Gyeongbok Palace to offer nighttime cultural experience this fall

Gyeongbok Palace, a historic royal site in Seoul, will present its yearly nighttime cultural program from September 2nd through October 24th, offering visitors evening tours, traditional Korean cuisine, and performances, according to the Korea Heritage Service. The 2026 edition of the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour will run from Wednesday to Sunday each week, with two time slots starting at 6:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each session. Every program is approximately 110 minutes long.

First, visitors will explore the palace after dark with expert guides. The tour commences at Gyejodang, a former residence linked to the crown prince. From there, guests will proceed to the palace kitchen area to observe a performance of traditional Korean music and savor a modern adaptation of "dosuk-surasang," a 12-course royal meal typically consumed by the king and queen. This dish is a fusion of "dosuk," an old Korean term for a lunchbox, and "surasang," signifying the royal table.

A vegetarian option will also be available during the event. The nighttime cultural program, which began in 2016, provides visitors a chance to delve into the palace's ambiance during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and understand the lifestyle of the royal family during that era.