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Poster for Royal Culture Festival / Courtesy of Cultural Heritage Administration |
Starting with the opening ceremony at Gyeongbok Palace Friday, themed "rest," the annual festival will run until May 9 at five palaces ― Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu, Changgyeong and Gyeonghui ― as well as the royal shrine Jongmyo and the altar Sajikdan.
The on-site events will include "Cinema in Palace" at Gyeongbok, where critics will share their thoughts with audiences after the screening of three films about palaces and kingdoms; "Prince Yeonsan," (1962) "The Fatal Encounter" (2014) and "Forbidden Dream" (2019).
"Self-discovery Time in Palace" at Changgyeong, allows participants to write a statement and draw a picture on the theme of "myself." At Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Changgyeong and Deoksu palaces, visitors can take a rest while listening to autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) sounds and drinking a cup of tea or taking a nap.
In addition to the changing of the guard at Gyeongbok, visitors can now see it at Changdeok Palace and Donhwamun.
A dessert set inspired by the dessert and herb medicine that King Yeongjo enjoyed will be sold at one of Gyeongbok Palace's buildings which was used to prepare such food for royal families in the past.
Gugak (traditional Korean music) crossover performances ― participated in by musicians such as Lee Hee-moon and Bulgogidisco ― will be held at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. everyday. Traditional dance performances by masters of dance will be held at Deoksu palace.
A musical titled "Time Travel: The Day, Peach Blossom Saddens Me" will be presented at Changgyeong Palace from May 1 to 3, and livestreamed May 3 on the festival's YouTube channel. The action revolves around three historic figures from the Joseon Kingdom: King Yeongjo (1694-1776), Crown Prince Sado (1735-1762) and King Jeongjo (1752-1800).
The festival's online programs will be seen throughout the year on its YouTube channel, starting Saturday. Some of the on-site events require an advance registration. The annual festival, organized by the Cultural Heritage Administration, has been held since 2015.