South Korean prices to rise, but still a bargain

South Korea is lifting the prices at some of its most popular tourism attractions - but there is no need for visitors to panic. 

The Asian nation will lift admission fees at Seoul’s historic royal palaces from January 1, 2027, news hub Travel Mole reports. 

The proposed increases will affect Seoul’s four main Joseon-era palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung. 

It will also apply to Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon Royal Tombs across South Korea.

The good news: Visitors to Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden (above) will pay an extra 5,000 won (around $5.50), while admission to Joseon Royal Tombs will rise from between 60c to $2.50. 

Yep, South Korea is pretty affordable even as visitor numbers continue to climb and the cost of maintaining the country’s heritage sites rises.

At present, adult admission costs 3,000 won ($3.15) at Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, while tickets cost 1,000 won (just over $1.00) at Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Jongmyo Shrine.

But foreign visitors aged 18 or younger and seniors aged 65 or older currently enter these sites for free and heritage officials argue that Korean admission fees remain unusually low compared with major international attractions. 

They are right. 

Image: Visit Seoul