"We aim to make this Royal Culture Festival a 'palace for all' that anyone can visit — not only Korean citizens including the socially disadvantaged but also tourists from around the world. We want people to not only learn history at the palaces but also feel the palaces as part of their everyday lives," said Heo Min, commissioner of the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA), at a press conference for the 2026 Spring Royal Culture Festival held at the Korea House in Seoul on Monday.
Heo added that the agency "not only promoted the value of K-Heritage but also did not neglect safety."
The KHA's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, together with the Korea Heritage Promotion Agency (headed by Lee Gwi-young), will hold the 2026 Royal Culture Festival for nine days from April 25 to May 3 at Seoul's five major palaces — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung — as well as Jongmyo Shrine.
Now in its 12th year, the Royal Culture Festival is Korea's largest national heritage celebration, showcasing traditional cultural content at the historic palaces each spring and autumn. Last year, it drew a record 1.37 million visitors. The theme for the 2026 spring edition is "Palace, Awakening Art." Programs are organized around four pillars: ▲ immersive experiences where visitors become protagonists in performances; ▲ art programs highlighting each palace's distinct historical character; ▲ expanded programs for foreign visitors and enhanced multilingual services; and ▲ inclusive programs for children, senior citizens, the socially disadvantaged, and local small business owners.
Kim Gwang-hui, head of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Division at the Korea Heritage Promotion Agency, said, "This year, our goal is to welcome 1.65 million visitors, 20% more than last year. We have also expanded programs and guidance services for foreign visitors."
Yang Jeong-woong, the director in charge of the opening ceremony, said, "A palace is a living, breathing space where past, present, and future coexist. We will present a stage that harmonizes Korean tradition and modernity."
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