Travel
Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace announce 2025 traditional culture programs
haps Magazine Korea
March 10, 2025
(Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Traditional cultural sites, Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace, have unveiled their 2025 lineup of programs designed to engage both local visitors and international tourists.
The programs range from traditional seasonal customs and etiquette classes to immersive storytelling experiences and performances that highlight Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
Namsangol Hanok Village, located at the foot of Namsan, preserves five traditional hanok houses representing the lifestyles of both the elite and common people during the late Joseon Dynasty.
It is known as an ‘open-air museum’ where visitors can experience authentic Joseon-era residential culture. Unhyeongung Palace, historically the residence of Heungseon Daewongun and the childhood home of King Gojong, remains an important political and cultural site. The palace’s Norakdang Hall, where King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong were wed, holds deep historical significance.
This year, both sites will continue their traditional programs while expanding offerings to attract younger generations and foreign visitors. Special exhibitions and performances commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation will also be featured.
Unhyeongung Palace will introduce “Rest at Unhyeongung,” a cultural retreat where visitors can relax, enjoy lunchtime mini-concerts, and find a peaceful break from city life. Another new addition, “Unhyeon Travelogue,” will allow visitors to take on the role of esteemed guests invited by Heungseon Daewongun to participate in seasonal palace events such as a spring tea gathering, a summer bingsu dessert ceremony, an autumn foliage viewing, and winter indoor cultural experiences.
“Unhyeongung Figures in History” will bring historical characters to life with actors in period costumes portraying figures like Heungseon Daewongun, his wife, and palace attendants, allowing visitors to observe traditional activities such as calligraphy and tea preparation.
Namsangol Hanok Village will present two new exhibitions. “Namsangol House Museum” will be a multi-themed exhibition running from June to November, showcasing traditional Korean lifestyles through themes of academics, crafts, aesthetics, fashion, and art.
“Namsangol HOME (HanOkMaEul)” will reinterpret traditional Korean craftsmanship and lifestyle with modern adaptations, featuring artwork from May to November.
Popular returning programs include “Namsangol Hanok Concert,” a fusion of traditional and contemporary performances featuring pansori, folk songs, and instrumental music. “Stargazing Night at Unhyeongung” remains a highly sought-after event, combining a guided night tour of Unhyeongung with a tea ceremony and professional stargazing.
“Gureumjae Tea Room” will offer a hands-on traditional tea ceremony experience, while “Unhyeongung Hanok Concert” will feature performances in the palace’s traditional wooden halls, spanning genres such as traditional Korean music, fusion music, dance, and classical performances. Special concerts will be held on Parents’ Day in May and Senior Citizens’ Day in October.
Both locations remain key destinations for experiencing traditional Korean customs. Seasonal festivals celebrating Seollal (Lunar New Year), Jeongwol Daeboreum (First Full Moon Festival), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and Dongji (Winter Solstice) will take place.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe or participate in traditional Korean wedding ceremonies at Unhyeongung Palace and Namsangol Hanok Village. For those interested in historical martial arts, Unhyeongung will offer a hands-on experience in archery and Joseon-era military techniques from April to June and September to November.
Namsangol Hanok Village operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April to October and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from November to March.
Unhyeongung Palace is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to October and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to March.
Both sites are closed on Mondays, except when a public holiday falls on that day, in which case they close the following day. More information is available on their respective websites: www.hanokmaeul.or.kr for Namsangol Hanok Village and www.unhyeongung.or.kr for Unhyeongung Palace.