Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. Often compared to Thanksgiving, it is a time when families return to their hometowns, share food, visit ancestors’ graves, and spend several days together.
In 2026, Chuseok falls around September 24–26. For travelers, this can be a memorable time to experience Korean culture—but it also requires more planning than an ordinary trip. Transportation gets busy, many small businesses close, and popular destinations may operate on special holiday schedules.
This guide explains what Chuseok means, what will be open or closed, and how to travel around Korea smoothly during the holiday.
What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is based on the lunar calendar and takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It celebrates the autumn harvest and family reunion.
Many Koreans travel from Seoul and other large cities to their hometowns. Families prepare ceremonial food, honor ancestors through a memorial ritual called charye, visit family graves, and share traditional dishes such as songpyeon—small half-moon rice cakes usually filled with sesame, beans, or sweet ingredients.
For visitors, Chuseok offers a chance to see a quieter, more family-centered side of Korea. However, it is not the easiest period for spontaneous travel.
Will Korea Be Closed During Chuseok?
Korea does not completely shut down during Chuseok, especially in Seoul, Busan, and other major tourist cities. But operating hours often change.
Large department stores, some local restaurants, family-run cafés, neighborhood markets, and small shops may close for one or more days. On the other hand, major tourist attractions, hotel restaurants, convenience stores, chain cafés, and many shopping districts usually remain available.
The key is to check each place before going. Do not assume that a restaurant, museum, attraction, or shopping center will follow its normal timetable.
Transportation During Chuseok: The Biggest Challenge
Chuseok is one of Korea’s busiest travel periods. Millions of people leave Seoul to visit family across the country, then return after the holiday.
Highways can experience heavy congestion, and train tickets for KTX, SRT, and intercity rail routes often sell out quickly. Express buses can also become difficult to book during the main holiday travel days.
If you plan to travel from Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju, Gangneung, Daegu, or another regional destination, book transport as early as possible.
For travelers who have not booked tickets, consider staying in Seoul or choosing destinations accessible by subway, local bus, or a shorter regional route.
Is Seoul a Good Place to Stay During Chuseok?
Yes. Seoul can actually be a comfortable choice during Chuseok if you prefer fewer crowds in some areas and do not need to travel long distances.
Many residents leave the city, so certain neighborhoods can feel calmer than usual. Public transportation in Seoul continues to operate, although schedules may be adjusted. Major attractions such as palaces, museums, parks, shopping streets, and riverside areas are often still accessible.
Good activities during Chuseok include:
- Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace
- Walking around Bukchon Hanok Village
- Exploring Insadong and Ikseon-dong
- Taking a walk beside the Han River
- Visiting Namsan Seoul Tower
- Enjoying cafés in Hongdae, Seongsu, or Yeonnam-dong
- Exploring large shopping complexes and department stores
Before visiting a specific attraction, always check its official holiday schedule.
What Food Should You Try During Chuseok?
The most famous Chuseok food is songpyeon. These rice cakes are traditionally steamed over pine needles and are often filled with sesame seeds, sweet red beans, chestnuts, or other seasonal ingredients.
You may also find dishes such as jeon, Korean-style savory pancakes made with vegetables, seafood, meat, or tofu. Fresh fruit, Korean beef, rice wine, and various side dishes are common on family tables.
During the holiday, department stores, traditional markets, and food shops may sell special Chuseok gift sets. These can include fruit boxes, Korean snacks, premium meat, tea, health products, and traditional sweets.
Can Tourists Join Chuseok Cultural Activities?
Sometimes. Museums, palaces, cultural centers, and local governments may organize holiday programs such as traditional games, folk performances, hanbok experiences, rice-cake making, or craft workshops.
Events vary each year, and schedules are usually announced closer to the holiday. If you are interested in cultural activities, check Seoul tourism information, local city tourism offices, or the official website of the attraction you plan to visit.
Traditional games you may encounter include yutnori, a board game played with four wooden sticks, and folk activities such as ganggangsullae, a traditional circle dance associated with the harvest season.
Tips for Restaurants, Shopping, and Daily Travel
Planning ahead will make your Chuseok trip much easier.
First, save a few restaurant options near your hotel. Smaller local restaurants may close, especially outside central tourist areas. Chain restaurants, food courts, hotel dining, and convenience stores are often more reliable.
Second, keep extra snacks, water, and basic supplies with you when traveling outside Seoul. Service areas on highways can become crowded, and regional stores may have limited hours.
Third, check transportation schedules the day before you travel. Holiday service times can differ from standard weekday or weekend schedules.
✅ Use our guide to taxis in Korea and Kakao T when public transport is crowded or your route becomes complicated.
Should You Visit Korea During Chuseok?
Yes—if you plan carefully.
Chuseok can be a wonderful time to visit Korea for travelers who enjoy cultural experiences, quieter city streets, autumn weather, and traditional food. It is especially suitable for visitors staying mainly in Seoul or another major city.
However, it may not be ideal for travelers who want maximum flexibility, last-minute train travel, or access to every local business. The biggest challenges are sold-out transport, traffic congestion, and holiday closures.
The best approach is simple: secure your transportation early, confirm opening hours, keep your itinerary flexible, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere rather than trying to travel at peak speed.
Final Thoughts
Chuseok is not just a public holiday in Korea. It is a meaningful period of family, tradition, food, and remembrance.
For visitors, a little preparation goes a long way. Plan your transport in advance, expect some closures, and leave room in your schedule for unexpected changes. With the right approach, Chuseok 2026 can become one of the most memorable parts of your Korea trip.