Korean Palace Night Tour : Changgyeonggung's Moonlight Bloom Lights Up the Night

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© CHA – Royal Palaces and Tombs Center / Korea Heritage Service


Right in the heart of Seoul, where the modern city buzz meets the echoes of centuries past, a truly enchanting evening awaits. In 2025, Seoul’s four major royal palaces are bringing their own unique night programs to life: 'Starlight Night Tour' at Gyeongbokgung, 'Moonlight Tour' at Changdeokgung, 'Night at Seokjojeon Hall' at Deoksugung, and finally, the focus of this article—'Moonlight Bloom (Mulbit Yeonhwa)' at Changgyeonggung Palace.

This spectacular nighttime experience blends the tranquil beauty of a Joseon-era palace with cutting-edge media art, turning Changgyeonggung into a canvas of light and sound. Whether you’re a history lover or a fan of immersive art, this night walk will transport you between past and present in the most magical way.


About Changgyeonggung Palace: A Palace for the Royal Women

Built in 1483 by King Seongjong during the Joseon Dynasty, Changgyeonggung Palace was originally intended to house the queen dowagers and royal concubines. While other palaces focused on politics and governance, Changgyeonggung served as a more private, residential space for the royal women of the court.


What makes Changgyeonggung unique?

  • Harmony with Nature: The palace is known for its serene gardens, ponds, and elegant architecture. In spring, it becomes one of Seoul’s most stunning cherry blossom spots. In autumn, it glows with golden ginkgo and fiery maple leaves.
  • Chundangji Pond: A large lotus pond surrounded by walking trails, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking peace in the city.
  • The Great Greenhouse (Grand Greenhouse): Built in 1909 under Emperor Sunjong, this French-style iron-and-glass conservatory was Korea’s first Western-style greenhouse and symbolizes the nation’s early modernization efforts. Today, it’s restored and open to the public as a registered cultural heritage site.

Don’t miss visiting in spring (April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October–November) for fall foliage—it’s truly picture-perfect!


‘Moonlight Bloom’ – Changgyeonggung’s Nighttime Media Art Experience

Mulbit Yeonhwa (meaning “moonlit blooming flowers”) is a nighttime media art program held at Changgyeonggung. It first debuted during the 2024 Royal Culture Festival and now runs as a regular evening attraction.

Set around Chundangji Pond, the show spans eight themed zones that use lights, projections, and sound to tell stories inspired by nature, palace life, and Korean heritage. The entire palace transforms into an open-air art gallery under the stars.

Lighting Show Schedule (2025)

  • Partial Viewing:

    • March 7 – April 13

    • May 20 – September 9

    • November 9 – December 31
      (Note: Zones 2 & 5 not shown during these dates)

  • Full Viewing:

    • April 15 – May 18

    • September 10 – November 8

Show time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Entry closes at 8:00 PM)
Closed on Mondays
Tickets: KRW 1,000 (Free for visitors in Hanbok, under 25, or over 65 with ID)
No reservation required—tickets can be purchased on-site


Highlights from the 8 Moonlight Bloom Zones

Each of the 8 zones is inspired by the Chinese character “화(花),” meaning “flower,” but with different symbolic interpretations. Here are a few examples:

  • Zone 1: The Water Path of Dialogue – A conversation between the palace and time, where ancient pine trees glow as if they’re breathing with the night.

  • Zone 2: The Blooming Reflections – Light dances on the surface of the pond, symbolizing hidden beauty and emotional harmony.

  • Zone 3: White Pines in Color – Illuminating the white pine trees, this zone reflects the graceful aging and resilience of Changgyeonggung.

  • Zone 4: Radiance of Harmony – Projected on the Grand Greenhouse, it shows the contrast between modernization and cultural preservation.

  • Zone 6: Peaceful Path – A walkway lit with warm light, symbolizing reconciliation, healing, and inner peace.

  • Zone 8: Eternal Palace – As visitors exit, lights in multiple languages reflect the palace’s timeless spirit and the emotional imprint it leaves behind.


Why You Should Visit

Walking through Changgyeonggung at night is not just about sightseeing—it’s about connecting with history, culture, and emotion in a deeply personal way. The combination of royal architecture, soft lights, and nature’s quietude offers a rare kind of peace that’s hard to find in a city like Seoul.

You’ll leave not only with stunning photos, but with a memory of a palace that whispers stories through shadows and blooms.


<Practical Info at a Glance>

  • Open: March–December (check full/partial viewing dates)

  • Hours: 7:00–9:00 PM (entry closes at 8:00 PM)

  • Ticket: KRW 1,000 (Free for those in Hanbok or under 25/over 65 with ID)

  • No advance reservation required

  • Closed every Monday

  • Location: Changgyeonggung Palace, Jongno-gu, Seoul


Ready to experience a different side of Seoul?
Take a break from the neon lights and skyscrapers, and step into a timeless night glowing with history and beauty. Changgyeonggung’s ‘Moonlight Bloom’ is not just a visit—it’s a dream you can walk through.