Korea During Chuseok 2026: A Guide for International Travelers
If you are visiting South Korea in late September 2026, your trip may overlap with Chuseok, one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays.
For travelers, Chuseok can be a fascinating time to experience Korean culture. Families gather, traditional customs become more visible, and major cities can feel noticeably different from an ordinary week.
However, Chuseok can also affect transportation, opening hours, restaurant availability, and travel times.
The key is not to avoid Korea during Chuseok—it is to plan differently.
This guide explains what international visitors should know about traveling in Korea during Chuseok 2026, including transportation, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and practical travel strategies.
When Is Chuseok in 2026?
In 2026, Chuseok falls on Friday, September 25.
The official Chuseok holiday period runs from September 24 to September 26, creating a major holiday period around the weekend.
Because millions of Koreans travel to visit family during Chuseok, transportation demand can become extremely high before and after the holiday itself.
If your Korea trip falls around these dates, transportation planning should be one of your highest priorities.
What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is often described as one of Korea’s most important family holidays.
Traditionally, families gather to honor ancestors, spend time together, prepare special foods, and visit their hometowns.
One of the foods most strongly associated with the holiday is songpyeon, a small half-moon-shaped rice cake traditionally prepared for Chuseok.
For international visitors, the holiday provides an opportunity to see a different side of Korean culture beyond shopping districts, cafés, and famous tourist attractions.
The Biggest Travel Challenge: Transportation
Transportation is usually the most important issue for tourists during Chuseok.
Millions of people travel between Seoul and other regions to visit their hometowns or relatives.
As a result, trains, express buses, highways, and domestic flights can become extremely busy.
KTX and Train Tickets
KTX and other intercity trains are among the most convenient ways to travel around Korea.
During Chuseok, however, popular routes may sell out quickly.
Routes between Seoul and cities such as Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gyeongju, and other regional destinations can experience especially strong demand.
If you already have confirmed train tickets, keep them.
If you do not, avoid assuming that you will simply arrive at Seoul Station and find a convenient seat.
Express Buses
Express buses are another option, but heavy highway traffic can significantly increase travel times during peak holiday periods.
A journey that normally takes a few hours may take considerably longer when roads are congested.
Build extra time into your itinerary.
Domestic Flights
Travelers visiting Jeju should also pay close attention to domestic flight availability.
Jeju is one of Korea’s most popular domestic travel destinations, and holiday periods can create strong demand for flights and accommodation.
Book early whenever possible.
Should Tourists Leave Seoul During Chuseok?
Not necessarily.
In fact, staying in Seoul can be a smart strategy during the busiest part of Chuseok.
Many Seoul residents leave the capital to visit their hometowns, while tourists remain.
Although individual businesses may close, major tourist districts and attractions can still offer plenty to do.
Instead of trying to cross the country during the busiest travel period, consider using Chuseok itself to explore Seoul and schedule your intercity travel for a less congested day.
What Can You Do in Seoul During Chuseok?
Chuseok can be an excellent time to explore Korea’s traditional culture.
Visit a Royal Palace
Places such as Gyeongbokgung Palace offer international travelers an accessible introduction to Korean history and architecture.
Traditional areas around the palaces also pair well with a Chuseok itinerary.
Explore Bukchon and Insadong
Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong are popular areas for travelers interested in traditional architecture, crafts, tea, and Korean culture.
Opening hours for individual shops and restaurants may vary during the holiday, so check before visiting a specific business.
Walk Along Cheonggyecheon
If you want something simple and flexible, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a pleasant place to walk through central Seoul.
Outdoor attractions are especially useful during holidays because they are less dependent on individual store opening schedules.
Explore Seoul’s Parks
Parks, riverside areas, and walking routes can also be good options when some indoor businesses operate on reduced schedules.
The Han River parks, for example, provide an easy way to enjoy Seoul without relying on reservations.
Are Tourist Attractions Closed During Chuseok?
Some attractions remain open, while others may close or operate with adjusted hours.
There is no single rule that applies to every museum, palace, attraction, restaurant, or shop.
Therefore, one of the most important Chuseok travel habits is:
Check official opening information shortly before visiting.
Do not rely entirely on an old blog post or a schedule from a previous year.
Holiday operating hours can change.
Are Restaurants Open During Chuseok?
Many restaurants remain open, especially in major tourist areas, shopping districts, hotel zones, and neighborhoods with heavy visitor traffic.
However, smaller independent restaurants may close for part or all of the holiday.
This can be particularly noticeable in residential neighborhoods.
If there is a specific restaurant you absolutely want to visit, check its official website or social media account before traveling across the city.
Hotels can also be useful during the holiday because hotel restaurants and surrounding tourist infrastructure may offer more predictable options.
Are Convenience Stores Open?
Convenience stores are one of the most useful resources for travelers in Korea.
Many convenience stores continue operating during holidays, although individual locations can vary.
They are useful for drinks, snacks, simple meals, toiletries, and other basic travel needs.
Still, travelers should avoid assuming that every individual business will follow its normal schedule.
What About Shopping Malls and Department Stores?
This is an area where travelers should plan carefully.
Large department stores, supermarkets, shopping centers, and individual shops may have special Chuseok schedules.
Some may close on particular days while others remain open.
Tourist-heavy shopping districts may still have many businesses operating, but opening hours can vary significantly.
