For the first time ever the Cultural Heritage Administration will offer free entrance to four major palaces in Seoul as well as the Jongmyo Shrine and the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty throughout the month of July.
 
The cultural agency said Monday that the palaces of Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Changgyeong and Deoksu will be free of charge in an effort to revive the nation’s tourism industries and economy that have been hit hard by the spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
 
The agency said it has installed hand sanitizers and information leaflets on ways to prevent the spread of MERS in ticket booths and key spots in the palaces and royal tombs.