What is Chuseok in Korea? A Beginner’s Guide for Tourists (2026)
Planning to visit South Korea in September or October? Your trip may overlap with Chuseok (추석), Korea’s biggest traditional holiday and one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
From my experience living in Korea, Chuseok is a fascinating time to visit. Millions of Koreans travel home to spend time with family, honor their ancestors, and enjoy traditional foods. You’ll notice busier transportation, sold-out train tickets, and some small businesses taking a short break.
However, Chuseok is also one of the best times to experience Korean culture, seasonal traditions, and autumn scenery. In this guide, I’ll share what Chuseok is, why Koreans celebrate it, the 2026 holiday dates, and practical travel tips to help you plan your Korea trip.
Planning your first Korea trip? You may also find these guides helpful:
What is Chuseok (추석)?
Chuseok (추석) is Korea’s traditional harvest festival and one of the most important Korean holidays. Often compared to Thanksgiving, it is a time when families gather to honor their ancestors, share traditional food, and celebrate the autumn harvest.
Since Chuseok follows the lunar calendar, the dates change every year. In 2026, Chuseok falls on September 25, with the official holiday period from September 24–26. It is also one of Korea’s busiest travel seasons, so KTX tickets, buses, flights, and hotels can sell out quickly.
Planning to visit Korea during Chuseok? Check out my [Chuseok Korea 2026: Quick Travel Tips Before You Go] guide for transportation tips, what to expect, and how to prepare for the holiday.
Why is Chuseok So Important in Korea?
Chuseok is one of Korea’s most meaningful holidays because it celebrates family, tradition, and togetherness. During this time, millions of Koreans travel back to their hometowns to spend time with parents, grandparents, and relatives.
Unlike holidays focused on shopping or entertainment, Chuseok is about slowing down and reconnecting. Families honor their ancestors, share traditional meals, visit family graves, and enjoy time together.
From my experience living in Korea, Chuseok feels very different from other times of the year. Cities become quieter, while families come together to celebrate traditions passed down for generations. It’s a unique chance to experience a more authentic side of Korean culture.
Chuseok Traditions Explained
From my experience living in Korea, Chuseok is one of the best times to experience Korean culture and traditions up close. While every family celebrates differently, these are some of the customs you may see during this holiday.
1. Charye (차례) – Honoring Ancestors
Charye is one of the most important Chuseok traditions. Families prepare a table with traditional foods like rice, soup, fruits, and Songpyeon (송편) to honor their ancestors and show gratitude to previous generations.
2. Seongmyo (성묘) – Visiting Family Graves
Many families visit their ancestors’ graves during Chuseok. They clean the area, pay respects, and spend time remembering their family history. This tradition is one reason roads to rural areas become very busy during the holiday.
3. Family Gatherings & Traditional Activities
For many Koreans, Chuseok is a time to reconnect with family, share home-cooked meals, and enjoy a slower pace of life. Visitors may also see traditional games like Yutnori (윷놀이), cultural performances, and hands-on activities at palaces, folk villages, and cultural sites.
From my experience, Chuseok is more than just a holiday—it’s a special time when Korean traditions, family values, and history come together. For travelers, it’s a great opportunity to experience a more authentic side of Korea.
Why Does Korea Slow Down During Chuseok?
One thing many first-time visitors notice during Chuseok is how different Korea feels. Since millions of Koreans travel from cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon to visit their hometowns, daily life changes across the country.
From my experience living in Korea, Seoul often feels quieter during the holiday, while highways, KTX trains, and buses become much busier. You may also find some small restaurants and shops closed for a few days, although most major tourist attractions remain open with adjusted hours.
If you’re planning to visit popular destinations like Busan, Gyeongju, or Jeju during Chuseok, booking your hotel and transportation early is highly recommended. This busy holiday season can fill up quickly, especially for trains and accommodations.
Helpful booking resources:
Booking early gives you more choices and helps avoid the stress of sold-out trains or limited hotel availability during one of Korea’s busiest travel periods.
Traditional Chuseok Foods You Should Try in Korea
One of my favorite parts of Chuseok is the food. From my experience living in Korea, traditional dishes are one of the best ways to experience Korean culture during the holiday.
