Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) for visitors: what's open and closed

If you visit Korea during Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year), expect a quiet, partly closed Seoul rather than a party. It is a three-day national holiday when many people travel to their hometowns, so some small shops and restaurants close, while palaces, museums, big malls, chain cafes, convenience stores and public transport mostly keep running. In 2027, Seollal falls on Sunday, February 7, and the holiday period runs from February 6 to 8, with Tuesday, February 9 as a substitute holiday (confirm with official sources closer to the date).

What Seollal is

Seollal is the first day of the lunar calendar and one of Korea's two biggest holidays, along with Chuseok. Families gather, often at the home of the eldest relatives. Traditions include charye (an ancestral memorial rite with a table of food), sebae (a deep New Year's bow to elders, after which children receive sebaetdon, gift money) and eating tteokguk, a rice cake soup. Eating tteokguk is said to make you a year older. Some families wear hanbok and play traditional games such as yunnori.

What's open and closed during Seollal

Usually open

Public transport: subway and city buses run, often on a holiday schedule.
Convenience stores: CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven stay open, and are your backup for food. See our convenience store guide.
Chain cafes and fast food, plus restaurants in tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae and Insadong.
Hotels and many attractions. The main royal palaces and big national museums often stay open and sometimes run special Seollal programmes such as folk games.

Often closed or limited

Small family-run restaurants and shops, especially on Seollal day itself.
Traditional markets, many of which close for one or more days.
Banks and government offices.
Department stores and some large marts may close on Seollal day or keep shorter hours. Check each store's notice.
Clinics and pharmacies are reduced; look for designated holiday pharmacies if you need one.

Opening rules vary by venue and year, so check official websites or Naver Map listings before you go.

Travel during the holiday

The days just before and after Seollal are among the busiest travel days of the year. KTX and intercity bus tickets sell out quickly, and highways get very congested. If you plan to go from Seoul to Busan or elsewhere, book early or travel on the holiday day itself, when Seoul is often calmer. Domestic flights to Jeju are also in high demand.

The upside: Seoul itself can feel peaceful, with quieter streets and less traffic, which makes it a nice time for palaces and walking routes.

How visitors can enjoy Seollal

Look for holiday events at palaces, the National Folk Museum and Namsangol Hanok Village, which often host folk games and performances.
Try tteokguk at a restaurant that is open, or buy a ready-made version at a convenience store.
Learn the greeting "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo" (새해 복 많이 받으세요), meaning "Receive lots of luck in the new year".
Rent a hanbok and visit a palace; many people wear hanbok during the holiday.

"Seollal is the one time Seoul slows down. I like a bowl of tteokguk and an empty palace courtyard." — LUMI, POPORO CITY

Quick tips

Book KTX, buses and flights as early as possible.
Keep snacks and water in your room for Seollal day.
Carry a card that works in Korea plus some cash; small shops may be closed.
Check attraction websites for holiday hours and special closures.
Stay in a central, touristy area where more places stay open.

FAQ

When is Seollal in 2027?

Seollal is on Sunday, February 7, 2027. The holiday runs February 6–8, with February 9 announced as a substitute holiday.

Is it a bad time to visit Korea?

Not necessarily. Expect some closures and busy intercity transport, but Seoul is quieter and you can see seasonal traditions.

Are Seoul palaces open during Seollal?

The main palaces usually open and often host events, but closures can apply on certain days, so check the official palace websites.

Do I need to give gifts?

No. As a visitor you are not expected to give anything. If you are invited to a Korean home, a small fruit or snack gift set is a polite gesture.

What is the difference between Seollal and January 1?

January 1 is a one-day holiday. Seollal is the longer, family-focused traditional New Year based on the lunar calendar.