Gov't weighs raising admission fees to palaces, royal tombs for 1st time in 20 years
The government is weighing an increase in admission fees at major palaces and royal tombs next year, officials said Friday, as officials and experts argue current prices are low by global standards and point to shifting visitor patterns. If increased, it would mark the first change in two decades, according to the officials. Under current rates, adult admission to both Gyeongbok Palace and…
The South Korean government is considering raising admission fees at major palaces and royal tombs for the first time in two decades, officials disclosed on Friday. The proposal comes as experts debate whether present prices are too low by international standards, while acknowledging shifts in visitor behavior.
Currently, adult admission to prominent sites like Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace costs 3,000 won (approximately US$2.20). Meanwhile, UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine, Changgyeong Palace, and Deoksu Palace charge 1,000 won per person. Royal tombs from the Joseon era (1392-1910) have fees ranging from 500 won to 2,000 won for adults.
Kim Jae-kyu, director of the private National Heritage Planning and Evaluation Institute, commented at a recent public forum organized by the Korea Heritage Service. He argued that South Korea's palace and tomb fees are remarkably low even when compared to global benchmarks. Utilizing the Big Mac index as a reference, Kim explained that visiting Versailles in France would be equivalent to purchasing nine Big Macs, while Nijo Castle in Japan would require roughly 1.2 Big Macs. Conversely, admission fees at Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces represent roughly half a Big Mac.
Kim's remarks underscore the government's intention to reassess pricing structures, potentially reflecting broader economic and tourism trends.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
