If you’re traveling to South Korea in late September, you may notice something unusual: trains are crowded, families are traveling across the country, and some businesses may close for several days.
That’s because Chuseok (추석), one of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays, is coming.
Chuseok is sometimes called Korean Thanksgiving, but it is much more than a harvest celebration. It is a time when Korean families traditionally return to their hometowns, spend time together, honor their ancestors, and enjoy special seasonal foods.
For travelers, Chuseok can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Some businesses close, but many major tourist attractions remain open, and cities such as Seoul offer special cultural programs that can give visitors a more authentic look at Korean traditions.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re visiting Korea during Chuseok 2026.
When Is Chuseok in Korea in 2026?
Chuseok 2026 is September 24–26, with Chuseok Day itself falling on Friday, September 25.
The holiday traditionally lasts three days: the day before Chuseok, Chuseok Day itself, and the day after. Chuseok is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, so its dates change every year.
| Date | Day | Chuseok 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| September 24 | Thursday | Day before Chuseok |
| September 25 | Friday | Chuseok Day |
| September 26 | Saturday | Day after Chuseok |
So if you’re planning a Korea trip around this time, September 24–26 should be treated as a major holiday period.
What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays.
Historically, it was closely connected to the autumn harvest. Families would gather to celebrate the year’s crops and give thanks for what had been harvested.
Traditionally, families also performed charye (차례), a memorial ritual for their ancestors, and visited ancestral graves.
Today, Chuseok looks different for every family. Some Koreans continue traditional ceremonies, while others simply use the holiday as an opportunity to eat together, relax, visit relatives, or travel.
One thing remains very important, though:
Chuseok is primarily a family holiday.
Millions of people travel across Korea to spend the holiday with their families, which has a major impact on transportation.
Is Korea Closed During Chuseok?
No. Korea does not completely shut down during Chuseok.
This is one of the most important things for travelers to understand.
Government offices and banks close during public holidays, but many tourist attractions, museums, department stores and entertainment facilities generally remain open. However, individual businesses may choose to close, sometimes for several days.
In other words, you can absolutely travel around Korea during Chuseok — but you should check opening hours before visiting specific places.
What is likely to be closed?
You may find that some:
- Small independent restaurants
- Family-run shops
- Traditional markets
- Local businesses
- Cafés and restaurants operated by small teams
close for part or all of the holiday.
What is usually still available?
Major tourist areas and larger businesses are much more likely to operate, including:
- Major department stores
- Large shopping malls
- Chain restaurants
- Major attractions
- Many museums
- Tourist facilities
- Hotels
However, “usually open” does not mean guaranteed open. Always check the official website or social media of a specific attraction or restaurant before you go.
Is Chuseok a Good Time to Visit Korea?
Yes — but it depends on what kind of trip you want.
If your priority is shopping, nightlife and a predictable restaurant schedule, Chuseok can be slightly inconvenient.
But if you’re interested in Korean culture, it can be a fascinating time to visit.
You’ll see traditional performances, cultural activities and holiday events throughout Seoul and other cities.
And there’s something special about experiencing Korea during one of its most important traditional holidays rather than simply visiting the country as a tourist.
Our tip: If Chuseok falls during your trip, don’t try to avoid the holiday completely. Instead, plan around it.
What Happens to Public Transportation?
This is probably the biggest practical issue for travelers.
During Chuseok, many Koreans travel to their hometowns, creating extremely high demand for:
- KTX trains
- SRT trains
- Intercity buses
- Domestic flights
- Major highways
If you’re planning to travel between Seoul and Busan, for example, don’t leave your transportation booking until the last minute.
If your itinerary is flexible, staying in the same city during the main holiday period can make your trip considerably easier.
For example:
September 24–26: Stay in Seoul
September 27 onward: Travel to Busan or another city
This can be much less stressful than trying to make a long-distance journey right in the middle of the holiday.
If you haven’t decided how long to stay in Seoul, our guide to How Many Days Do You Need in Seoul? 3, 5, or 7 Days can help you build an itinerary.
What Can Tourists Do During Chuseok?
The good news is that Seoul has several special cultural events around Chuseok 2026.
1. Namsangol Chuseok Festival
One of the best options for visitors is the 2026 Namsangol Chuseok Festival, held at Namsangol Hanok Village from September 25–27, 10 AM–8 PM.
The festival includes traditional performances, traditional games, cultural experiences, food and other activities.
Admission is free, although some activities and food are paid.
This is probably one of our top recommendations if you want to experience Chuseok without having a Korean family to visit.
Where: Namsangol Hanok Village
Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Time: 10 AM–8 PM
Admission: Free
2. Seoul Baekje Museum Chuseok Festival
The Seoul Baekje Museum is also hosting a Chuseok festival on September 26.
The program includes performances, hands-on activities and traditional games.
Admission is free.
This is a particularly good option for families traveling with children.
3. Seoul Urban Life Museum Chuseok Events
The Seoul Urban Life Museum is holding Chuseok cultural events on September 26 from 1–5 PM.
The program includes gugak performances, traditional games such as tuho and jegichagi, balloon shows and a lucky pouch-making activity.
Admission is free.
4. Experience Traditional Korea in a Hanok Village
Chuseok is also a great excuse to visit a traditional Korean neighborhood or hanok village.
If you’re already planning to explore Seoul’s historic areas, combine a visit to a hanok village with a Chuseok festival or traditional performance.
You’ll get a very different experience from simply visiting Seoul’s modern shopping districts.
What Should You Eat During Chuseok?
