Gyeongbokgung palace and its main gate, Gwanghwamun. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
Gyeongbokgung palace and its main gate, Gwanghwamun. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The Seoul Institute of History announced Wednesday that it is accepting applications for its "Palace History and Culture Tour," a program that takes participants through Seoul's royal palaces alongside professional historians.

The tour kicks off at Gyeongbokgung on Sept. 5 and runs on weekends through Nov. 22, with stops at Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung. Each showing is capped at 40 participants.

The program gives visitors an in-depth look at the major halls and spaces of each palace, covering the history tied to each site, the culture of the Joseon royal court and the architectural significance of the palace structures. Participation is free, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis each session.

Residents wishing to join may apply starting Wednesday through the Seoul Institute of History website or the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation system, with new slots opening each week.

"We hope this becomes an opportunity for citizens to understand the historical significance embedded in Seoul's palaces and the identity of the city," said Lee Sang-bae, director of the Seoul Institute of History.


ken@heraldcorp.com