KOREAN NET

The Korea Heritage Service has released this sehwa, or a traditional painting used to ward off misfortune and attract good luck, for 2025, the Year of the Blue Snake in the East Asian zodiac. (Service's official blog)

By Koh Hyunjeong

Visitors can enter royal palaces and tombs at no charge over the Seollal (Lunar New Year) holidays, according to the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS).

From Jan. 25-30, 22 historical and cultural sites will offer free admission including the four royal palaces of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung; Jongmyo Shrine, which normally requires reservations; and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

Not free is a tour of the secret garden at Changdeokgung. All 22 sites will also be closed on Jan. 31.

From Jan. 28-30, the KHS will mark 2025, the Year of Eulsa (Blue Snake), by hosting a sharing event for sehwa, a traditional painting used to prevent bad luck like disease or disaster and attract good luck in a new year, at the space in front of Heungnyemun Gate at Gyeongbokgung.

Six thousand copies of sehwa will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, or 1,000 per session at 10:20 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. Internet users can download one from the KHS website (www.kh.or.kr) or by scanning the QR code on-site.

For more information on the events, call the KHS (02-6450-3800).

hjkoh@korea.kr