Gov't 'undecided' on plan to raise admission fees to royal palaces, tombs

The government remains undecided on plans to raise admission fees for iconic royal palaces and tombs in South Korea, according to the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). The agency had originally intended to announce the fee increases in November, with implementation set for January 2027, citing that the current fees are comparatively low when compared to those at renowned heritage sites around the world.

However, the KHS has now revealed that the timing of the fee hikes remains undecided, stating this in a document submitted to Rep. Choi Min-hee for an annual parliamentary audit.

In the submitted document, the KHS's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center clarified that instead of immediately raising fees, they will focus on enhancing visitor services in January. This decision comes after reviewing the free admission programs for visitors dressed in traditional Korean attire (hanbok), as well as the potential financial impact of the fee hike on the public.

The current palaces and tombs lack sufficient rest areas, information desks, facilities for people with disabilities, and reservation systems, according to Huh Min, the chief of the KHS. The agency is actively addressing these shortcomings.

Interestingly, admission fees at these historical sites have remained unchanged since 2005.