Saehwa Distribution Event at Heungnyemun Square in Gyeongbokgung, “The Cultural Heritage Administration’s Palaces and Royal Tombs Center announced on the 20th that palaces and royal tombs (including ancestral shrines) will be open for free in celebration of Seol, the nation’s representative holiday. This includes the four major palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung), Jongmyo Shrine, Donggureung, Gwangneung, Hongyureung, Sareung, Taegangneung, Jeongneung, etc. However, the rear garden of Changdeokgung is excluded.”
“The period is from the 25th to the 30th during the Seol holiday, over six days. All sites will be closed on the 31st, the day after the Seol holiday.”
The event at Heungnyemun Square in Gyeongbokgung from the 28th to the 30th is titled ‘Eulsah Year Seol Celebration Saehwa Distribution.’ Saehwa are paintings imbued with hopes to prevent misfortunes such as disease and disaster and to bring good luck for the year. Originating from the tradition where the king of Joseon presented them to his officials at the start of the new year, it became a popular custom among the people.”
“This year’s Saehwa was created with the theme ‘Gatekeepers and Cats Holding a Flag with a Blue Snake, Standing Proudly.’ It was crafted by artist Son Yoo-young, known for her unique style and technique in painting folk tales featuring cats.”
“The distribution event takes place after the ‘Gatekeepers’ Changing Ceremony,’ which re-enacts the shifts of palace guards (10 AM and 2 PM). Each session distributes 1,000 copies, for a total of 6,000. It is also available as a digital painting through the QR code provided on the Cultural Heritage Promotion Agency’s website and at the event site.”
A representative from the Palaces and Royal Tombs Center stated, “We hope that during the Seol holiday, many citizens will visit the fully open palaces and royal tombs, spend time with their families, and reflect on the meaning and value of Seol, our national intangible heritage.”