Gov't 'undecided' on plan to raise admission fees to royal palaces, tombs

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said Thursday that it has not yet decided whether to increase admission fees for major royal palaces and royal tombs. The planned fee increase is still under review. The KHS had originally planned to announce the higher fees in November so they could take effect in January 2027, saying that current fees are relatively low compared with major heritage sites abroad.

The KHS said the timing of the increase remains undecided. Instead, its Royal Palaces and Tombs Center plans to improve visitor services in January after reviewing free admission programs for visitors wearing hanbok and considering the possible financial burden of higher fees on the public. KHS chief Huh Min said there are currently not enough rest areas, information desks, and facilities for people with disabilities, while reservation systems also need improvement.

Admission fees have remained unchanged since 2005, even though visitor numbers have increased and there have been calls for better preservation and visitor experiences. Adults currently pay 3,000 won to enter Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace, while Changgyeong Palace, Deoksu Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine charge 1,000 won. Admission to Joseon-era royal tombs ranges from 500 to 2,000 won.

The KHS has considered a three-stage fee increase. Under one proposal, admission to all major palaces and Jongmyo Shrine would increase to 5,000 won, while fees for royal tombs would rise to 3,000 won. The proposal was mentioned in a separate document cited by Rep. Kim Jae-won of the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party.

In 2025, about 17.81 million people visited Korea’s four major palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and the royal tombs. According to KHS figures, about 69 percent of visitors were admitted free of charge. The agency will continue reviewing the fee increase while working to improve facilities and services for visitors.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source:https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20261008/govt-undecided-on-plan-to-raise-admission-fees-to-royal-palaces-tombs

Comprehension

Why did the Korea Heritage Service consider increasing admission fees?
When was the fee increase originally planned to take effect?
What visitor services does the KHS plan to improve?
How much does adult admission currently cost at Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace?
How many people visited the major palaces, Jongmyo, and royal tombs in 2025?

Discussion

Do you think admission fees to historical sites should be increased? Why or why not?
What should heritage sites improve before raising their admission fees?
Why is it important to preserve historical palaces and royal tombs?
Do you think visitors wearing traditional clothing should receive free admission? Why?
How can higher admission fees affect local families and tourists?
What facilities are most important when visiting a historical or cultural site?
Should people with disabilities receive special assistance or free admission at heritage sites? Why?
If you visited a Korean royal palace, what would you be most interested in seeing or learning about?

Vocabulary

heritage — traditions, buildings, places, or objects passed down from the past
admission fee — money paid to enter a place
preservation — the act of protecting something from damage or destruction
facility — a building, service, or equipment provided for a particular purpose
reservation — an arrangement to have a place or service available at a particular time
burden — something that causes difficulty, worry, or financial pressure
royal — connected with a king, queen, or royal family
visitor — a person who goes to a place for a short period of time