South Korea prepares to raise royal palaces entry fee

South Korea's most famous historic landmarks, including Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, are set to increase entry fees on Jan. 1, 2027.

The traditional Korean architecture of Gyeongbokgung Palace under a clear blue sky on June 5, 2026

According to an announcement by the Korea Heritage Service on Aug. 5, the government will organize a public forum in November to solicit opinions before hiking the fees.

The prices have remained unchanged since 2005.

It costs 3,000 won (around US$2.10) for adults to enter Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung and 1,000 won at Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and the Jongmyo Shrine.

Visitors who want to explore the famous Secret Garden inside Changdeokgung need to pay an extra 5,000 won, and entry to the Joseon Royal Tombs costs 500-2,000 won depending on the location.

But admission is free for foreign visitors aged 18 or less and seniors aged 65 and above.

For South Korean citizens, the free admission age threshold applies to those 24 and under or 65 and older, alongside other eligible groups such as pregnant women and national merit recipients.

The main reasons for the price hikes are the burgeoning visitor numbers and rising maintenance costs.

Over 7.41 million people visited Seoul's four main palaces and the Jongmyo Shrine in the first half of 2026, according to data from the Korea Heritage Service.

South Korean daily Herald Business reported that overall visitor numbers grew by 6% from last year while the number of foreigners was up 29%.

Critics and heritage officials have long noted that Korean ticket prices are far lower than at similar world-renowned landmarks.

France's Palace of Versailles charges non-EU visitors €35 (US$40) and Japan's Himeji Castle costs foreigners 2,500 yen (US$16).

A Korean government survey found that visitors were willing to pay an average of 9,730 won for admission.

One of the best budget tips for travelers is to wear a traditional Korean hanbok, which allows you to enter the palaces free of charge, an offer expected to remain even after the price increase.

The Korea Heritage Service is also working on new ways to enhance the visitor experience.

According to Maeil Business newspaper, the government plans to launch a new program called "K-Heritage Stay," which will offer overnight lodging experiences at select historic sites.

Green spaces will be created for the public at landmark sites such as the Hyeonchungsa Shrine.