Experience Joseon Dynasty for Free: Seollal 2026 Guide 🏯✨
Did you know that during the Lunar New Year (Seollal), Seoul's most majestic palaces open their gates for FREE? In 2026, from February 16th to 18th, you can walk through royal halls and explore world-class museums without spending a single Won. Here is your ultimate list of free cultural spots for the holiday.
📍 Quick Overview
- 📅 Free Entry Period: Feb 16 (Mon) – Feb 18 (Wed), 2026
- 🏯 Target Sites: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Royal Tombs.
- 🏛️ Museums: National Museum of Korea, National Folk Museum, MMCA Seoul.
- 💰 Admission Fee: 0 KRW (Free for everyone)
🏯 Top 4 Royal Palaces (Free Entry)
| Palace Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 | Changing of the Guard ceremony & Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. |
| Changdeokgung 창덕궁 | UNESCO World Heritage. (*Secret Garden requires a separate paid tour). |
| Deoksugung 덕수궁 | Unique blend of Korean and Western-style architecture. Beautiful night views. |
| Changgyeonggung 창경 | Known for its beautiful greenhouse and serene pond. |
🏛️ Museums with Special Events
1. National Folk Museum of Korea (Inside Gyeongbokgung)
Expect traditional folk games like Yutnori and kite flying. It's the best place to see how Seollal was traditionally celebrated.
2. National Museum of Korea (Ichon Station)
Open throughout the holiday. Don't miss the "Room of Quiet Contemplation" featuring the Pensive Bodhisattva statues.
3. Namsangol Hanok Village
Hosts a massive Seollal festival with rice cake making and traditional music performances.
✨ Pro-Tips for Seollal Visits
🟢 THE GOOD STUFF
- No Tickets: Just walk in! No need to wait at the ticket booth.
- Hanbok Experience: It's the perfect time to wear Hanbok for stunning photos.
- Free Palace Tours: Free guided tours in English are often still available.
🔴 BE AWARE
- Huge Crowds: Since it's free, palaces will be very crowded. Visit early (9:00 AM).
- Secret Garden: The Huwon (Secret Garden) in Changdeokgung is NOT free and requires pre-booking.
- Post-Holiday Closure: Most palaces will be CLOSED on Feb 19 (Thu) to compensate for staying open on the holiday.
📸 Photo Spots & Luggage
Photo Spots: The Hyangwonjeong Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung looks magical in winter. At Deoksugung, try to capture the contrast between the traditional Junghwajeon and the modern skyscrapers behind it.
Storage: Most palace entrances have free lockers, but they fill up fast during holidays. Use the lockers at Gyeongbokgung Station for a safer bet.
Happy Seollal! Enjoy the Royal Beauty of Seoul. 🧧🏮
This is a rare chance to see Korea's past come alive for free. Grab your camera and start exploring!
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