If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended:
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream...

- A Midsummer’s Night Dream

 

 

 

In the heart of the city lie not one but four palaces – sacred sites once occupied by royalty hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Therefore, it might come as a surprise to know how easily accessible these sites are to the public. Regardless of the season, these palaces continue to constantly attract the footsteps of visitors.

Even during summer, a steady stream of visitors can be seen visiting the palaces at night to avoid the scorching heat of the day. The four palaces of Seoul aren’t just boring old historical sites anymore. After witnessing the beauty of the palaces at night, no one would dare say visiting the palaces is a boring activity.

 

 

Around this time, the four palaces are illuminated and open for nighttime viewings. They’ll pass quickly as if they were naught but ephemeral dreams, so be sure to catch them before they fade away into darkness once more.

 

 

 

 

Nighttime Viewing

 

 

 

 

Starlit Nights in Gyeongbokgung Palace

July Nighttime Viewing: Jul 22 – Aug 4, 19:30 – 22:00 (Last Entry 21:00)

 

 

Nighttime Viewing isn’t available everyday from April to October. They’re only available for about 14 days every month, making this limited event something even more special..
Visitors can take their time to leisurely enjoy the magnificent night views offered by Gyeongbokgung Palace.

 

 

 

- Starlight Tour -

 

 

Starlight Tour is different from Nighttime Viewing. Only lucky visitors who were able to reserve their tickets in advance can participate in this specialized tour where the tour guide will lead you exploring through the back palace grounds. If being fed like royalty while being treated to traditional performances sounds like your thing, try your best to get those tickets!

 

 

 

Changgyeonggung Palace Embracing the Lake

July Nighttime Viewing: Jul 22 – Aug 4 (Last Entry 21:00)

 

 

The pond inside Changgyeonggung Palace is a popular spot for late night walks. Illumination light up the pond at night, making it a perfect place to walk while holding hands with loved ones.

 

 

 

- Gogung Concert -

Jul 22 – Aug 4 (20:00 - 20:55)

 

 

Under the name of one of Korea’s most well-known song, Greennarae, the Gogung Concert will take place at night in Tongmyeongjeon Hall in Changgyeonggung Palace. Offering a variety of performances in different genres such as traditional, fusion gugak, and more, this concert is a special event made especially for the enjoyment for the palace's night visitors.

 

 

 

Moonlit Changdeokgung Palace

 

- Moonlight Tour -

 

 

Partaking in the Moonlight Tour is the only way to truly understand the essence of Changdeokgung Palace. Although there aren’t any tours available in July, visitors can still aim to make reservations in advance for the upcoming August tours!

Moonlight Tour is similar to Starlight Tour in that both are a little different from the regular nighttime viewing events. A tour guide is provided to explain and point out the many different hidden parts of Changdeokgung Palace. After the tour, visitors are taken to Yeongyeongdang, where they can watch a traditional shadow puppet play while munching on some traditional Korean sweets.

 

 

 

 

Unlimited Deoksugung Palace

 Viewing Hours: ~ 21:00 (Last Entry 20:00)

 

 

The gates of Deoksugung Palace are always open. Unlike the other palaces, Deoksugung Palace is open every night. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about making reservations in advance for this palace. However, certain events and attractions inside Deoksugung Palace require making a reservation in advance, so make sure to do so if you’re interested!

 

 

 

※ Note

Night schedules may be subject to change, so please be sure to check the official website.
 

 

 

 

 

Alone, In Pairs, In Threes

 

 

There’s no rule saying that you have to take someone with you on your nightly tours to the palace. You can go alone following the solo traveling trends, go together as a couple, or go as a family or group of friends. However, whether you go alone, in pairs, or in threes, there are certain things you should take with you.

 

 

 

Compiled purely for fun, a list of must-have items!

 

 

        

Must-have Items

1. Mini USB Cellphone Fan, Paper Fan : July in Seoul is hot. So that you don’t need to worry about the heat, having a fan (USB or paper) is a definite must. (Or else, things might turn ugly, especially if you have members sensitive to heat.)

2. Mosquito Repellent : (Mosquitoes might be tenacious though...)

3. Sunscreen : Protect your precious skin. If you’re planning to enter the palaces when the sun is setting, sunscreens are a must. (Try sunscreen sticks for easier application.)

4. Portable Battery : To capture everything (images/videos) on your phone, having an extra supply of power is definitely a must!

 

 

  

Alone

Selfie Stick, Character Hairpin 

If taking a lot of good selfies is your goal, a selfie stick is a must! 

Despite the sudden onset of embarrassment as you put on a cute character hairpin, keep snapping away! You won’t regret it. 

 

 

 

In Pairs

Mini Tripod, Friendship Bracelet 

If traveling in pairs, carrying around a mini tripod is much better than carrying around a selfie stick. If traveling with friends, a friendship bracelet to symbolize and commemorate your deep, everlasting friendship is highly recommended. 

 

 

In Threes

Picnic Mat/Blanket 

Families with kids are sure to get tired quickly after walking around a bit. Instead of looking for nearby benches, it’s much more effective to lug around a picnic mat or blanket you can spread anywhere, anytime! 

 

 

 

 

Night and Day, Seoul's Royal Palaces

 

[#Day & #Night] Exclusively opened on Summer Nights in #Seoul 🌙🌜🌛🌠 . 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace 2. Deoksugung Palace 3. Changgyeonggung Palace 4. Changdeokgung #visitseoul #newsletter #rediscovering #BTS #halfandhalf #art #tour #nightview

Visit Seoul(@visitseoul_official)님의 공유 게시물님, 2018 6월 25 6:04오후 PDT