Changgyeonggung Palace Illuminates with Moonlight Lotus Show

Starting March 7, 2025, Changgyeonggung Palace offers Moonlight Lotus Show, an enchanting media art show set against the serene backdrop of Chundangji Pond. Following its enthusiastic reception as a special program at last year’s Royal Culture Festival, it has become a regular night tour program, inviting visitors to witness the magical fusion of digital media art, history, and nature. The event features eight captivating themes, showcasing the palace’s scenery through stunning media art facades. The eight themes include two special seasonal shows, which are scheduled to be held during spring and autumn, celebrating the beautiful nature and night view of the palace. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of the Joseon period and appreciate a contemporary interpretation of dancheong (traditional colors of Korean architecture) through the “Moonlight Lotus” media art show at Large Chundangji Pond, the upper half of the pond. At Small Chungdangji Pond, the lower side of the pond, the “Water’s Breath” media art show creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and water, walking visitors through the joy and sorrows of the palace. The seasonal shows are exclusively available from April 15 to May 18 in spring and from September 10 to November 8 in autumn. With Changgyeonggung Moonlight Lotus Show becoming a regular event, it now joins the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour, Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour, and Deoksugung Seokjojeon at Night, completing the night tour programs of the four main palaces of Seoul. Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour: Experience the royal court cuisine and watch traditional performances Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour: Discover the beautiful scenery of Changdeokgung Palace with a guided tour Deoksugung Seokjojeon at Night: Enjoy coffee while experiencing the daily life of the imperial family of Korea Anyone with an admission ticket (1,000 won) to Changgyeonggung Palace can enjoy the Changgyeonggung Moonlight Lotus Show without the need for any additional reservation. 2025 Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace Period: March 7 - December 31, 2025 (Closed on Mondays) Venue: Area of Chundangji Pond at Changgyeonggung Palace Inquiries: +82-1522-2295 Event time Program Period Operating hours Partial Screening (excluding Moonlight Lotus & Water’s Breath) March 7 - April 13, 2025 19:00-21:00 (120 min) May 20 - September 9, 2025 20:00-21:00 (60 min) November 9 - December 31, 2025 19:00-21:00 (120 min) Full screening April 15 - May 18, 2025 20:00~21:00 (60 min) September 10 - November 8, 2025 19:00~21:00 (120 min)

03/06/2025

2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast

The cherry blossom forecast for 2025 has been released! This year’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom three to eight days earlier than average. The earliest cherry blossoms can be seen in Jeju Island around March 22, followed by Busan around March 23, Seoul and Gangneung around April 1. As cherry blossoms are estimated to peak approximately one week after blossoming, the flowers are expected to be in full bloom in Seogwipo, Jeju after March 29 and in Seoul around April 8. For those planning a trip to Korea this spring, be sure to plan ahead to see cherry blossoms in full bloom across the country. 2025 Cherry blossom forecast Jeju Island: March 22 (Sat) Busan: March 23 (Sun) Jeonju, Jeonbuk State: March 26 (Wed) Gangneung, Gangwon State: April 1 (Tue) Seoul: April 1 (Tue) Chuncheon, Gangwon State: April 4 (Fri) * Actual blooming and peak dates may differ from forecast dates depending on weather conditions. Information courtesy of Weather i

02/24/2025

Strengthened Safety Measures for Power Banks and E-Cigarettes on Flight

Effective March 1, 2025, strengthened safety measures will apply to flight passengers traveling with power banks (portable lithium-ion battery packs) and e-cigarettes. The new safety guideline is currently under review by the Korean government. The new safety guideline is a strengthened version of the current guideline, requiring power banks and e-cigarettes to be brought on flight as a carry on. Restrictions on quantity, volume, and capacity still apply, while stronger rules will apply on storage and security screening. Passengers must receive approval from the airlines upon check in at the counter; a sticker will be placed on approved items to expedite the airport security screening process. On board the flight, passengers must have their power bank’s charging port covered with electrical tape or store the power bank in a safety pouch, or a zipper storage bag to prevent from contact with metallic objects, and carry it with them at all times or place it in the airplane pocket. Both power banks, including approved ones, and e-cigarettes are not allowed to be stored inside the overhead bins. Passengers are also not allowed to charge electronic devices using the power banks in the airplane. In any case a passenger witnesses a power bank become overheated or swell up, they must immediately call and report to a flight attendant.

02/20/2025

Korea Implements e-Arrival Card for Inbound Passengers

Passengers may continue using the paper arrival card until December 2025 Starting February 24, 2025, Korea introduces the e-Arrival card, allowing visitors to submit their entry information online in advance instead of the current paper arrival form system, which is planned to be unavailable after December 2025. Visitors can submit the declaration form up to three days before entering Korea (on the day of arrival, one day prior, or two days prior), based on Korean Standard Time. However, if they fail to enter Korea within 72 hours after the submission of their e-Arrival card, the card will no longer be valid. The form can be submitted through e-Arrival card website by entering the required information; the website supports both PC and mobile device. Visitors can download a PDF file of their submitted form, but it is not a requirement for entry inspection. For visitors under 14 years old, a family member or another person must complete the declaration form on their behalf. The form can also be submitted on behalf of adults and for multiple people at once. For more information on the new e-Arrival card system, please visit the official website. More info e-Arrival card website: e-arrivalcard.go.kr * Launches on February 24, 2025 at 14:00 KST Korea Immigration Service website: mojhome.moj.go.kr (Korean, English) * e-Arrival card information can be downloaded in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese ** e-Arrival Card Guide

02/20/2025

4 Irresistible Korean Chocolaty Snacks that are Just Too Good to Share

Popular Korean chocolate snacks As the Hallyu continues to captivate the world, interest in K-food keeps growing day by day. In particular, Korean snack exports last year hit an all-time high, provi

02/27/2025

6 Places to Fulfill your Strawberry Cravings

In Korea, winter and spring are the seasons when the sweet and tart strawberries are at their peak. Missing out on this year’s strawberry peak season means you’ll have to wait for another year. Howev

02/20/2025

Jeju’s East Coast Itinerary by City Bus!

Are you planning a trip to Jeju Island? Among many things to decide on, choosing your mode of transportation for touring the island is especially important. If you opt for a rental car, you need to p

02/04/2025

[Editor's Insight] Explore the Edge of Korea, Find Hidden Gems in Haenam

Haenam in Jeollanam-do is located between Jindo and Mokpo, at the edge of southwest Korea. Also known as a place where Ttangkkeut Village meaning “village at the end of the land,” is located, Haenam

01/23/2025