(C) The Seoul Guide

SEOUL — For the first time in two decades, South Korea is moving toward a significant hike in admission fees for its historic royal palaces and Joseon-era tombs. While the current entry fee for Gyeongbokgung Palace stands at a modest 3,000 KRW (approx. $2.20), a recent study reveals that the public is willing to pay more than three times 그 price to support the preservation of national heritage.

Surprising Survey Results: Willingness to Pay

According to a report released on December 17, 2025, by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the National Heritage Administration (NHA) and the CST Institute, visitors expressed a high "willingness to pay" for access to these UNESCO-listed sites.

A survey of 2,341 visitors conducted last month showed that, on average, people are willing to pay 9,730 KRW for entry to the four major palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung) and Jongmyo Shrine. Even those who had not visited in the past year suggested a fair price would be around 9,211 KRW. For the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, the average acceptable price was cited at 8,468 KRW.

Why Now? The Economic and Fair-Share Argument

The admission fees for South Korea’s royal sites have been frozen since 2005. Proponents of the hike argue that the current prices are "unrealistically low" compared to international standards, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing or the Louvre in Paris, and do not reflect the rising costs of maintenance and specialized preservation.

President Lee Jae-myung addressed the issue during a recent NHA briefing, emphasizing the need for "cost realization."

"Currently, the general public’s taxes are covering the maintenance costs, allowing only a small group of visitors to enjoy the benefits," the President stated. "It is only fair that those who use the facilities bear a reasonable portion of the costs."

Record-Breaking Tourism and Global Comparisons

The debate comes at a time of unprecedented popularity for Korean heritage. As of November 2025, the total number of visitors to palaces and tombs reached a record 16.96 million. Foreign tourism, in particular, has surged from 2.01 million in 2023 to over 4.04 million this year.

Currently, Seoul’s palaces are among the cheapest major historical sites in the world. By comparison:

Gyeongbokgung (South Korea): 3,000 KRW (approx. $2.20)
Himeji Castle (Japan): 1,000 JPY (approx. $7.00)
The Forbidden City (China): 40-60 CNY (approx. $6.00–$8.50)

Next Steps: Balancing Accessibility and Preservation

Despite the high willingness to pay, the NHA remains cautious. Officials noted that while survey respondents supported a price hike, they also strongly favored maintaining current discount programs. Public sentiment remains firm on keeping free entry for those wearing Hanbok (traditional clothing) and for senior citizens, viewing these policies as essential for cultural promotion and social welfare.

"Adjusting the fees requires a national consensus," said Heo Min, head of the National Heritage Administration. "We will use this research and public hearing data to discuss the timing and scale of the increase with the public."

The proposed changes are expected to include a tiered pricing system that could potentially offer different rates for domestic residents and international tourists, similar to models used in many European and Southeast Asian nations.