Families and tourists visited Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul on Friday to spend the first day of a three-day holiday [1].
The gathering highlights how historic landmarks serve as critical urban refuges during extreme summer weather, offering natural cooling in a dense metropolitan area.
Visitors from Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, said they enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together during the break. Won Dong-kwon, Won Da-yul, and Nagasato Maiko said they were happy to spend a joyful time with family after being unable to do so often during the work week [2].
Despite the high temperatures, the palace grounds remained a popular destination. The site features trees over 600 years old that provide significant shade for those walking the grounds [1]. YTN reporter Moon Sang-ah said the area remained relatively cool despite being outdoors [2].
Changdeokgung Palace is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The broadcast also noted the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting [1].
Local families used the holiday to reconnect and escape the city's heat. The combination of historic architecture and ancient forestry allows the palace to function as a natural air-conditioning system, a stark contrast to the paved surfaces of central Seoul.
“"I'm happy that I can spend a joyful time with my family during this holiday."”
The reliance on ancient greenery for heat relief underscores the importance of preserving historic urban forests. As summer temperatures rise in Seoul, these UNESCO sites provide more than cultural value; they offer essential ecological services that mitigate the urban heat island effect for the public.
