Fall Cultural Events

[Anchor Lead]

Nighttime tours of ancient palaces have become one of the hottest attractions in the city. Meanwhil, a ganggangsullae event in downtown Seoul has drawn more than 1,000 participants. Here is a look at a few of the cultural events being held this fall.

[Pkg]

Bright lights are turned on one by one in Changdeokgung Palace as dusk descends on the city. When a full moon rises above the roof, subdued and elegant aspects of ancient palaces not seen during the daytime become visible. A forlorn sound of a Korean wind instrument fills the night with autumn sentiments. At that moment Gyeongbokgung Palace is lit up in soft lights. Visitors carry colorful lanterns and follow a path lit up by the moonlight. They enjoy dinner at the palace kitchen with the beautiful melodies of Korean traditional music flowing in the background.

[Soundbite] Ahn Yu-jin(Visitor) : "It was a great experience to enjoy the king's meal at such a beautiful place."

A lavish pavilion is reflected on the pond. The autumn nightscape of Seoul seen from up there offers a different take on the city.

[Soundbite] Lee Jin-ah(Visitor) : "It was so beautiful up there and Gyeonghoiru Pavilion reflected on the pond was stunning."

Citizens dressed up in multi-colored hanboks hold hands and dance around in big circles under the moonlight. A wave of people in hanbok dance to the lively rhythms of ganggangsullae. More than 1,000 people, including dancers from Jindo and foreign students studying in Korea, joined hands for this traditional folk dance.

[Soundbite] Choi Ye-won(Participant) : "Wearing such a pretty hanbok and dancing 'Ganggangsullae' on a beautiful autumn night is going to be a nice, meaningful memory."

An array of events were available for visitors. People stop to watch a hanbok fashion show and the reenactment of a wedding ceremony between Joseon's last king and queen.

[Soundbite] Russian Tourist

There are booths where people can borrow hanbok to try them on or make traditional accessories themselves.

[Soundbite] "Groom and bride, bow!"

The bashful smiles on the faces of a middle-aged couple tell how much they're enjoying the traditional wedding.

[Soundbite] Lim Jong-tae(Participant) : "It's been quite a while since we got married. Today's ceremony was new and uplifting, as if we were celebrating our golden wedding anniversary in advance."

An array of special events are available for people looking to enjoy the fall in a unique and stylish way.