On August 15, marking the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day, major historical and cultural sites in downtown Seoul will open their doors to the public for free.
On Liberation Day, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung, along with Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs, will all be accessible without charge. Visitors can explore Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, which typically charge admission, without needing a separate ticket. Notably, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung will also offer free nighttime access, likely attracting many visitors looking to enjoy a stroll through the palaces on a cool summer evening.
However, certain restricted areas, such as the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung, require prior reservations and are not included in the free admission. Additionally, visitors wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, will receive the same benefits as all other guests on this day.
The Seodaemun Prison History Hall and the Independence Gate area, which deeply reflect the significance of Liberation Day, will also be open for free and host special events.
On Liberation Day, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall will allow free entry, featuring a memorial event honoring fallen patriots, along with various activities for children, including independence movement experience booths and historical interpretation programs.
Due to its popularity, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall is expected to draw large crowds, so early visits before 10 a.m. are recommended.
For those looking to escape the heat and enjoy cultural activities indoors, national cultural facilities are a great option.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul and Deoksugung branches) and the National Museum of Korea will also offer free or discounted admission in celebration of Liberation Day. The National Museum of Korea will feature special exhibitions and a variety of cultural performances.
However, major thoroughfares such as Sejong-daero, Gwanghwamun, and Seoul Station will experience traffic restrictions due to large gatherings and Liberation Day events. Visitors using personal vehicles should expect significant congestion and are encouraged to use the subway instead.
To ensure safe visitor management, some facilities may operate on an online reservation basis, so checking the official websites of each institution before departure is advisable.
Most sites will close by 6 p.m., but Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung, which offer nighttime access, will remain open until 9 or 10 p.m.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.