beef (tenderloin), green onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, starch, pine nuts)   - Jangkimchi : Kimchi made with napa cabbage and radish in soy sauce broth. (Ingredients : Napa cabbage, radish, water parsley, green onion, garlic, ginger, stone ear mushroom, chestnut, pear, red chili threads, pine nuts, soy sauce, honey)   - Choganjang : Dipping sauce for jeon or jjeok. (Ingredients : Soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, pine nuts) ○ Royal Cuisine Menu&Ingredients : Desserts   - Jeonggwa : Fruits or vegetables candied in honey. Made with pear, citrus, apple, lotus root, bellflower root, or ginger. (Ingredients : Seasonal ingredients, sugar, honey)   - Wonsobyeong : Glutinous rice dumplings boiled and served in honey water or sugar water. (Ingredients : Glutinous rice, pine nuts, omija berries, sugar)   - Saengi & Hongsi : Pear and persimmon served as dessert. 1. Event Period : May 1 (Fri) ~ May 3 (Sun), 2026, 6 sessions in total over 3 days (2 sessions per day) 2. Duration : Approximately 80 minutes (10 minutes for exhibition viewing + 70 minutes for food experience and talk show)   ○ Showtimes (KST) : Arrive 10 minutes early (English commentary provided)     - Session 1 : 12:00 PM ~ 1:20 PM      - Session 2 : 6:00 PM ~ 7:20 PM  3. Ticket Confirmation Loaction : In front of Deoksugung Palace Jungmyeongjeon Hall 4. Capacity : Maximum 20 people per session. 5. Reservation Method : Advance booking via Creatrip (Maximum 2 tickets per person).   ○ Reservation : https://creatrip.com/en/spot/14755   ○ Reservation Confirmation : Entry is allowed after confirming Creatrip reservation details on-site   ○ Reservation Period : Reservations can be made until 11:59 PM (KST), 2 days before the event 6. Age requirement : 18+ only (born in 2007 or earlier).   ○ Eligibility : International visitors only (foreign passport holders and overseas Korean residents with proof of residency). Korean nationals cannot attend, even as companions. 7. How to Get There   ○ Address : 41-11 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (check-in desk in front of Jungmyeongjeon Hall)   ○ Subway     - City Hall Station (Line 1), Exit 2: 10-min walk along Deoksugung Doldam-gil     - City Hall Station (Line 2), Exit 12: 10-min walk toward Deoksugung     - Seodaemun Station (Line 5), Exit 5: 10-min walk along Jeongdong-gil   ○ Bus     - Board buses 103, 150, 401, 402, 406, 172, 472, 600, 602, 101, or 603 and get off at 'City Hall. Deoksugung Station,' then walk 10 minutes along the Deoksugung Doldam-gil     - Board buses 103, 150, 401, 402, or 406 and get off at 'Seosomun Station,' then walk 10 minutes along Jeongdong-gil

Imagine sitting where Joseon kings once held court, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, as 100 musicians perform traditional Korean music under the stars. The Royal Palace Concert is back for 2026, and it's happening inside Changdeokgung's Injeongjeon Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site rarely open after dark. This isn't background music at a tourist site. It's a full orchestra of gayageum, daegeum, and haegeum filling a 600-year-old hall built for kings. <Program> ○ A Performance by 100 Artists (60 min) ○ Court Music "Sujecheon"   - A signature piece of Joseon court music, Sujecheon means "wishing for eternal life like the heavens." Its solemn and elegant melody was performed at royal banquets. ○ Instrumental Ensemble "Cheonnyeonmanse"    - This traditional ensemble piece means "may it last a thousand years, ten thousand years." Bright and spirited, it features gayageum, daegeum, haegeum, and more in joyful harmony. ○ Court Music "Suryongeum"   - Performed at royal banquets, this piece carries the grandeur and majesty of a dragon's presence. ○ Original Composition "Sounds of the Night"   - A contemporary work that captures the quiet stillness of the palace at night through the delicate tones of traditional instruments. ○ Folk Song "Taepyeongga"   - A Gyeonggi folk song meaning "the nation is peaceful and the people are at ease." Known for its bright, festive melody. ○ Instrumental Solo "Geomungo Sanjo"   - A virtuosic solo showcasing the rich, deep tones of the geomungo (six-string zither) and the skill of the performer. ○ Folk Medley "Arirang Suite"   - Korea's most iconic folk song reimagined through regional variations, capturing the heart and soul of Korean folk music. Experience the grandeur of 100 musicians performing  against the stunning backdrop of Injeongjeon Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. This special evening at a Korean palace will leave you with memories and emotions that last long after the final note fades. 