Updated: September 13, 2026
Chuseok is one of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays, and it changes the rhythm of travel across the country. For 2026, the Korea Tourism Organization lists the Chuseok public-holiday period as September 24–26. If your trip overlaps those dates, the main issue is not whether Korea shuts down completely—it does not—but that transportation demand rises and individual businesses may change their hours.
What Chuseok means for travelers
Many Koreans travel to their hometowns to spend time with family and perform traditional memorial customs. Long-distance trains and intercity buses can become especially busy before and during the holiday period. Major tourist districts in Seoul, Busan and Jeju still have plenty to do, but small restaurants, neighborhood shops and independent attractions may operate on reduced schedules.
Plan transport first
If you need to move between cities around Chuseok, book rail or bus tickets through official channels and keep your itinerary flexible. Avoid building a trip that depends on a single sold-out train. Staying in one city for two or three nights can be less stressful than changing hotels every day.
Check each attraction directly
VISITKOREA says government offices and banks close on public holidays, while many tourist and leisure facilities generally remain open. That is a broad guide, not a September 2026 opening notice for every venue. For a palace day, check the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center’s Gyeongbokgung notices for the holiday arrangement, ticket conditions and any restricted areas; then confirm each museum or shop separately.
Food planning
Save two or three restaurants near your accommodation and confirm that at least one serves meals on September 25, Chuseok Day. Ask about the kitchen’s last order as well as opening time. Department-store food halls and markets can also close for the holiday, so verify a specific branch before counting on it. Keep a simple takeaway or convenience-store meal as a backup.
A realistic three-day Chuseok plan
- September 24 — central Seoul: use our Gyeongbokgung guide for a palace visit if the holiday notice confirms access, followed by Gwanghwamun and Insadong. If an indoor stop is closed, keep the street walk and skip that stop.
- September 25 — one neighborhood: follow the Seongsu half-day walk, choosing cafés only after confirming their Chuseok hours. Keep the afternoon flexible for a local park walk if weather permits.
- September 26 — a flexible final day: choose a museum or shopping stop whose holiday opening you have checked, or take a Hangang walk. Stay in Seoul if your onward rail or bus ticket is not secured.
These are suggested routes; they do not imply that every business on them has announced holiday opening.
Key takeaways
- Chuseok in 2026 runs September 24–26, with September 25 as Chuseok Day.
- Book intercity transport first and build the rest of the itinerary around it.
- Confirm attraction and restaurant hours directly.
- Keep backup dining and sightseeing options near your accommodation.
Official source
VISITKOREA: Public Holidays in Korea
Holiday opening hours vary by business and attraction. Confirm directly before making a special trip.