From April 8 to May 17, 2026, Seoul’s historic Deoksugung Palace opens its doors after dark for “Deoksugung Night at Seokjojeon” — a one-of-a-kind evening program that turns the grand Seokjojeon Hall into a living stage of Korean Empire history. Over roughly 100 minutes, you’ll follow an expert guide through the illuminated halls, sip the same coffee beloved by Emperor Gojong on the terrace, and watch a live musical unfold inside the palace reception room.
What is Deoksugung Night at Seokjojeon?
This after-hours program invites visitors to experience Seokjojeon Hall — the architectural crown jewel of Deoksugung Palace and a symbol of the short-lived Korean Empire — under the glow of evening lights. What began as a pilot event in 2021 quickly became a visitor favorite, earning official status in 2022 and now running twice a year since 2023.
The evening weaves together four distinct experiences: a guided tour of the hall, a terrace café tasting, a live musical performance, and a dedicated photo session with period props. It’s a rare chance to slow down inside a historic palace after sunset and take home memories that go far beyond the typical daytime visit.
2026 Event Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 8 (Wed) – May 17 (Sun), 2026 |
| Hours | 6:00 PM – 8:55 PM (about 100 minutes per session) |
| Venue | Seokjojeon Hall, Deoksugung Palace |
| Address | 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul |
| Host | Korea Heritage Service, Royal Palaces and Tombs Center |
| Organizer | Korea Heritage Agency |
| Inquiries | 1522-2295 |
| Website | Korea Heritage Agency |
The Four Experiences
Every ticket includes all four of the following programs, presented in sequence over the course of the evening.
1. Guided Night Tour of Seokjojeon
A professional guide walks you through the Korean Empire History Museum housed inside Seokjojeon, sharing stories about the imperial family and the architectural significance of this Western-style hall — a striking departure from the traditional Korean palaces surrounding it.
2. Terrace Café Experience
Head up to the second-floor terrace to taste gabae (coffee), the same drink Emperor Gojong famously introduced to the Korean court. You’ll receive three small desserts and your choice of one beverage from four options, all served with a view of the palace grounds after dark.
3. Musical in the Reception Room
Inside the actual reception room where Korean emperors once hosted foreign dignitaries, a short original musical brings stories of the Korean Empire to life. Watching live performers inside such a historic setting is something you simply can’t replicate at a regular theater.
4. “Gunggung” Photo Booth
Wrap up the night at the self-photo booth, where you can dress up with early 1900s-era props and pose against Seokjojeon’s illuminated facade. It’s the perfect souvenir from an evening inside one of Seoul’s most beautiful palaces.
Ticket Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (1 person) | 35,000 KRW (~$25 USD) |
One ticket covers everything: the guided night tour, the terrace café tasting (three desserts plus one drink), the reception room musical, and the photo booth session.
Getting There
Deoksugung Palace sits right in the heart of downtown Seoul, making it one of the easiest historic sites in the country to reach by public transport.
Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
From Downtown Seoul
- Take Subway Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station. The palace’s main entrance (Daehanmun Gate) is just a short walk away.
From Busan
- KTX: Busan Station → Seoul Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes) → transfer to Subway Line 1 → City Hall Station.
From Incheon International Airport
- Airport Railroad (AREX): Incheon Airport → Seoul Station (roughly 43 minutes on the express train) → transfer to Subway Line 1 → City Hall Station.
From Gimpo International Airport
- Subway Line 5 from Gimpo Airport Station → transfer to Line 1 at Jongno 3-ga Station → City Hall Station.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking & Inquiries | Korea Heritage Agency website www.kh.or.kr |
| Phone | 1522-2295 |
| Luggage Storage | Lockers available inside City Hall Station |
| Duration | About 100 minutes per session (6:00 PM – 8:55 PM) |
Insider Tips
- Book ahead. Each session has a strict cap on attendees, and tickets go quickly. Reserve your spot through the Korea Heritage Agency website (https://www.kh.or.kr/) well before your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be moving between the interior halls, the terrace, and the reception room over roughly 100 minutes, so leave the heels at home.
- Bring a light jacket. April and May evenings in Seoul can get chilly, especially after sunset. A thin cardigan or windbreaker is usually enough.
- Don’t forget your camera. Beyond the official photo booth, the entire palace becomes a dreamy backdrop once the lights come on — every corner is worth capturing.
- Drop off big bags at the station. City Hall Station has lockers where you can stash luggage before heading over, which makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Deoksugung Night at Seokjojeon 2026 take place?
The program runs from April 8 to May 17, 2026. Each session starts at 6:00 PM and wraps up by 8:55 PM, lasting roughly 100 minutes in total.
How much does it cost to attend?
Tickets are 35,000 KRW (~$25 USD) per person. The price covers everything: the guided night tour of Seokjojeon, the terrace café experience with three desserts and one drink, the musical performance, and the photo booth session.
How do I get to Seokjojeon Hall at Deoksugung Palace?
The easiest way is by subway. Take Line 1 or Line 2 to City Hall Station, and it’s just a short walk to the palace entrance (Daehanmun Gate). If you’re coming from Seoul Station, it’s only one stop away on Line 1.
What’s included in the program?
You’ll enjoy four experiences in one evening: a guided night tour of Seokjojeon Hall, a terrace café tasting with three treats and your choice of one drink from four options, a live musical in the reception room, and a photo booth session with early 1900s-era props. The whole experience takes about 100 minutes.
Where can I book tickets?
Reservations are available through the Korea Heritage Agency website at https://www.kh.or.kr/. Since this is a popular program with limited capacity per session, booking in advance is strongly recommended. For inquiries, call 1522-2295.
How long is each session?
Each session runs for about 100 minutes, from 6:00 PM to 8:55 PM. You’ll move through all four programs in sequence over the course of the evening.