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Every Lunar New Year holiday brings the same question: “Where should we go this time?”

This year is different. During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, major Korean palaces and royal tombs will be open to the public free of charge.

The Korea Heritage Service announced that a total of 22 cultural heritage sites, including the four main palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon royal tombs, will be free to visit.

In addition, Gyeongbokgung Palace will host a special Sehwa (New Year painting) sharing event, reviving a traditional custom that symbolizes wishes for good fortune.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through where to go, when to visit, and how to enjoy Korea’s cultural heritage during the Lunar New Year holiday.

During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, major palaces and royal tombs in Korea will be open to the public free of charge.

• Period: February 14 (Sat) – February 18 (Wed), 2026
• Sites: Four Grand Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon Royal Tombs
• Total: 22 heritage sites
• Excluded: Changdeokgung Secret Garden

Jongmyo Shrine, usually operated by timed admission, will allow free walk-in visits during the holiday period.

Please note that February 19 is a full closure day for all sites.

Four Grand Palaces & Jongmyo

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Changdeokgung Palace (Secret Garden excluded)
• Deoksugung Palace
• Changgyeonggung Palace
• Jongmyo Shrine

Joseon Royal Tombs

• Donggureung
• Gwangneung
• Hongyureung
• Sareung
• Taegangneung
• Jeongneung
• Uireung
• Yeonghwiwon & Sunginwon
• Seolleung & Jeongneung
• Heoninreung
• Seooreung
• Paju Jangneung
• Seosamneung
• Yungneung & Geonneung
• Paju Samneung
• Gimpo Jangneung
• Yeongneung (King Sejong’s Tomb)

Jongmyo Shrine is usually operated by guided or timed-entry tours. However, during the Lunar New Year holiday, the system changes.

• Regular days: Timed admission with guided tours
• Lunar New Year period: Free walk-in access
• Reservation: Not required

This allows visitors to explore Jongmyo more freely and flexibly, making it easier to include in a palace tour itinerary.

Please note that all palaces and royal tombs will be closed on February 19.

While all sites are open for free during the Lunar New Year holiday, there is one important exception to remember.

• Date: February 19, 2026 (Thursday)
• Status: All palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and royal tombs closed
• Reason: Post-holiday maintenance and management

Plan your visit between February 14 and 18 to avoid disappointment.

Sehwa literally means “New Year painting.” It was a traditional artwork believed to protect people from misfortune and bring good luck throughout the year.

During the Joseon Dynasty, the king presented Sehwa paintings to his officials at the beginning of the year. Over time, the custom spread to ordinary people, who displayed Sehwa in their homes as a symbol of protection.

Common motifs included the twelve zodiac animals, guardian figures, and powerful animals such as tigers or horses.

This rare tradition is now being revived through a special Lunar New Year event at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

One of the highlights of the Lunar New Year holiday is the 2026 Sehwa sharing event held at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

• Dates: February 16–18, 2026
• Location: Heungnyemun Square, Gyeongbokgung
• Program: Free distribution of traditional New Year paintings

The 2026 Sehwa was created in collaboration with a master folk painter and features the theme “Red Horse Guardian of the Twelve Zodiac.”

The artwork symbolizes protection, vitality, and good fortune for the coming year.

Sehwa paintings are distributed only at fixed times and in limited quantities.

• Dates: February 16–18, 2026
• Location: Heungnyemun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Times: 10:20 AM & 2:20 PM (twice daily)
• Quantity: 1,000 copies per session

Distribution begins immediately after the royal guard changing ceremony. Arriving early is strongly recommended.

Even if you cannot visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in person, you can still enjoy the 2026 Sehwa.

The digital version of the Sehwa is available through the official website of the Korea Heritage Foundation and via QR codes provided at the event site.

• Format: Digital image file
• Access: Official website or QR code
• Eligibility: Open to everyone

The digital Sehwa can be used as a wallpaper or shared with family and friends as a symbol of good fortune.

With an increase in visitors expected during the Lunar New Year holiday, safety management for cultural heritage sites has been reinforced.

The Korea Heritage Administration has raised the Cultural Heritage Disaster Alert Level from “Attention” to “Caution.”

• Focus: Fire prevention and disaster response
• Targets: Wooden cultural heritage sites
• Period: Pre- and post-holiday intensive management

Local governments and related agencies are conducting advance safety inspections to ensure safe and orderly visits.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official channels below.

• Korea Heritage Administration – Royal Palaces & Tombs Website
• Korea Heritage Foundation Official Website
• Instagram: @goongin_official

Official contact numbers are available for detailed inquiries, especially regarding on-site operations and events.

This Lunar New Year offers a rare chance to enjoy Korea’s cultural heritage without admission fees.

From royal palaces to ancestral shrines, these historic spaces invite you to slow down and reflect at the start of a new year.

Whether with family or on your own, a quiet walk through a palace courtyard can be a meaningful way to welcome the year ahead.

We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable holiday. Thank you for reading and sharing.