Korean Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour: A Magical Night Experience in Seoul's Iconic Palace
ⓒ Korea Heritage Service Royal Palaces and Tombs Center
Located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung is not only one of Korea's most iconic landmarks but also a symbol of the country’s royal history. If you’re visiting Seoul and want more than just a sightseeing tour, the Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung offers an unforgettable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Korea's rich palace culture while enjoying a stunning night view.
The Starlight Tour of Gyeongbokgung, which takes place as part of its night-time opening programs, goes beyond just admiring the night scenery. It offers an engaging journey through Korean royal culture, featuring experiences such as a royal banquet, traditional performances, and exclusive access to parts of the palace that are not typically open to the public.
During this special program, you can visit hidden gems such as Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong under the soft light of the night, providing a truly unique experience. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the 2025 Starlight Tour and how you can reserve tickets for this spectacular event.
What is Gyeongbokgung?
Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, originally constructed in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty under King Taejo. It is considered the central palace of the Joseon Dynasty, where political and cultural life was conducted. Its name, meaning "Great Fortune", signifies the prosperity and importance of the palace throughout Korean history.
After being destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century, Gyeongbokgung was extensively restored during the reign of King Gojong. Within the palace grounds, significant structures such as Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghwaru, Hyangwonjeong, and Geoncheonggung have been beautifully preserved. Especially famous is Hyangwonjeong, a pavilion that sits on an artificial island in the middle of a serene pond, offering a glimpse into the royal garden culture and the aesthetic sensibility of the Joseon dynasty.
The architectural layout of Gyeongbokgung reflects the principles of feng shui (Korean: pungsu), with the palace strategically facing south, nestled against Bukaksan (Northern Mountain) to offer protection, symbolizing harmony between nature and architecture.
Additionally, Gyeongbokgung is home to many cultural programs, including traditional hanbok (Korean clothing) experiences, the changing of the guard ceremony, and the night-time Starlight Tour, making it a must-visit spot for both foreign tourists and domestic visitors alike.
What is the Gyeongbokgung ‘Starlight Tour’?
The Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung is one of the most popular night-time programs that allows visitors to experience royal Korean culture in a new and immersive way. From April 2, 2025, to May 17, 2025, this program will run every Wednesday through Sunday. Also, this program is planned to take place in the fall as well.
The event consists of two sessions:
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Session 1: 6:40 PM to 8:30 PM
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Session 2: 7:40 PM to 9:30 PM
During this program, guests will take a guided tour of the palace's key historical areas, enjoy a traditional royal banquet, watch a traditional Korean music performance, and even visit parts of the palace that are typically closed to the public. Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong, which are usually off-limits, will be featured, allowing you to experience the royal palace as if you were a king or queen.
Program Details:
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Tour Duration: 110 minutes
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Dates: April 2, 2025 to May 17, 2025
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Venue: Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Event Hours: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (120 minutes)
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Ticket Price: 60,000 KRW per person (Hanbok wearers can enter for free)
How to Reserve Tickets for the Starlight Tour:
- Application Period for the First Half of 2025: From March 13, 2025, 2:00 PM to March 19, 2025, 2:00 PM (KST)
- Reservation Method: Tickets for the Starlight Tour are available through a lottery system for both domestic and international visitors. The lottery application period for the first half of 2025 has been specified as above.
- Reservation Platform for Foreign Visitors: Foreign tourists can apply for tickets through the CreateTrip platform.
- Important Note: All tickets are available through a pre-reservation system. No tickets will be sold on-site.
- Ticket Price: 60,000 KRW per person (Hanbok wearers can enter for free).
Nearby Attractions to Visit After the Tour:
If you're planning to explore Gyeongbokgung and its surroundings, here are some must-visit spots nearby:
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Seochon Hanok Village: Located just west of Gyeongbokgung, this area features traditional hanok (Korean houses) and is home to many cozy cafes and galleries.
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Bukchon Hanok Village: East of Gyeongbokgung, this village offers a walk through well-preserved traditional Korean homes, with craft experiences available for tourists.
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National Palace Museum: Situated west of the Heungnyemun Gate, this museum showcases royal artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty and provides an in-depth look at the royal family’s life and culture.
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National Folk Museum of Korea: Located east of Hyangwonjeong, this museum offers exhibits on Korea’s traditional lifestyle and culture.
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National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul): A museum for modern art located across from Gyeongbokgung's East Gate, offering a variety of art exhibitions and cultural events.
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Tongin Market: Located in Seochon, this traditional market is famous for its street food and unique “lunchbox cafe,” where you can buy coins to select your food items.
The Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung offers more than just a simple night stroll—it’s a transformative experience that combines the rich history of the Joseon Dynasty with modern light and media art. If you’re in Seoul, don't miss the chance to wander through the palace’s magical atmosphere, immerse yourself in Korea’s royal past, and create unforgettable memories.
Make sure to visit Gyeongbokgung and join the Starlight Tour to experience the stunning beauty of Korean culture and history under the stars.