The schedule of the interactive "Moonlight Tour" of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul for the second half of the year has been released, allowing visitors to walk around the moonlit landmark in the autumn air.
The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) and Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation on Aug. 18 said the tour for the second half of the year will run from Sept. 1 to Oct. 28 every Thursday to Sunday.
Marking its 13th year, the tour is one of the leading cultural events held at the palace, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage.
To attract more crowds, the maximum number of daily visitors for the tour was raised to 150 from 100. For each tour, a group of up to 25 people can enter the palace, with a second group with the same visitor ceiling entering five minutes later.
The tour's six start times per day are 19:00, 19:05, 19:30, 19:35, 20:00 and 20:05. Each course will last about 90 minutes.
This tour will also see the inaugural opening of Huijeongdang Hall. The hall's interior was opened to the public in the first half of the year and its outer gate will be open in the second half, featuring modern lighting from the Joseon Dynasty era.
Designated a national treasure by CHA, the hall was originally the king's bedroom but eventually served as his workplace in the late Joseon era.
Visitors to Sangryangjeon Pavilion inside Nakseonjae's Secret Garden will appreciate the deep and pure melody of the daegeum (bamboo flute) against the backdrop of a scenic night view. Traditional arts performances will also be held at Yeongyeongdang Hall.
Applications for going on the tour next month start on Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis via the website of Interpark Ticket (https://ticket.interpark.com). Each designated buyer can buy two tickets.
Applications for the tour in October will be made through a lottery system conducted next month. Applicants can choose between a regular tour for two people or a family tour for up to four people.
Admission is KRW 30,000 per person.
