[News Today] Nighttime palace opening draws visitors

[LEAD]

Gyeongbokgung Palace will stay open at night for about a month, until June 14. On the first evening of the nighttime opening yesterday, citizens and tourists filled the palace grounds.

They came to enjoy the rare charm of the old palace under the moonlight.

[REPORT]

Geunjeongjeon Hall used to be a place where important state affairs were discussed during the Joseon Dynasty. Now it welcomes visitors.

Visitors now enjoy Gyeongbokgung Palace at night, including Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Gyotaejeon Hall, the highlights of the nocturnal tour.

Foreign tourists donning Korea's traditional clothing, hanbok are busy taking photos and enjoying the unique atmosphere.

Driven by the surging popularity of Korean culture, a record number of foreign tourists came to Korea in the first quarter of this year.

The number of visitors to the ancient palace at night will likely continue to increase.

Gabrielle Rosche / French Tourist

Because I always see all of this in TV and just being here is very special to me

and I'm very happy to be here.

Zachary Irwin / American Tourist

I love the atmosphere and the outfits and the architecture. Everything about it is really surreal.

Nighttime Gyeongbokgung Palace tour is growing ever more popular every year among citizens and tourists with even a new popular term 'Gung-getting', related to ticketing for palace tour popping up.

This year was no exception. Tickets were instantly snapped up when online advance sales began and it isn't easy to get the remaining tickets.

But those wearing hanbok can enter free of charge without advance reservation.

Free admission is also provided to select groups including senior citizens aged 65 or older.

Visitors can also enjoy performances of modern interpretations of traditional court music during the month-long nighttime opening period lasting until June 14th.