With the objective of promoting tourism to Korea and adding another stir to the ‘Korean wave’ worldwide, the 2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival will commence shortly in Seoul.

The 10th edition of Spring K-Royal Culture Festival 2024 will be held from April 27 to May 5 in South Korean capital Seoul.

In a press statement, the organisers Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation say that last year the festival drew over 675,000 visitors and promise an even richer programme this year.

The festival, presenting a closer look into the Korean culture for global visitors, will be held in collaboration with the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation in Seoul’s historic royal palaces Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung and Gyeonghuigung and Jongmyo Shrine. 

The statement says that the opening ceremony, themed ‘Love for the People’, reimagines King Sejong the Great’s historic proclamation of the Hunminjeongeum script in 1446, and will set the stage for a captivating display of Korea’s rich royal legacy.

It says that Gyeongbokgung Palace will host immersive programmes offering insights into the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court. 

The statement says that from May 1 to 5, the ‘Time Travel, King Sejong’ programme will offer a glimpse into palace life during King Sejong the Great’s reign. 

The ‘Royal Music Concert Harmony of 100 Court Musicians’ Song in Peaceful Times’ promises a magnificent showcase of traditional Korean musical instruments on May 4 and 5.

The organisers say that following its success last year, the ‘Palace Musical – Sejong, 1446’ will return from April 28 to 30 at the historic Geunjeongjeon Hall, portraying King Sejong’s pivotal role in creating the Korean alphabet, Hangul.

Gyeongbokgung’s Heungryemun Square will host the vibrant ‘K-Heritage Market’, offering traditional crafts and cultural products amidst a lively atmosphere.

It also adds that Changdeokgung Palace introduces the inaugural ‘Coexistence: Overlapping Time and Space’ craft exhibition, showcasing traditional Korean crafts in the historic Injeongjeon Hall. 

The ‘Waking Up the Palace’ morning programme offers an opportunity to experience the tranquil ambiance of the palace.

At Deoksugung Palace, the engaging ‘Royal Hobby Club’ programme and a talk show delving into the palace’s history during the Japanese colonial era await visitors.

Changgyeonggung Palace will host the ‘Children’s K-Royal Culture Festival’, offering interactive activities for children and the enchanting ‘Changgyeonggung Night Tour Water Splendour’ programme.

The statement adds that Gyeonghuigung Palace invites visitors to explore under the theme ‘Encountering Gyeonghuigung Palace’, with educational, exhibition, and performance programmes tailored to children.