Chuseok in Korea for Visitors: What Is Open, Closed and Worth Doing

Short answer: Chuseok is Korea's autumn harvest holiday, a three-day national break around the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (in 2027 it is expected around September 14–16). Big cities get quieter, many family-run restaurants and traditional markets close for a day or two, and trains and highways are packed. But royal palaces, museums, big malls, chain cafes and convenience stores mostly stay open, and the palaces often waive admission. With a little planning, it is a calm and rather special time to visit.

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What Chuseok actually is

Chuseok (추석), sometimes called Hangawi, is often compared to Thanksgiving. Families travel to their hometowns, prepare food together and hold charye, a memorial ritual for ancestors, on the morning of Chuseok day. Many also visit family graves to tidy them, a custom called beolcho when it involves cutting the grass. The signature food is songpyeon, small half-moon rice cakes filled with sesame, beans or chestnut and steamed on pine needles. Gift sets of fruit, meat, spam or skincare fill every department store in the weeks before.

Because the date follows the lunar calendar, it moves every year, usually landing in September or early October. Always confirm the exact dates on an official Korean holiday calendar before you book.

What is open and what is closed

Usually open

Royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo have recently offered free general admission over the Chuseok holiday. Special paid programs such as the Secret Garden tour or night openings are normally not included. Check the Royal Palaces website for the current year.
Large museums: The National Museum of Korea and similar institutions often open on most holiday days, sometimes with closures on Chuseok day itself.
Department stores and malls: many close for one day (often Chuseok day or the day before) and open the rest of the holiday.
Convenience stores, chain cafes, fast food and hotel restaurants: almost always open.
Theme parks and big attractions such as Lotte World and Everland usually stay open and run seasonal events.

Often closed

Small family-run restaurants, especially on Chuseok day.
Traditional markets, which may close for one to three days.
Banks, post offices and government offices for the whole holiday.
Some hospitals' outpatient clinics; emergency rooms stay open and some pharmacies take turns opening.

Travel during Chuseok: the hard part

Millions of people head out of Seoul at once, so KTX and SRT tickets sell out quickly and highways can turn a three-hour drive into six or more. If you plan to leave Seoul, book trains as early as possible, or do the opposite of everyone else: stay in Seoul while it empties out. The subway inside cities keeps running normally. See our KTX booking guide for how tourists can reserve seats.

Worth doing over the holiday

Visit a palace in hanbok. Wearing hanbok already gets you free entry to the palaces, and during Chuseok the courtyards often host folk games and performances. Rentals near Gyeongbokgung, like this Gyeongbokgung hanbok rental, can get busy, so reserve ahead.
Try songpyeon. Bakeries, rice cake shops and even convenience stores sell them in the days before the holiday.
Join folk events. The National Folk Museum and Namsangol Hanok Village often run free Chuseok programs such as traditional games, rice cake making and performances.
Enjoy the quiet city. Central Seoul on Chuseok day can feel almost empty, which makes it a rare chance for slow walks along the Cheonggyecheon stream or the Hangang parks.

As LUMI from POPORO CITY likes to say, "On Chuseok the city takes a deep breath, so take one with it."

Quick tips

Stock up on snacks and cash basics the day before Chuseok in case nearby restaurants close.
Check opening days on each place's official site or on Naver Map, which usually shows holiday hours.
Book hotels and intercity trains early; prices and availability tighten fast.
Greet people with "Chuseok jal bonaeseyo" (have a good Chuseok).

FAQ

Is Chuseok a bad time to visit Korea?

Not at all if you stay in one city. Intercity travel is the main headache; sightseeing inside Seoul is often easier than usual.

Are palaces really free during Chuseok?

In recent years the main Seoul palaces, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs have waived general admission over the holiday. It is announced each year, so check the official notice.

Will the subway run normally?

Yes. City subways and buses keep running, and some cities extend late-night service around the holiday.

What gift is appropriate if I am visiting a Korean family?

A fruit box, a nice set of snacks or something from your home country is a thoughtful choice. Hand it over with both hands.

Visiting in winter instead? Read our guide to Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, which works much the same way.