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The Soul of Seoul | Adventures In Korea - Travel

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The Soul of Seoul | Adventures In Korea

28.05.2025

Beyond Moonlight Hours: Exclusive Night Tours & Royal Dining at Gyeongbokgung Palace – The Soul of Seoul

There are a few experiences in Seoul, Korea that will stop you in your tracks, something so special, unique, and exclusive, that you need to be in the know to even find them. The Moonlight Tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of them. To be clear, I’m not talking about the Korean palace extended hours. I’m talking about the special tours and events that you have to book or you’ll be denied entry. A decade ago when the first moonlight palace hours were unveiled, locals and tourists alike flocked to the main palace of Seoul to see it in, literally, a totally different light. Now, three of the main palaces are opened for moonlight hours twice a year. Beyond the general nighttime access though, are more exclusive performances, events, and even royal cuisine dinners. What’s even better than seeing Gyeongbokgung in the light of the night? Sitting in a building on the palace grounds, supping on Joseon-era royal cuisine and taking in live performances. Twice a year, the best thing to do at night in Seoul changes from Hongdae-hopping to the rare after-hours access to Korea’s most iconic palaces. Don’t want to be left out? Here’s what you need to know about visiting the Korean palaces at night and how you must book if you’re a foreigner in Korea, tourist and local resident alike. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.) How To Book To be crystal clear on how exclusive some of the moonlight tours and events are, the tour that included the royal court cuisine was only available 4 days and had only 2 sessions per day. Only 38 people can attend per session. When these open up, you want to book ASAP! How To Book: For foreigners, whether you’re a tourist or a resident of Korea, moonlight tours and event tickets are available exclusively through Creatrip. This is DIFFERENT from extended moonlight hours. These are tours, performances, and meals. A Royal Welcome Into Gyeongbokgung Palace The evening began at Gyejodang. While everyone else is entering for the general moonlight extended hour viewing via the main entrance, there is a special entrance on the east side of the palace for those of us enjoying the more exclusive experience. After checking in, we were ushered by staff, all of them wearing beautiful Hanboks, or traditional Korean clothing, into the Oesojubang, the traditional royal kitchen, now transformed into a dining Hanok. Beneath soft lantern light, we were served Doseuk Surasang, a modern interpretation of the royal meal once prepared daily for the king and queen. A Meal Fit For The Royal Family Doseuk, the more archaic form of dosirak, means “lunchbox”, but don’t be misled by the humble name. This was no ordinary dinner. Twelve side dishes flanked the main meal, a culinary showcase of seasonal ingredients, time-honored techniques, and elegance. They are also served in absolutely exquisite tableware. I was so drawn to the layout, I found the company that makes them online later. Just beautiful. If you want your own golden tableware with details such as Haechi adorning them, check out Ugiu. They would make for a gorgeous Korean souvenir or gift for someone special. Our meal featured seafood and lotus root strips, salted pollack roe, cucumber slices, and napa cabbage kimchi, braised walnuts, beef and clam and shiitake mushrooms in soy sauce, grilled deodeok, abalone braised in soy sauce, sweet braised bellfower root, and tangpyeongchae (mung bean jelly salad). There was rice and pan-friend fish balls and zucchini, grilled beef slices, and a shiitake mushroom soup. We were absolutely stuffed after finishing the main meal… only to be served more. After we’d eaten the main meal while enjoying a live performance, we were served rice cakes and a crispy deep-fried pastry for dessert along with omija tea. The meal was filling and indulgent, but perfectly balanced and comforting. It was a fantastic start to the tour to come. Stories Of Kings & Queens In The Shadows Once we’d had our fill, it was time to rise and follow our Hanbok-clad guides along the subtly lit paths to some of the buildings on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Our guides were storytellers, weaving historical anecdotes into every step and when we’d arrived at each location on the itinerary, there were more Hanbok-clad actors that played out how each space was utilized in the past. The first stop was Jagyeongjeon Hall, the living quarters of Queen Sinjeong. Watch as the shadow of an elegant queen is cast through the Hanok window. In the back, we were shown the ten symbols of longevity carved into the chimney. We saw the collection of onggi pots at janggo and heard tales of Korean sauce preparation. This space is usually off-limits to the public, which is one more reason why these exclusive night events and tours are absolutely worth joining. You see things that few others get to see at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Fun Fact: The ten symbols of longevity are the sun, mountains, water, clouds, rocks, pine trees, eternal life herbs, turtles, cranes, and deer. These represent the wish for a long and healthy life. Inside Jibokjae and Palujeong, we explored King Gojong’s personal study and private quarters. We could step inside and peruse the volumes of books that line the walls and gaze up to see the intricate details of the ceiling. The next stop at Geoncheonggung brought King Gojong’s story to life in another performance, casting the king not just as a ruler, but a man grappling with change. Pro Tip: Want to make the experience even better? You should absolutely wear a Hanbok to the event. You can rent Hanboks overnight, or get your own modern Hanbok like I did. It just adds to the ambiance. Finally, we went to one of the highlights of the palace, Chwihyanggyo Bridge and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. The water reflected the glowing pavilion like a dream. It was quiet and an ideal way to experience this historic royal palace in Korea. It was a fitting goodbye before we were led back to the exit almost two hours after we’d arrived. Did you like this post? Pin IT!