Food is a huge part of Chuseok.
Songpyeon
The food most strongly associated with Chuseok is songpyeon (송편).
These small half-moon-shaped rice cakes are traditionally made with newly harvested rice and filled with ingredients such as sesame, beans or sweet fillings.
Their half-moon shape is especially recognizable during Chuseok.
Jeon
Jeon refers to Korean savory pancakes or fritters made with ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, meat or tofu.
You’ll often see a variety of jeon served during Korean holidays.
Galbijjim
Galbijjim, braised beef short ribs, is another popular dish for special family meals.
Japchae
Japchae — glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat — is also commonly served at celebrations and family gatherings.
If you’re staying in Korea during Chuseok, look for restaurants offering Chuseok or holiday set menus.
What About Restaurants?
This is where a little planning helps.
Large restaurants in tourist areas are more likely to stay open, but smaller family-run restaurants may close.
Don’t assume that a restaurant listed as “open” on Google Maps or another platform will definitely be operating during the holiday.
Our advice:
- Check the restaurant’s official Instagram, Naver listing or website.
- Have a backup restaurant nearby.
- Make reservations for popular restaurants.
- Keep some convenience-store or hotel options in mind.
- Don’t plan your entire day around one small local restaurant.
For international visitors, this is especially important because many Korean businesses don’t necessarily update every international travel platform when they change their holiday hours.
Should You Travel from Seoul to Busan During Chuseok?
You can, but we wouldn’t recommend making a last-minute decision.
Seoul and Busan are connected by frequent KTX trains, but Chuseok is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
If you’re planning a Seoul–Busan trip, reserve your transportation as early as possible.
Alternatively, consider spending the main Chuseok holiday in one city and moving afterward.
If Busan is part of your itinerary, you can also check our What’s On in Korea: September 2026 guide for seasonal events and things happening around the country.
Is Chuseok a Good Time for Shopping?
It depends on what you’re looking for.
Large department stores and shopping malls generally operate during public holidays, but individual stores can have different schedules. Some smaller businesses may close.
If shopping is one of the main purposes of your trip, check holiday hours in advance.
On the other hand, Chuseok can be a good time to see Korean gift-giving culture. Before and during the holiday, you’ll often notice beautifully packaged gift sets of fruit, food, tea, health products and other items in Korean stores.
What Should Tourists Know About Seoul During Chuseok?
Here are the five things we’d keep in mind:
1. Don’t assume everything is closed
Seoul remains a huge, functioning city. Many tourist facilities and major businesses continue operating.
2. Don’t assume everything is open either
Small businesses may close unexpectedly.
3. Avoid unnecessary intercity travel during the busiest period
If you don’t need to travel, staying in one city can make your trip easier.
4. Book transportation early
Especially if you’re planning to use KTX, SRT or intercity buses.
5. Look for special cultural programs
This is the part many tourists miss.
Chuseok is one of the best opportunities of the year to see traditional Korean performances, games, food and cultural activities.
What Should You Do on Chuseok Day?
If you’re in Seoul on Friday, September 25, we recommend keeping your itinerary relatively simple.
A good Chuseok day could look like this:
Morning
☕ Breakfast near your hotel
Late morning
🏯 Explore a historic neighborhood or palace
Afternoon
🏮 Visit Namsangol Hanok Village and enjoy the Chuseok festival
Evening
🍚 Have a Korean dinner
Night
🌃 Enjoy Seoul’s night views
Rather than trying to visit five different attractions in one day, use Chuseok as an opportunity to slow down and experience a different side of Seoul.
Chuseok Travel Checklist
Before your Korea trip, save this checklist:
✓ Check your hotel’s holiday information
✓ Book KTX or intercity buses early
✓ Check restaurant opening hours
✓ Check attraction opening hours
✓ Keep alternative restaurants in mind
✓ Avoid unnecessary long-distance travel during the busiest days
✓ Look for local Chuseok festivals
✓ Try songpyeon or other seasonal Korean foods
So, Should You Avoid Korea During Chuseok?
Not at all.
If you’re already planning to visit Korea in late September, there’s no need to change your trip simply because Chuseok falls during your stay.
You just need to understand that Korea operates a little differently during the holiday.
For travelers, the biggest inconvenience is likely to be transportation and individual business closures.
The upside is that you’ll have a chance to experience one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays through cultural festivals, traditional games, performances and seasonal food.
And honestly, that’s a pretty good trade-off.
Our Pick
If you’re visiting Seoul during Chuseok 2026, put Namsangol Hanok Village on your itinerary for September 25–27.
It’s central, free to enter, easy to reach by subway, and gives international visitors a chance to experience Chuseok without needing to know a Korean family.
Chuseok isn’t a reason to skip Korea. It’s a reason to experience a different side of it.
Chuseok in Korea 2026: Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is Chuseok 2026? | September 24–26 |
| When is Chuseok Day? | September 25 |
| Is Chuseok a public holiday? | Yes |
| Are banks open? | No |
| Are tourist attractions open? | Many are, but check individually |
| Are restaurants open? | Many are, but some close |
| Is public transportation running? | Yes, but expect very high demand |
| Should I book KTX early? | Yes |
| What is Chuseok food? | Songpyeon, jeon, galbijjim, japchae and more |
| Best cultural event in Seoul? | Namsangol Chuseok Festival |
| Is Chuseok a good time to visit Korea? | Yes, with some planning |
Information for 2026 is based on official Korean government and Seoul Metropolitan Government schedules. Individual business and attraction hours can change, so check directly before visiting.
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