South Korea Considers Raising Palace Admission Fees Amid Surging Visitor Numbers

On August 5, the Korea Heritage Service announced that the government will hold a public forum in November to gather opinions before any increase in palace admission fees.

Since 2005, adult ticket prices have stayed the same. Today, an adult pays 3,000 won to enter Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, while the other sites – Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and the Jongmyo Shrine – charge 1,000 won.

The Korea Heritage Service reports that more than 7.41 million visitors toured the four main palaces and Jongmyo Shrine in the first half of 2026. Overall attendance rose 6 % from the previous year, according to the South Korean daily Herald Business, and the share of foreign tourists jumped 29 %.

Officials point to the surge in visitors and the escalating cost of preserving centuries‑old structures as the main drivers behind the proposed hike. Critics and heritage officials have long noted that Korean ticket prices are far lower than at comparable landmarks such as France’s Palace of Versailles, which charges non‑EU visitors €35, and Japan’s Himeji Castle, where foreigners pay 2,500 yen.

A Korean government survey found that visitors would be prepared to pay an average of 9,730 won for entry, suggesting that a modest increase could be acceptable if it helps fund ongoing conservation.

The upcoming forum will let citizens and tourists voice their views, giving the government a clearer picture before any decision is finalised.

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