K-Royal Culture Festival: Experiencing the splendid royal culture of the Joseon Dynasty

On the cultural front here in Seoul.

Palaces across the capital city are offering visitors the chance to partake in practices of the past on the royal grounds.

Our Choi Soo-hyung reports.

As the guards begin their shift with the sound of drums signalling the start of morning, a new day at Gyeongbokgung Palace starts.

This year's K-Royal Culture 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 year's 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 experience 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 of 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."

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 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.

Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.