The Soul of Seoul | Adventures In Korea

14.04.2025

Sip & Savor at the 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival in Seoul and Busan – The Soul of Seoul

One of Korea’s best springtime events is back. Are you a wine connoisseur in Seoul or Busan? Or, just looking for a luxurious way to enjoy the season? The 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival hosted by The Kiwi Chamber of Commerce is not to be missed. Returning for its 26th year in Busan and 25th in Seoul, this year’s theme is “Journey & Friendship,” celebrating the rich connection between New Zealand and Korea, and the innovative journey of New Zealand’s world-class wine industry. With over 25 wineries from New Zealand pouring their best, paired with exquisite cuisine and a seaside or garden backdrop, all you have to decide is: Seoul, Busan… or both? Get ready to drink wine in Seoul and Busan this spring: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.) 2025 New Zealand Wine Festival: What To Know Seoul Edition When: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PMWhere: Waterfall Garden, Grand Hyatt SeoulVibe: Outdoor garden party with gourmet BBQ, DJ beats, and sunshineDress Code: White & Blue (optional, but fun for photo ops!) Busan Edition When: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PMWhere: Grand Ballroom, Park Hyatt BusanVibe: Oceanview sunset, elegant buffet, and sparkling lights from Gwangan BridgeDress Code: Sunset Tones How to Get Tickets What to Expect in 2025 Each year, the wine festivals introduce new wines and first-time participating wineries that highlight the best of Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, Central Otago Pinot Noirs, and aromatic whites from Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay. Even for returning guests, there is always something new to try. Pair your pours with: Add in premium cheese platters, photo zones, and good vibes, and it’s easy to see why this event continues to grow year after year. Pro tip: Bring cash for the raffle, a camera for the golden-hour shots, and an appetite for wine and food. I’ve been going for years, and every festival brings something new to love and a lot of friendly people. Everyone is Welcome Since its inception in 2009, the New Zealand Wine Festival has become a signature event for The Kiwi Chamber, promoting wine, culture, and connection. As New Zealand remains a top-10 wine exporter to Korea, the festival serves as both a celebration and a platform for showcasing quality, sustainability, and Kiwi hospitality. If you’ve never been to a wine festival before, don’t worry. This isn’t a stuffy industry event. You don’t even have to know that much about wine! It’s a friendly, consumer-focused gathering for wine lovers and newbies alike. Come to taste, learn, mingle, and just enjoy the vibes. You’ll leave with a better understanding of wine and maybe even a few new friends. Ready to sip and savor? For more information, contact: events@kiwichamber.comOr visit the official site: www.kiwichamber.com

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