A night view of Geunjeongjeon, the main building of Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, is seen in this file photo, April 2. Yonhap

Nighttime tours of Gyeongbok Palace will begin next month, allowing visitors to feel the serene night mood of the old palace nestled in downtown Seoul, organizers said Monday.

The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) said it will open its annual spring night tours of the palace from May 8 to June 2.

Every spring and autumn, the main royal palace of the Joseon era (1392-1910) opens its gates at night, when it is usually closed to the public, for a limited time, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the illuminated palace under the moonlight. Last year's programs attracted some 274,000 visitors, according to the CHA.

The forthcoming night tours run from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and admission closes at 8:30 p.m. The tours are not available Mondays, Tuesdays and during the May 17-19 period.

Online ticket reservations are required for all visitors, excluding foreigners. (Yonhap)