Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Spooky Halloween Spectacle in Seoul

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As the crisp autumn wind whispers through the ancient halls of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul's grandest Joseon Dynasty treasure transforms into a haunting wonderland perfect for Halloween 2025. On October 16, just days into the palace's extended Night Tour (running October 15–November 2, Wednesdays through Sundays), the moonlit grounds beckon thrill-seekers and culture lovers alike. Imagine Gwanghwamun Gate glowing ethereally under soft lanterns, casting long shadows that dance like restless spirits from Korea's storied past. This isn't your typical haunted house—it's a living tapestry of history laced with eerie allure.

Picture yourself donning a hanbok, the traditional silk robes billowing like ghostly veils, as you wander past Geunjeongjeon Hall, where kings once decreed fates under the stars. The air hums with subtle chills: legends of royal intrigue, whispers of forgotten concubines, and the faint echo of ancient court music from live performances. Join the Starlight Night Tours to venture into restricted realms like Jipokjae Pavilion and Seonyanggyo Bridge, where the pavilion's reflections in the pond mimic spectral figures emerging from the depths. For a true fright, pair your visit with a "Dark Side of Seoul" ghost tour nearby, blending palace folklore with tales of vengeful gumiho foxes and wartime phantoms.

Halloween amps up the magic—expect pop-up costume contests at the entrance, where visitors in vampire hanboks or zombie scholars mingle with families in pumpkin patches amid the foliage. Savor seasonal treats like hotteok filled with sweet red bean "blood" or spicy tteokbokki "potions" from street vendors just outside. As night deepens, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion becomes a stage for lantern-lit dances, evoking a Joseon-era masquerade ball gone delightfully macabre.

Tickets for the Night Tour sell out fast (book via the official site or free entry in hanbok!), so secure yours now for this 3-hour immersion (last entry 9 PM). Beyond the palace walls, spill into Itaewon for after-dark parties or Hongdae's street haunts. Gyeongbokgung for Halloween isn't mere celebration; it's a portal where Seoul's vibrant pulse meets timeless mystery. Dare to step through? Your spine-tingling adventure awaits under the harvest moon.

Post by Belinda S.G | Oct 16, 2025