If shopping is one of the main purposes of your trip, check each major destination shortly before your visit.
Is Myeongdong Open During Chuseok?
Myeongdong remains one of Seoul’s most tourist-oriented neighborhoods.
Because it serves large numbers of international visitors, travelers may find more restaurants, beauty stores, cafés, and retail businesses operating there than in quieter residential neighborhoods.
However, individual stores can still change their hours.
Treat Myeongdong as a useful option—not a guarantee that every shop will be open.
Is Public Transportation in Seoul Available?
Seoul’s subway and bus systems remain essential transportation options during the holiday period.
Service schedules and special transportation measures can vary, so travelers should check current information when traveling.
For most international visitors staying within Seoul, using the subway is generally much easier than attempting long-distance highway travel during peak Chuseok traffic.
Best Strategy for a First-Time Visitor
If this is your first trip to Korea and you will be there during Chuseok, consider a simple strategy.
Before Chuseok: Complete any important intercity travel that requires trains or flights.
During the busiest holiday period: Stay primarily in Seoul or another city where you already have accommodation.
After Chuseok: Resume longer regional travel once transportation pressure begins to ease.
This reduces the risk of spending valuable vacation time in traffic or searching for sold-out transportation.
Where Should You Stay During Chuseok?
Location becomes even more important during a major holiday.
In Seoul, staying near a subway station can make sightseeing much easier.
Areas such as Myeongdong, Jongno, Hongdae, Seoul Station, and Gangnam offer different advantages depending on your itinerary.
For travelers interested in historical attractions, Jongno can be particularly convenient.
For airport access and nightlife, Hongdae may be more suitable.
Myeongdong is convenient for first-time visitors who want central access to shopping and major attractions.
Choosing accommodation based on transportation—not just hotel price—can save considerable time during a busy holiday.
Should You Visit Busan During Chuseok?
Busan is one of Korea’s most popular destinations, but traveling between Seoul and Busan during peak Chuseok movement requires planning.
If you already have confirmed transportation and accommodation, Busan can still be a great part of your trip.
If you have not booked transportation, however, avoid building your entire itinerary around the assumption that convenient last-minute train tickets will be available.
Another strategy is to visit Busan either before or after the busiest holiday travel days.
What About Gyeongju?
Gyeongju is particularly attractive in autumn because its historic sites combine well with cooler weather and seasonal scenery.
However, Chuseok travel demand can affect regional transportation.
If Gyeongju is part of your itinerary, confirm your intercity transportation first and then plan local sightseeing.
Historic destinations such as temples, royal tombs, and traditional areas make Gyeongju one of Korea’s most rewarding cultural destinations.
What Should You Book in Advance?
During Chuseok, advance planning becomes much more valuable.
Prioritize:
Intercity trains and buses
Domestic flights
Hotels and accommodation
Popular tours or activities
Restaurants that require reservations
You do not need to schedule every hour of your trip.
Instead, secure the things that would be difficult to replace if they sell out.
Five Mistakes to Avoid During Chuseok
1. Assuming Everything Is Closed
Korea does not completely shut down during Chuseok.
Many attractions and businesses continue operating, particularly in tourist areas.
2. Assuming Everything Is Open
The opposite assumption is equally risky.
Individual restaurants, museums, stores, and attractions may change their schedules.
3. Planning Last-Minute Intercity Travel
This is one of the biggest risks.
Holiday transportation demand can make spontaneous long-distance travel difficult.
4. Underestimating Highway Traffic
Even if bus tickets are available, road congestion can dramatically increase travel time.
5. Building an Inflexible Itinerary
Flexibility is extremely valuable during a national holiday.
Prepare one or two alternative attractions or restaurants for each day.
A Simple Chuseok 2026 Travel Checklist
Before your trip, confirm:
- Your hotel reservations
- Intercity train, bus, or flight tickets
- Opening hours for must-see attractions
- Restaurant reservations where necessary
- Airport transportation plans
- Alternative activities in case a destination is closed
Save important reservation information on your phone so it remains accessible even if you have connectivity problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Korea worth visiting during Chuseok?
Yes. Chuseok can provide a unique cultural experience, but travelers need to plan transportation and opening hours more carefully than usual.
Is Seoul empty during Chuseok?
Some residents leave Seoul to visit family, which can change the atmosphere of the city. However, major tourist districts remain active and there are still many things for visitors to do.
Can tourists use KTX during Chuseok?
Yes, but tickets on popular routes can be difficult to obtain because demand is extremely high.
Are restaurants closed?
Some close, while many others remain open. Check individual restaurants rather than assuming.
Should I travel from Seoul to Busan during Chuseok?
You can if you have confirmed transportation. If you do not, traveling immediately before or during peak holiday movement may be inconvenient.
Is Chuseok a good time to experience Korean culture?
Yes. The holiday offers travelers an opportunity to learn more about Korean family traditions, food, history, and seasonal customs.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in Korea during Chuseok 2026 does not have to be difficult.
The most important rule is simple: secure long-distance transportation early and remain flexible with everything else.
Rather than trying to travel across the country during the busiest days, international visitors may enjoy spending more time exploring Seoul, traditional neighborhoods, palaces, parks, and cultural attractions.
With a little advance planning, Chuseok can become one of the most memorable parts of a Korea trip rather than an obstacle.