If you're traveling in Korea in late September, you may notice that the country feels a little different than usual.
That's because of Chuseok, one of Korea's most important traditional holidays.
During Chuseok, many Koreans travel to their hometowns, spend time with family, and enjoy traditional foods together.
For international travelers, however, the holiday can raise a few questions.
- Will restaurants and shops be open?
- Can I still use trains and buses?
- Will tourist attractions be crowded?
- Is Seoul quieter during Chuseok?
- What should travelers experience during the holiday?
If you're visiting Korea during Chuseok in 2026, here are 10 things you should know.
1. Chuseok Falls on September 25 in 2026
The date of Chuseok changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar.
In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on Friday, September 25, with the official holiday period running from September 24 to September 26.
Since September 27 is Sunday, many people may enjoy several consecutive days away from work.
Chuseok is one of Korea's biggest traditional holidays, along with Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year.
2. Millions of People Travel to Visit Their Families
One of the biggest things travelers notice during Chuseok is the movement of people around the country.
Many Koreans leave Seoul and other major cities to visit family members in their hometowns.
As a result, train stations, bus terminals, and highways can become much busier than usual around the holiday.
If you're planning to travel from Seoul to cities such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, or other regions, check your transportation options in advance.
3. Check KTX and Express Bus Tickets in Advance
Long-distance transportation is especially busy during Chuseok.
KTX and other train tickets can sell out quickly, and express buses may also be heavily booked.
If you're planning a trip from Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju, or another city during the holiday, don't assume you'll be able to buy a ticket at the last minute.
Local transportation such as subways and city buses continues to operate during the holiday, although schedules can vary.
👉 Related Guide: How to Use the Subway in Korea: 10 Tips for First-Time Travelers
READ THE KOREA SUBWAY GUIDE
4. Some Restaurants and Shops May Change Their Hours
Korea does not completely shut down during Chuseok.
You can still find restaurants, convenience stores, cafés, and shops open in many tourist and commercial areas.
However, some independent restaurants, stores, department stores, and other businesses may close for Chuseok Day or change their opening hours during the holiday.
Before making a special trip somewhere, check the business hours on a map app or the business's official information.
👉 Related Guide: Eating at a Restaurant in Korea: 10 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know
5. Seoul May Feel Different During Chuseok
Parts of Seoul can feel quieter during Chuseok as many residents travel outside the city to visit their families.
However, this doesn't mean that Seoul becomes empty.
Popular palaces, tourist attractions, shopping districts, and entertainment areas may still attract plenty of visitors.
So instead of expecting the entire city to be quiet, remember that the atmosphere can vary greatly
depending on where you go.
6. Try Songpyeon, Korea's Traditional Chuseok Rice Cake
One of the foods most closely associated with Chuseok is songpyeon.
These small, half-moon-shaped rice cakes are traditionally made from rice flour and filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds or beans.
Around Chuseok, you'll often see songpyeon at traditional markets, rice cake shops, and supermarkets.
If you want to experience a classic Korean holiday food, songpyeon is an easy one to try.
7. Traditional Markets Can Be Especially Lively Before Chuseok
Traditional markets can be fascinating places to visit in the days leading up to Chuseok.
Families shop for fruit, meat, fish, rice cakes, jeon, and other foods used for holiday meals.
Some markets become particularly busy and lively, giving travelers a chance to see another side of Korean holiday culture.
However, individual stores may close on Chuseok Day, so check before visiting a specific market.
👉 Related Guide: Visiting a Traditional Market in Korea? 8 Things Tourists Should Know
READ THE KOREAN TRADITIONAL MARKET GUIDE
8. Palaces and Cultural Attractions May Offer Special Experiences
Chuseok can be a great time to experience traditional Korean culture.
Palaces and cultural attractions may offer special holiday programs, traditional games, performances, or other seasonal activities.
During the 2026 Chuseok holiday, major royal heritage sites in Seoul, including the four main palaces, are scheduled for special holiday access.
However, operating schedules vary by attraction, and some museums or cultural facilities may close on Chuseok Day.
Always check the official schedule before visiting.
9. Chuseok Offers a Glimpse Into Korean Family Culture
For many Koreans, Chuseok is primarily a time to spend with family.
Families may gather for meals, visit relatives, pay respects to ancestors, or visit family graves.
Traditions vary from family to family, and not everyone celebrates Chuseok in exactly the same way.
Even if you don't personally take part in these traditions, understanding them can help you appreciate why the holiday is so important in Korea.
10. The Most Important Travel Tip: Check Ahead
Traveling in Korea during Chuseok doesn't have to be difficult.
In fact, it can be a memorable time to experience traditional foods, cultural events, and a side of Korea that travelers don't see every day.
Just remember three things:
Book long-distance transportation early, check opening hours before visiting places, and leave some flexibility in your itinerary.
With a little preparation, traveling during Chuseok can be a unique part of your trip to Korea.
Visiting Korea During Chuseok? Remember These Tips
In 2026, Chuseok Day is September 25, with the official holiday period running from September 24 to September 26.
Check long-distance transportation in advance and confirm the opening hours of restaurants, shops, museums, and attractions before visiting.
And don't forget to enjoy the holiday itself.
Try songpyeon, explore a traditional market, visit a Korean palace, and experience a different side of Korean culture.
With a little planning, Chuseok can be one of the most interesting times to experience Korea.
🇰🇷 Korean Version
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