Free Admission to Seoul's Royal Palaces for Chuseok 2026: Complete Guide

Complete Guide to Free Royal Palace Admission for Chuseok 2026

In celebration of the 2026 Chuseok holiday, Seoul's Four Grand Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will open to the public free of charge. Across the four-day holiday running from Thursday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27, visitors can soak in the autumn ambiance of these historic royal sites without paying general admission. If you are planning a Chuseok holiday outing, here is everything you need to know.

At a Glance: 2026 Chuseok Holiday Perks

• Dates: Thursday, September 24 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 (4 days total)
• Perk: General admission waived across eligible heritage sites
• Eligible Sites: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, Jongmyo Shrine, and all Joseon Royal Tombs
• Reservations: No reservations required for entry (except for the Changdeokgung Secret Garden)
• Exclusions: The Secret Garden (Huwon) at Changdeokgung and special evening viewing programs (such as Gyeongbokgung Night Viewing) require separate paid admission

Free Admission Sites & Regular Fee Comparison

During the Chuseok holiday period, standard admission fees for the following sites are waived. Check how they compare with regular ticket prices:

Tips & What to Know Before You Go

Holiday crowds can be heavy, so planning ahead will make your visit far more enjoyable.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes: Palaces and royal tombs cover vast grounds with extensive gravel and stone paths, making supportive walking shoes essential.
• Check public transit options: On-site parking is extremely limited, so taking public transportation is strongly recommended. Check nearby subway stations and bus routes in advance.
• Beat the crowds: Plan your arrival for early morning or late afternoon when visitor traffic tends to thin out.
• Check post-holiday closing days: The palaces will remain open continuously throughout the free admission period, but compensatory closing days are often scheduled right after the holiday, typically Monday, September 28 or Tuesday, September 29. Be sure to check each palace's official website before heading out.
• Paid special areas: The Changdeokgung Secret Garden and special nighttime viewing programs are not included in the free admission policy; you must book separate tickets if you wish to attend.

National Parks Holiday Operations

As of September 15, 2026, no separate admission discounts or fee waivers have been announced for Korea's national parks during the Chuseok holiday. Exploring a national park is a wonderful holiday getaway, but standard entrance and parking fees will likely apply as usual.

If you are planning to visit parks like Jirisan or Seoraksan, check trail openings and operating hours on the Korea National Park Service website beforehand. Pairing palace visits with autumn foliage spots near Seoul in 2026 is also a great day-trip idea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is admission really free for all palaces? A. Yes, general admission to Seoul's Four Grand Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung), Jongmyo Shrine, and the Joseon Royal Tombs is completely free. However, Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (Huwon) requires a paid ticket (5,000 KRW) and advance reservation. Special separate ticketed events, such as Gyeongbokgung Night Viewing, are also not covered by free admission.

Q. Do I need to book in advance? A. In most cases, no reservation is required—you can simply walk right in. Jongmyo Shrine, which normally restricts visits to timed guided tour slots, will switch to open, self-guided entry during the holiday. The only major exception is Changdeokgung Secret Garden, which still requires online booking in advance as usual.

Q. Are there extra perks for wearing a hanbok? A. Since general admission is already completely free for everyone during the Chuseok holiday, wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) does not provide any additional financial discount. That said, wandering through the royal palaces dressed in hanbok remains a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the festive holiday atmosphere and take memorable photos.

Why Go: The Story Behind Holiday Palace Openings

The Korea Heritage Service has long maintained a tradition of opening royal palaces and tombs for free during major holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok, allowing families to connect with cultural heritage without financial burden. Unlike targeted policies such as Chuseok living relief funds, this initiative offers universal access to cultural experiences for everyone. While staying in to watch 2026 Chuseok holiday special broadcast movies is always tempting, stepping out into the palaces offers a uniquely festive experience you can only truly appreciate during the holidays.