[Features reporter] K-Royal Culture Festival: Experiencing the splendid royal culture of the Joseon Dynasty

It’s a special festival where visitors can be transported back to the Joseon Dynasty and experience its royal court culture for themselves.

To deliver us some joy from the palace our Choi Soo-hyung Soo-hyung, do share with us what's happening there!

Good afternoon, Soa and Walter!

I’m just standing right now in Gyeongbokgung Palace in the heart of Seoul.

I’m here because of the "K-Royal Culture Festival" happening right here.

This year's festival, which started on Saturday is taking place at Seoul's five major palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung, as well as at Jongmyo Shrine.

Visitors can join a program where they experience royal life from the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from the late 14th century to the turn of the 20th century.

One highlight is "Time Travel with King Sejong," where visitors can experience important moments from King Sejong’s life, such as the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet and other historical achievements.

The biggest feature of this festival is that visitors can do more than just watch, they can actually participate.

Visitors can act as royal palace apprentices, making royal desserts and trying out royal dances.

And they can experienced daily life as it was about 500 years ago.

"My friend invited me to join the program. The weather was so great, and when I tried it myself, it was easy and so much fun for anyone to enjoy."

This year is the 11th edition of the festival.

Last year, more than 960-thousand people visited the event making it one Seoul's most visited festivals.

The Korea Heritage Service created a variety of programs that match current trends, different age groups, and even special programs for foreigners.

"Last year, we focused mainly on performances showing daily life. This year, we wanted to give the audience a chance to join in and interact before the show starts. We also encouraged foreigners to participate, focusing more on hands-on experiences rather than just delivering lines."

Looks so nice and interesting. So, what makes this year's festival special? Which program can catch people's eyes?

In front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can enjoy traditional crafts and goods.

At Deoksugung Palace, near Seoul City Hall, there is a special program for foreigners called "The Emperor’s Table."

Visitors can taste traditional royal food from the Korean Empire period and hear stories about the food and about Korean history in English.

This year, there is a special program called "Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru" to celebrate the country's 80th anniversary of the country's liberation.

Independence heroes and their families have been invited to special performances at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The festival will continue until May 4th at the five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine as I mentioned.

If you want to know what royal life and culture were like during the Joseon Dynasty, don’t miss this special time.

Thank you for covering at the venue of the cultural essence of South Korea.

That was our Choi Soo-hyung.