Step Into a Living Palace
This October, Changgyunggung Palace in Seoul opens its royal gates for a rare immersive experience —
the 2025 Palace Daily Life Reenactment & Experience – Jungyangjeol (중양절).
From October 24 to 26, 2025, visitors can witness scenes of Joseon dynasty court life,
recreated through performances, interactive programs, and hands-on cultural experiences.
It’s not just a visit — it’s a journey through time.
- Location: Changgyunggung Palace, Seoul
- Dates: October 24 (Fri) – October 26 (Sun), 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by program)
- Admission: 5,000 KRW per person
1. What Is Jungyangjeol?
Jungyangjeol (중양절) — the Double Ninth Festival — falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.
It celebrates health, longevity, and the beauty of chrysanthemums.
During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal court held ceremonies and literary exams,
enjoyed chrysanthemum tea, and wrote poetry surrounded by autumn blooms.
This event revives those ancient customs in the heart of Seoul.
2. Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
1) Guilje (구일제) – Civil Service Exam Reenactment
Try your hand at a real Joseon-style exam!
You’ll experience the Gwageo atmosphere — brush, ink, and all.
📅 Twice daily (11:50–13:00, 15:20–16:30) | Limited seats | Reservation required
2) Chrysanthemum Tea Ceremony (국화 다례 체험)
Sip fragrant chrysanthemum tea while learning ancient royal tea etiquette.
This serene ritual reflects harmony, mindfulness, and balance —
a perfect autumn meditation inside the palace.
3) Craft & Cultural Experience Zone
Design your own mother-of-pearl mirror or scented pouch (hyangnang),
guided by traditional artisans.
All programs are free with admission and open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
4) Royal Procession “Walk of the Palace” (왕가의 산책)
Watch a live reenactment of the royal family’s ceremonial walk —
a moving display of elegance and historical pageantry,
departing twice a day from Honghwamun Gate.
3. How to Join
| Info | Details |
| Ticket Price | 5,000 KRW per person |
| Booking Opens | October 1, 2025, 14:00 (KST) |
| Platform | Ticketlink or on-site (if seats remain) |
| Age Limits | 7 years and above; minors must attend with a guardian |
| Discounts | 50% off for national merit holders & persons with disabilities |
⚠️ Programs like Guilje and Tea Ceremony have limited slots and may fill up quickly.
4. Getting There
- Subway: Line 4 → Hyehwa Station (Exit 4), 12-minute walk
- Bus Stops: Changgyunggung / Seoul National Univ. Hospital
- Parking: Not available — please use public transport.
5. Tips for a Great Visit
- Arrive 20 minutes early to secure participation in timed programs.
- Dress comfortably; you’ll walk through courtyards and stone paths.
- Respect heritage sites — no flash photography or tripods.
- Some outdoor events may be canceled in bad weather.
6. Why You’ll Love It
Where else can you:
- Walk where Joseon kings once strolled,
- Write calligraphy like a Confucian scholar,
- Savor chrysanthemum tea under royal eaves,
- And feel autumn in Seoul the way it was 300 years ago?
Jungyangjeol at Changgyunggung is not just a festival — it’s a cultural time capsule.
An autumn weekend filled with tradition, learning, and beauty awaits.
“Step into the palace. Step back in time.”
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※ Written by VM Story (Original content, all rights reserved).
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