Royal historic sites free to enter on Children’s Day

Historic sites in Seoul, from royal palaces to tombs and a shrine, will offer free admission and interactive programs for children on Children’s Day, according to the Korea Heritage Service.

On May 5, children aged 12 and under and their parents will have entry fees waived, regardless of nationality, at the four Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung. Free access extends to the Jongmyo royal shrine and the royal tombs in Seoul, Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces.

Children will be invited to play royal soldiers, trying on traditional uniforms and handling replica weapons. They can also snap photos with palace guards.

At the National Palace Museum of Korea, near Gyeongbokgung, families will be treated to magic shows and tours of the museum shedding light on how celestial bodies were studied during the Joseon era, as well as on the royal rites and practices during the period. The museum is the country’s premier institution showcasing artifacts from Joseon.

Check the latest updates on programs at the Korea Heritage Service and the museum’s websites.