If you are visiting Seoul in late September 2026, you may be wondering whether Chuseok will affect your trip.
Will restaurants be open? Can you still use the subway? Are Seoul’s palaces open? And where should you go on Chuseok Day?
The good news is that Seoul does not completely shut down during Chuseok. Public transportation continues to operate, major attractions remain accessible, and the holiday can actually be an interesting time to experience Korean culture.
However, some restaurants, cafés, shops, and traditional markets may close or operate shorter hours.
Here is what travelers should know about visiting Seoul during Chuseok 2026.
When Is Chuseok in 2026?
Chuseok falls on September 25, 2026.
The official Chuseok holiday period runs from September 24 to September 26.
This is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. Many Koreans travel to their hometowns to spend time with family, which means transportation between cities can become extremely busy.
If you are staying in Seoul, however, the city can sometimes feel quieter than usual during parts of the holiday.
Is Seoul Open During Chuseok?
Yes, but not everything operates normally.
Large tourist attractions, department stores, convenience stores, hotel facilities, and many businesses in major tourist areas may remain open.
Smaller independent restaurants, cafés, neighborhood shops, and traditional businesses are more likely to close for at least part of the holiday.
Chuseok Day, September 25, is the day when closures are most likely.
If there is a particular restaurant or attraction you want to visit, check its official website, Naver Map, or Google Maps before making the trip.
Opening hours can change during the holiday even when a business is normally open.
Seoul Palaces Are a Great Chuseok Option
One of the best things to do during Chuseok is visit Seoul’s royal palaces.
Korea’s major royal heritage sites traditionally offer special access during the holiday period, and official tourism information for Chuseok 2026 includes free admission to major royal palaces and royal heritage sites during the holiday.
This makes places such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace particularly attractive options.
You may also find traditional performances or cultural programs around major heritage attractions.
If you are planning a palace day, you can also read our Jongno Seoul Travel Guide for ideas on combining Seoul’s historic neighborhoods and palaces in one itinerary.
Special Chuseok Events in Seoul
Seoul is also holding traditional cultural events during the holiday.
Namsangol Hanok Village
Namsangol Hanok Village is one of the easiest places for international visitors to experience traditional Korean culture without leaving central Seoul.
During the Chuseok period, visitors can find holiday programs and traditional cultural activities.
The hanok village itself is also worth visiting for its traditional houses and views toward Namsan.
Seoul Museum of History
The Seoul Museum of History is another useful option, especially if you want an indoor activity.
Special holiday programming is scheduled around the Chuseok period, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about Korean history and traditional culture.
Unhyeongung Palace
Unhyeongung is smaller than Seoul’s five major royal palaces, but it can be a pleasant stop during the holiday.
Traditional activities and cultural programs are scheduled during the Chuseok period.
Official Seoul tourism information lists holiday events running at several cultural sites between September 24 and 27, although schedules differ by location.
Does the Seoul Subway Run During Chuseok?
Yes.
Seoul’s subway and city buses continue operating during the Chuseok holiday.
That means travelers staying within Seoul can generally move around the city without major difficulty.
However, transportation hubs such as Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, Express Bus Terminal, and major intercity bus terminals can become extremely crowded.
The biggest transportation challenge during Chuseok is usually travel between cities, not getting around central Seoul.
Be Careful With KTX and Intercity Travel
If you are planning to travel from Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju, Daegu, or another Korean city during Chuseok, transportation requires much more planning.
KTX and other intercity train tickets are in extremely high demand because millions of Koreans travel to visit family.
Do not assume you can arrive at Seoul Station and easily buy a ticket on the day of travel.
If your Seoul itinerary is flexible, staying in Seoul during the busiest holiday days and making your intercity trip before or after the peak period can be much easier.
Are Restaurants Open During Chuseok?
Some are. Some are not.
This is one of the most important things international visitors should understand.
Restaurants in major tourist districts such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, and areas around large hotels may be easier to find open than small neighborhood restaurants.
Convenience stores are also useful during the holiday and many remain open.
Still, individual businesses set their own holiday schedules.
For a restaurant you really want to visit, check its latest opening information on the day rather than relying only on normal business hours shown online.
Where Should You Go on Chuseok Day?
If you are in Seoul on September 25, a simple itinerary could look like this:
Morning:
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the historic Jongno area.
Lunch:
Eat in a major tourist district where you have several restaurant alternatives in case your first choice is closed.
Afternoon:
Visit Namsangol Hanok Village or another cultural attraction offering Chuseok programs.
Evening:
Walk along Cheonggyecheon, explore Myeongdong, or enjoy the Han River.
Keeping your itinerary flexible is more important than trying to reserve every hour of the day.
Practical Tips for Visiting Seoul During Chuseok
Before heading out, check the latest opening hours for each attraction or restaurant.
Avoid unnecessary intercity travel during the busiest holiday period if you do not already have transportation reservations.
Keep alternative restaurants and cafés saved on your phone.
Use Seoul’s subway and buses for getting around the city.
And most importantly, do not assume that Chuseok means there is nothing to do.
For international travelers, the holiday can actually provide a different view of Seoul—quieter streets in some neighborhoods, traditional cultural events, and opportunities to experience one of Korea’s most important holidays.
Is Seoul Worth Visiting During Chuseok?
Yes, as long as you plan around the holiday.
Chuseok is not a normal travel period in Korea, so some businesses will close and intercity transportation can be difficult.
But if you stay flexible, Seoul still offers plenty to see and do.
Royal palaces, cultural events, museums, major tourist neighborhoods, and public transportation make it possible to enjoy the city throughout the holiday.
For travelers already in Korea during Chuseok 2026, staying in Seoul may actually be one of the easiest ways to enjoy the holiday without dealing with the country’s busiest intercity travel period.
This guide was updated on September 23, 2026. Holiday schedules can change, so always check the official website or latest local listing before visiting a specific attraction, restaurant, or event.
