简体中文
An annual royal culture festival is scheduled to open this week to let Koreans and overseas tourists enjoy the essence of the time-honored culture of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), organizers said Monday.
The 2nd Royal Culture Festival will run until May 8 under the slogan "Today We Meet the Palace," the Culture Heritage Administration said.
Events like concerts, cooking classes and performances by musical groups from overseas will take place at the country's most prominent historic places in Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Changgyeong Palace, Deoksu Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Heungnyemun Gate of Gyeongbok Palace, ushering in the 10-day festival that allows visitors a peep into the lifestyle of centuries ago.
The opening event will be followed by more entertaining activities at the palace.
From Saturday, visitors can cook and taste the traditional Joseon foods and stay overnight with family at the palace. Musical performances and "1892, King's Party," the recreation of a royal party (May 5-7), will add sparkle to the festival. A session to introduce cultural ceremonies from Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam will also slated to happen April 30-May 7.
At Changgyeong Palace on May 5, "1750, Time Travel, The Day," a play in which ordinary people are part of cast, will be shown.
On May 8, a session where visitors can learn Korean traditional medicine will take place at Changdeok Palace.
At Changgyeong Palace, a theatrical play about an interesting episode that happened during the reign of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the dynasty, will be performed from May 6-8.
Other fun activities include a night visit to Changdeok Palace (May 2-4) and a concert at Deoksu Palace (May 5-7).
More detailed information is available at www.royalculturefestival.org.
"This year, we've pumped up the number of activities that people can actually join and experience," Kim Dae-hyeon at the Heritage Promotion Bureau of the government agency said.
(YONHAP)
