Living like king at Gyeongbokgung Palace’s royal kitchen
  • 5 years ago
The fall is a popular time to visit Seoul's royal palaces.
It's not just the scenic backdrop of the mountains changing color, there's a special chance in the next couple of weeks to see first-hand what it would be like to attend a royal banquet back in the Joseon Dynasty.
Lee Min-sun has more. The gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace are usually closed when night falls, but over the next two weeks,... the palace grounds will stay open after sundown to provide visitors with a very unique and exclusive experience.
As part of a special program,... a handful of guests will be invited to attend a royal banquet at the palace's royal kitchen... along with live, traditional music performances.
The event will be held at Sojubang, where meals and sweets were prepared for kings... during the Joseon Dynasty.
"Sisikgonggam offers a moving experience through performances and royal cuisine. Unlike other events at the palace that takes visitors on a simple tour, this program offers them a chance to sample unique dishes that were served only to kings while enjoying live performances."
The program is run twice a year during spring and fall.
Starting this autumn, sessions reserved only to foreigners will be added... with information being provided in English.
"I've been to the Gyeongbokgung Palace in the daytime and only saw the night view in a TV drama. The atmosphere in the palace is very special at night and it's a unique experience to be able to eat here and watch the performances. I would recommend this to other foreign visitors."
"So I decided to come here to experience what it was like, the emperor was living in the past. It's very good and it's delicate, especially the one that looks like a flower. So I think the king truly had a good life in the past."
The food being enjoyed by visitors is identical to those that were served to kings and queens in the past.
The meals consist of porridge, rice cakes, sweets and tea.
Some of them are garnished to create the shape of a flower and are beautifully arranged for extra visual appeal.
"This year's Sisikgonggam will run until October 5th, and will be held every day except Tuesdays offering two events per day at the royal kitchen of Gyeongbokgung palace.
Lee Min-sun Arirang News."
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