If your Korea trip falls around Chuseok, you may be wondering:
Will everything be closed? Will trains be sold out? Should I change my travel dates?
First, don’t panic.
Chuseok is one of the biggest holidays in Korea, and it definitely changes how the country moves for a few days. But that does not mean Korea shuts down completely or that you should cancel your trip.
In fact, if you know what to expect, staying in Seoul during Chuseok can still be a very enjoyable experience.
Here’s what you really need to know before traveling in Korea during Chuseok 2026.
When Is Chuseok in Korea in 2026?
In 2026, the official Chuseok holiday runs from:
September 24–26, 2026
Chuseok is often described as Korean Thanksgiving.
It is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays, when families travel across the country to spend time together, prepare traditional food, honor their ancestors, and visit their hometowns.
And that last part is especially important for travelers.
Millions of Koreans travel around the country during this period, which can make transportation between cities much busier than usual.
Should You Avoid Korea During Chuseok?
Not necessarily.
If you are mainly staying in Seoul, you probably do not need to change your trip just because of Chuseok.
The bigger problem is traveling between cities.
For example:
- Seoul → Busan
- Seoul → Gyeongju
- Seoul → Jeonju
- Seoul → Daegu
- Seoul → other regional cities
These routes can become much harder to book around Chuseok.
So if your itinerary includes several cities, this is the part I would plan very carefully.
If you can, staying in Seoul during the main holiday and moving to another city before or after the busiest dates may make your trip much easier.
The Biggest Chuseok Problem: Trains
This is the one thing I would not leave until the last minute.
For Chuseok 2026, Korail’s special holiday ticket period covers trains operating from:
September 23–27, 2026
KTX and other intercity trains can sell quickly because so many people travel to visit family.
If you already have a hotel booked in Busan, Gyeongju, or another city but do not have transportation yet, check your train options as early as possible.
Do not assume you can simply arrive at Seoul Station and buy a KTX ticket on the day.
A safer strategy
If train tickets are difficult to find:
- Adjust your travel date if possible
- Check intercity or express buses
- Consider staying in Seoul longer
- Avoid making a hotel reservation in another city before confirming transportation
During Chuseok, flexibility can save you a lot of stress.
Will Shops and Restaurants Be Closed?
This is probably the second question travelers worry about.
The answer is:
Some will be closed. Many will not.
Government offices and banks are generally closed during public holidays.
However, major tourist facilities such as palaces, museums, department stores, and amusement facilities often continue operating.
The situation with restaurants and smaller businesses is less predictable.
A family-run restaurant may close for one or several days so the owners can spend Chuseok with their families.
Meanwhile, restaurants in major tourist areas may remain open.
Convenience stores are usually one of the easiest options to find when other businesses are closed.
My advice
If there is a specific restaurant, café, shop, or attraction you absolutely want to visit during Chuseok:
Check its opening hours before you go.
Do not rely only on the normal opening hours shown weeks earlier.
Holiday schedules can be different.
What About Seoul During Chuseok?
Here’s the good news.
Seoul can actually be a very reasonable place to spend Chuseok.
Because many Seoul residents leave the city to visit their hometowns, some parts of Seoul can feel different from a normal working week.
And you still have plenty of places to explore.
Royal palaces are especially worth considering during Korea’s traditional holidays, and Korea Tourism Organization guidance notes that royal palaces offer free admission during the Chuseok holiday period.
This can be a great time to experience a more traditional side of Seoul.
You could build a day around areas such as:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Insadong
- Bukchon area
- Jongno
- Cheonggyecheon
Just remember that individual operating schedules can change, so check before visiting.
Where Should You Stay During Chuseok?
During this period, convenience matters even more than usual.
For a first-time visitor, I would strongly prefer staying somewhere with:
- Easy subway access
- Plenty of restaurants nearby
- Convenience stores within walking distance
- Good airport transportation
- Several attractions you can reach without long-distance travel
Areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seoul Station, Jongno, Insadong, and Dongdaemun can all work depending on your itinerary.
If you have not chosen your area yet:
Read: Where to Stay in Seoul for First-Time Visitors in 2026
And if you still need accommodation, compare current Seoul hotel availability before the holiday gets closer:
Check current Seoul hotel availability on Trip.com →
What Can You Do in Seoul During Chuseok?
Instead of trying to squeeze in a long intercity trip, Chuseok can be a good time to slow down and explore Seoul itself.
Consider:
- Traditional palaces and historic neighborhoods
- Han River walks
- Namsan and Seoul night views
- Shopping districts
- Cafés
- Markets that are operating
- Museums and cultural attractions
- Pre-booked attractions
If you’d rather keep things simple and stay in Seoul, N Seoul Tower is an easy option for a relaxed afternoon or evening.
Check N Seoul Tower tickets & availability →
Always confirm the operating date and hours for your specific visit before booking.
Don’t Forget Your Korea Travel Apps
Holiday schedules can change, so having the right apps becomes especially useful during Chuseok.
NAVER Map can help you check public transportation and nearby places, while translation and taxi apps can make unexpected changes much easier to handle.
If you have not prepared your phone yet:
Read: 7 Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea in 2026
My Recommended Chuseok Strategy for First-Time Visitors
If this were my first trip to Korea, I would keep it simple.
Before Chuseok:
Travel between cities if you really want to visit places like Busan or Gyeongju.
During the main Chuseok holiday:
Stay in Seoul and explore the city.
After Chuseok:
Continue your intercity trip once the busiest holiday travel period has passed.
You do not have to follow this exact itinerary, but the basic idea is important:
Don’t fight Korea’s biggest holiday travel rush if you don’t need to.
Final Tip
Chuseok does not have to ruin your Korea trip.
You may find a few restaurants closed. Train tickets may be harder to get. Some plans may need adjusting.
But Korea does not simply stop for three days.
If you stay flexible, confirm important reservations in advance, and avoid last-minute intercity transportation, you can still have a great trip.
And you may even get to see a side of Korean culture that travelers visiting at another time of year never experience.
Coming to Korea during Chuseok 2026? Save this guide before your trip.
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