{
  "id": 1601409,
  "title": "Gyeongbok Palace to offer nighttime cultural experience this fall",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/gyeongbok-palace-to-offer-nighttime-cultural-experience-this-fall",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T01:12:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/koreanheritage/20260818/gyeongbok-palace-to-offer-nighttime-cultural-experience-this-fall"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gyeongbok Palace, located in central Seoul, will offer a special nighttime cultural program this fall, running from September 2nd to October 24th. The Korea Heritage Service announced this event on Wednesday. Visitors will be able to join evening tours, enjoy traditional Korean cuisine, and witness performances during the 2026 edition of the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour. This program will take place each week on Wednesdays and Sundays, with two sessions starting at 6:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Each session lasts approximately 110 minutes.\n\nThe event, which began in 2016, allows attendees to experience the palace after dark, accompanied by professional guides. They will explore aspects of royal life from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The journey starts at Gyejodang, a building linked to the crown prince, before moving to the palace kitchen area. Here, visitors will watch a traditional Korean music performance and sample \"dosuk-surasang,\" a modern interpretation of a 12-course royal meal. This term combines \"dosuk,\" an old Korean word for a lunchbox, and \"surasang,\" referring to the royal table.\n\nAdditionally, a separate vegetarian menu will be available for those preferring plant-based options.",
  "summary": "Gyeongbok Palace, a former royal palace in central Seoul, will host its annual nighttime cultural program from Sept. 2 to Oct. 24, offering visitors evening tours, traditional Korean court cuisine and performances, the Korea Heritage Service said Wednesday. The 2026 edition of the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour will be held from Wednesday to Sunday each week, with two sessions beginning at 6:20…",
  "key_points": [
    "Gyeongbok Palace will host nighttime cultural program September 2 to October 24",
    "Evening tours, traditional cuisine, performances included in 2026 Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour",
    "Program runs weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, each session 110 minutes"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Gyeongbok Palace's nighttime cultural program expands the visitor experience, allowing a deeper look at Joseon Dynasty royal life, with guided tours, traditional cuisine, and performances, available on select evenings.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Gyeongbok Palace to offer nighttime cultural experience this fall",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/gyeongbok-palace-to-offer-nighttime-cultural-experience-this-fall-1603196",
        "published": "2026-08-18T01:22:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}