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Tag: cultural heritage

  • Gyeongbokgung Opens Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong to Public

    For the first time in years, the interiors of Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong at Gyeongbokgung Palace—normally off-limits to the public—will be open for special tours starting October 15.

    The Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office under the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 1st that it will operate a program titled “Light and Shadow of Joseon: A Special Stroll at Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong” every Wednesday to Friday from October 15 to 31.

    Built in 1873, Geoncheonggung is historically significant as the site where Korea’s first electric lights were installed in 1887. King Gojong and Queen Myeongseong resided here during the late Joseon Dynasty. The complex consists of Jangandang, the king’s quarters, and Gonnyeonghap, the queen’s residence.

    Hyangwonjeong, constructed atop a pond, was a royal retreat renowned for its architectural beauty in the late Joseon era. Visitors who join the special program will be guided by professional docents through the interiors of both Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong. Reservations open at 2 p.m. on October 2 via Nol Ticket (https://nol.interpark.com). Each session is limited to 20 people (maximum two tickets per person), with an admission fee of 10,000 KRW (including palace entry).

  • A Taste of Oktoberfest in Korea’s Namhae German Village

    Namhae German Village is a unique destination where the blue sea meets red rooftops, not just a tourist spot but a living community that holds the lives and history of Korean miners and nurses dispatched to Germany in the 1960s.

    The houses in the village were built with authentic German materials and architectural methods, filled with the affection and sincerity of the Korean-German community. At the Dispatch to Germany Exhibition Hall, visitors can see original passports, work uniforms, and nursing tools, offering a vivid glimpse into their dedication.

    The village’s charm peaks during the German Village Beer Festival, held every early October. This year, it runs from October 2 to 4, transforming the entire village into a grand festival resembling Munich’s Oktoberfest, complete with performances, events, and abundant food.

    Namhae German Village is not only a scenic destination perfect for memorable photos but also a historic site honoring the lives of the generation who played an important role in Korea’s modern history. Beneath the red rooftops, gazing at the dazzling Namhae sea, visitors can find not just joy but also deep resonance and inspiration.