2.99 million foreign visitors, a 49% increase from the previous year
Economic impact of 649.5 billion won, creation of 3,573 jobs, ‘[Reporter Jang Byung-ho of EDaily] This year’s number of visitors to palaces and Joseon royal tombs increased by 520,000 compared to the previous year. The number of foreign visitors increased by 49% to 2.99 million compared to the previous year.’,
According to the National Heritage Administration’s Palaces and Tombs Heritage Division on the 19th, the number of visitors to palaces and Joseon royal tombs in 2024 increased by 520,000 compared to the previous year (14.37 million), totaling 14.89 million as of the end of November 2024. Foreign visitors accounted for about 20% of all visitors, with 2.99 million, marking a 49% increase from the same period last year (2.01 million).
In particular, popular programs making use of palaces and tombs drew a significant portion of the visitors. The Heritage Division allocated 22.6 billion won, 14% of its total budget (161.5 billion won), to operate these programs. By planning and operating 16 popular programs like the Royal Culture Festival, Joseon Royal Tombs Festival, Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour, and Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour, 6.89 million visitors participated, accounting for 46% of the total visitors to palaces and royal tombs.
Additionally, the Heritage Division estimated the programs brought about an economic impact of 649.5 billion won, with a production inducement effect of 472.1 billion won and an added value inducement effect of 177.4 billion won, creating 3,573 jobs.
Among the 16 programs, the Royal Culture Festival held twice in spring and fall at the Five Grand Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung) and Jongmyo drew the most visitors. A total of 680,000 people participated, with 350,000 in spring and 330,000 in autumn. There was a significant increase in the sales of admission tickets and foreigner-exclusive programs, with the sales volume of “Gung Pass” (special admission tickets), which allows free access to palaces during the festival period, increasing tenfold year-on-year (2323 tickets in 2023 to 9,772 in 2024).
At the Joseon Royal Tombs Festival held in October at five royal tomb locations (Hongneung & Yureung, Donggureung, Gwangneung, Sareung, Yeongneung), the audience enjoyed various detailed programs such as performances, experiences, and exhibitions set against the backdrop of royal tombs. Approximately 49,956 people participated, an increase of 21.3% compared to the previous year (41,168).
This year, popular programs such as the Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour, Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour, Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang, and Deoksugung’s Night of Seokjojeon Palace shifted from a first-come, first-served basis to a lottery system (covering 40% of all tickets). The Heritage Division stated that this change mitigated inconveniences due to the intensity of first-come, first-served reservations, offering a fair opportunity to more people, and received positive responses from visitors. The reservation share by phone was maintained at 20% for seniors over 65 and people with disabilities who may struggle with internet use.