Invitation to the Past: A Brilliant Royal Court Night at the Changgyeonggung Night Banquet
In our busy modern lives, how often do we truly convey our heartfelt feelings to our parents? Were you perhaps looking for a special moment to express those feelings? Here, a unique experience awaits you, reinterpreting a royal banquet, born from profound filial piety during the Joseon Dynasty, with a modern sensibility.
In the autumn of 2026, the Changgyeonggung Night Banquet is an immersive program that goes beyond mere observation, allowing participants to become a part of the palace and live a scene from history. Relive the devotion that Crown Prince Hyomyeong (Hyomyeongsaeja) showed to his father, King Sunjo, and stroll through the tranquil night of the old palace with your beloved family.
You are invited into a palace banquet full of unforgettable memories and emotions.
A Royal Night Forged by Filial Piety: The Beginning of Changgyeonggung Night Banquet
The Changgyeonggung Night Banquet is not just a simple palace event. It is a family-friendly night palace banquet program that reinterprets the banquet of profound filial piety Crown Prince Hyomyeong (Hyomyeongsaeja) held for his father, King Sunjo, with a modern twist. Hosted by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the National Heritage Administration, it unfolds around Munjeongjeon Hall in Changgyeonggung, allowing you to create special memories in a space where the breath of the past lives on.
What stories were told in the palace that night?
Royal banquets during the Joseon Dynasty were more than mere entertainment; they were important ceremonies showcasing the authority and dignity of the royal family. Crown Prince Hyomyeong (Hyomyeongsaeja)’s Night Banquet was also planned in such a context. This event serves as a bridge, allowing us today to reflect on the preciousness of family and experience traditional culture up close.
Where and when can you experience it?
- Venue Around Munjeongjeon Hall in Changgyeonggung
- Operating Period Second half of 2026, September 24 (Thu) ~ October 4 (Sun) (Total 10 days)
- Operating Hours Daily 17:00 ~ 20:30 (Excluding Changgyeonggung’s closed day, Monday, September 28)
In what guise will you participate in the night banquet? – A Feast of Diverse Experiences
The Changgyeonggung Night Banquet offers different charms depending on the participation type. From paid participants who, beyond being mere spectators, become civil and military officials or royal consorts from the Joseon Dynasty and directly join the banquet, to accompanying families who create special memories with them, and free spectators who catch a glimpse of the palace banquet performance on-site, everyone can enjoy this special night in their own way.
Which palace experience is right for me?
Paid Participants Who Become the Protagonists of the Palace
- Participate in the Palace Night Banquet Dress in the costumes of Joseon Dynasty civil and military officials or royal consorts, and receive professional makeup. Transform perfectly as if you’ve time-traveled and directly participate in the banquet.
- View Palace Banquet Performance and Gastronomic Experience Watch the dignified palace banquet performance and have a special time tasting precious palace confectionery enjoyed by the royal family.
- Filial Piety (孝) Experience and Commemorative Photo Shoot Participate in the core filial piety experience of the program and create memories to cherish for a lifetime by taking solo or family photos in your transformed appearance.
Accompanying Family with the Protagonists
- View Palace Banquet Performance Participate in the banquet with paid participants and watch the beautiful palace banquet performance.
- Palace Confectionery Experience Share the taste of the royal family and have a special gastronomic experience that satisfies all five senses.
- Write a Letter to Parents Through a meaningful letter-writing session that rekindles filial piety, you can convey your heartfelt feelings to your parents.
- Filial Piety (孝) Experience and Family Photo Shoot All family members participate in the filial piety experience together and take family photos and videos against the backdrop of the beautiful old palace at night.
On-site Spectators Catching a Glimpse of History (Free)
- View Palace Banquet Performance Freely observe the reenactment of the Joseon Dynasty palace banquet performance from a modern perspective, on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Participate in Auxiliary Events Participate in various auxiliary events held around the banquet to find additional enjoyment.
Why you shouldn’t miss the Changgyeonggung Night Banquet now?
The Changgyeonggung Night Banquet in the second half of 2026 will run for only 10 days, from September 24 to October 4. This period, in particular, overlaps with the Chuseok holiday, offering a golden opportunity to spend a special Chuseok holiday strolling through the old palace at night with your beloved family. This time, where the tranquil beauty of the old palace harmonizes with the splendor of a traditional banquet, will provide a deep impression beyond a simple outing.
Special Autumn Night, Memories to Make with Family
During Parents’ Day and the Chuseok holiday, you can stroll through the old palace at night with loved ones and create beautiful memories. The Changgyeonggung Night Banquet will be a meaningful occasion to reflect on family love and filial piety. It is also a rare opportunity to glimpse the lives of Joseon Dynasty ancestors, directly experience their wisdom and culture, and form a special bond across generations.
| Category | Content |
|---|---|
| Period | September 24 (Thu) ~ October 4 (Sun), 2026 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 17:00 ~ 20:30 |
| Closed Day | September 28 (Mon) |
The experience of wearing palace costumes, watching traditional performances, and tasting confectionery with your family amidst the serene beauty of Changgyeonggung, brightly lit under the night sky, is not easily found. Now is the time to create unforgettable autumn night memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What kind of event is the Changgyeonggung Night Banquet?
The Changgyeonggung Night Banquet is a family-friendly night palace banquet program that reinterprets the banquet of profound filial piety Crown Prince Hyomyeong (Hyomyeongsaeja) held for his father, King Sunjo, with a modern twist. Participants can dress in palace costumes as Joseon Dynasty civil and military officials or royal consorts and engage in various experiences by participating in the banquet.
Q2. What are the participation types?
There are three main participation types: ‘Paid Participants,’ which includes wearing palace costumes and makeup; ‘Accompanying Family,’ who participate in the banquet with paid participants; and ‘On-site Spectators (Free),’ who watch the reenactment of the banquet performance and participate in auxiliary events.
Q3. What can paid participants experience?
Paid participants can take part in programs such as viewing the palace banquet performance, wearing palace costumes and makeup, experiencing palace confectionery, the filial piety (孝) experience, and solo and family photo shoots.
Q4. Can I watch for free?
Yes, on-site spectators can freely watch the reenactment of the Joseon Dynasty palace banquet performance from a modern perspective and participate in auxiliary events for free. However, viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q5. What are the event period and hours?
The Changgyeonggung Night Banquet in the second half of 2026 will run from September 24 (Thu) to October 4 (Sun). Operating hours are daily from 17:00 to 20:30, and Monday, September 28, is excluded as Changgyeonggung’s closed day.