1. Event Period : May 1 (Fri) – May 3 (Sun), 2026, 3 performances total (1 per day)   ○ Eligibility : Foreigners only (includes foreign nationals and permanent residents / Korean nationals cannot participate) 2. Performance Time : 19:30 – 20:30 (about 60 minutes)   ○ Arrive at the on-site registration area at least 30 minutes before the performance   ○ Includes a brief English explanation of the performance 3. Performance Venue : Changdeokgung Injeongjeon Hall   ○ On-site Reception Area : Information desk in front of Changdeokgung Geumhomun Gate 4. Capacity : 100 people per performance 5. Age Restriction : 7 years old and up (born before 2019)   ○ Children under 7 (born after 2019) are not permitted due to safety concerns at this nighttime event.   ○ Children and teens ages 7–18 (born 2008–2019) must be accompanied by a guardian (separate ticket required for each person) 6. Reservation Method : Advance booking via Creatrip (maximum 4 tickets per person)   ○ Reservation : https://creatrip.com/en/spot/13970   ○ Reservation Confirmation : Entry allowed after presenting the Creatrip booking QR code at the venue   ○ Booking deadline : 2 days before the event (until 23:59 KST) 7. How to Get There   ○ Address : 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace   ○ Subway     - Line 3 : Anguk Station, Exit 3 (5 minutes on foot)     - Line 1,3,5 : ongno 3-ga Station, Exit 7 (10 minutes on foot)   ○ Bus : 'Seoul Donhwamun Gugakdang' stop     - Main lines : 109, 151, 162, 171, 172, 272, 710     - Feeder line : 7025

Enter the world of 1828, when preparations were underway for a royal banquet at Yeongyeongdang in Changdeokgung. Walk through Changdeokgung's Secret Garden with Crown Prince Hyomyeong and discover the beauty of Joseon court arts through royal court dance, dramatic reenactments, and media art. The story is inspired by the royal banquet ceremony, or jinjakrye, that Hyomyeong prepared at Yeongyeongdang.  In this program, you'll witness the royal banquet as it comes to life. Built in 1405, Changdeokgung is one of Korea's most beautiful royal palaces, known for its harmony with nature.  Its famous Secret Garden is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a memorable evening at Changdeokgung, walking through the palace at night and experiencing the elegance of Joseon court arts up close. <Program> ○ Event route   - Geumhomun → Daejojeon → Buyongji → Uiduhap → Aeryeonji → Yeonggyeongdang ○ Performance Highlights   - Opening Performance: Meet court musician Kim Chang-ha of the Jangakwon   - Audience Participation 1: Royal court dance, Bosangmu   - Mid-program Encounter: Meet Crown Prince Hyomyeong   - Audience Participation 2: Royal court dance, Musanhyang   - Audience Participation 3: Royal court dance, Chunaengjeon   - Audience Participation 4: Royal court dance, Bakjeopmu 1. Event Dates : April 28–30, 2026 (Tue–Thu) | 3 sessions total (one per day)   ○ Eligibility : Foreigners only (includes foreign nationals and permanent residents / Korean nationals cannot participate) 2. Performance time(KST) : 20:00 PM–21:30 PM (90 minutes, with English commentary)   ○ Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. 3. Capacity : 40 guests per performance 4. Age Restrictions : 7 years old and up (born before 2019)   ○ Children under 7 (born after 2019) are not permitted due to safety concerns at this nighttime event.   ○ Children and teens ages 7–18 (born 2008–2019) must be accompanied by a guardian (separate ticket required for each person) 5. Reservation Method : Advance booking via Creatrip (maximum 2 tickets per person)   ○ Reservation : https://creatrip.com/en/spot/15406   ○ Booking deadline : 2 days before the event (until 23:59 KST)   ○ Reservation Confirmation : Admission allowed after verifying Creatrip reservation and ID on-site (passport required)