The Lunar New Year is upon us.
Take a break from the takings and taxes and celebrate the holiday with events in Seoul’s four major palaces and hanok villages.
1. Exhibitions open during the holidays
The National Museum of Korea in Yongsan and the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art will be closed on Lunar New Year’s Day and open for the rest of the holidays.
If you visit the National Museum of Korea during the holidays, you can enjoy the permanent exhibition Sayu’s Room, where you can dive into the abyss of thought with the statue of Vanga Sayu.
At the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, you can see Lee Kangsoo, who played a pioneering role in the transformation of Korean contemporary art, in the exhibition Lee Kangsoo: 風來水面時.
2. Four palaces, Jongmyo, and the Tomb of the Joseon Dynasty that are open to the public for free
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace, as well as Jongmyo and the tomb of the Joseon Dynasty, will be open for free during the Lunar New Year holidays. With the exception of Changdeokgung, the palace, Jongmyo, and Joseon royal tombs are free to visit.
3. Skating at Seoul Plaza on Lunar New Year’s Day
How about the Seoul Plaza Skating Rink, which has been providing happiness to thousands of people for 20 years since its opening in 2004? It costs 1,000 won to use, including skate rental.
If you want to know more about other ice rinks in Seoul, click here.
📍 Seoul Plaza Skating Rink
4. Don’s Gate Museum Village
Don’s Gate Museum Village is an experience program that most people already know about. It is popular for its various craft programs such as furoshiki, mother-of-pearl, and traditional jewelry. They also hold a Lunar New Year event every year, so it’s a great place to visit during the holidays.