🍡 Songpyeon (송편)
The most iconic Chuseok food, Songpyeon, is a small half-moon rice cake filled with sesame, honey, sweet red bean paste, or chestnuts. Many families make it together as a special holiday tradition.
🥞 Jeon (전)
Jeon is a savory Korean pancake enjoyed during Chuseok. Popular varieties include seafood, beef, zucchini, mushrooms, and kimchi.
🍐 Seasonal Fruits
Korean pears, apples, grapes, and persimmons are commonly prepared to celebrate the autumn harvest and are also used in ancestor ceremonies.
🍜 Japchae (잡채)
Japchae is one of my favorite Korean dishes. Made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and beef, this sweet and savory dish is a popular choice for Chuseok family meals.
Want to try more Korean food? Check out my 11 Korean Street Foods First-Time Visitors Should Try (Seoul, Busan & Jeju Guide).
What Tourists Should Expect During Chuseok
If you’re visiting Korea during Chuseok for the first time, don’t worry. Most major attractions remain open—you’ll just need a little extra planning, especially for transportation and accommodation.
Here’s a quick overview of how Chuseok may affect your travel plans:
Travel Experience | What to Expect During Chuseok |
KTX trains | Often sell out days or even weeks in advance. Book early if you’re traveling between cities. |
Domestic flights | Higher demand, especially on routes to Busan and Jeju. |
Express buses | Very busy, with tickets selling out on popular routes. |
Tourist attractions | Many major attractions remain open, although some may have special holiday programs or adjusted hours. |
Museums | Some close for a day or operate on shorter holiday hours. |
Shopping malls | Most stay open, especially in larger cities. |
Department stores | Some may close for one or two days during the holiday. |
Small local restaurants | Family-run restaurants may close temporarily so owners can celebrate with their families. |
Convenience stores | Usually remain open and are a reliable option for snacks, drinks, and quick meals. |
Cafés | Many chain cafés stay open, while some independent cafés may take a short holiday. |
💡 Richelle’s Tip: After spending several Chuseok holidays in South Korea, I’ve found that traveling is usually easier than first-time visitors expect. The biggest challenge is transportation, not sightseeing. I always check attraction opening hours before heading out, as holiday schedules can vary.
Is Chuseok a Good Time to Visit Korea?
Yes—if you plan ahead.
From my experience living in Korea, Chuseok is one of the best times to experience Korean culture, beautiful autumn scenery, and a quieter side of Seoul. It simply takes a little more planning than usual.
Pros | Cons |
🍁 Pleasant autumn weather in many parts of Korea | 🚄 KTX trains and express buses sell out quickly |
🎎 A chance to experience Korean traditions and culture | 🏨 Hotels in popular destinations book up earlier |
🎭 Special cultural performances and holiday events | 🍽️ Some local restaurants and family-run shops may close |
🍡 Seasonal Chuseok foods like Songpyeon and Jeon | 🚗 Heavy traffic on highways before and after the holiday |
🌆 Seoul often feels quieter as many locals travel home | ⏰ Some attractions may operate on holiday hours |
If you book your hotel and transportation early, you’ll still be able to enjoy many of Korea’s top attractions while experiencing one of its most meaningful holidays.
Travel Tips for Visiting Korea During Chuseok
Traveling Korea during Chuseok can be a memorable experience, but a little preparation makes everything easier. From my experience living in Korea, the biggest things to plan are transportation, accommodation, and flexible schedules.
🚄 Book Transportation Early
KTX trains, express buses, and domestic flights can sell out quickly during Chuseok as many Koreans travel home. Book early, especially if you’re heading to popular destinations like Busan or Jeju.
Helpful booking resources:
🏨 Reserve Hotels in Advance
Hotels in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and Gyeongju can fill up faster during the holiday. Booking early gives you more choices and better prices. .
🏨 Compare and book hotels early
🍽️ Keep Your Plans Flexible
Some small restaurants and cafés may close for family celebrations, so it’s always good to have backup options.
💳 Carry Some Cash
Cards are widely accepted in Korea, but having a small amount of cash is helpful for traditional markets, smaller shops, or rural areas.
💡 Not sure how much cash you actually need? Read my guide on 💳 Cash vs Card in Korea: What Most Travelers Actually Use (2026 Guide) to learn when to use cash, where credit cards are accepted, and the best payment options for tourists.
🕒 Check Attraction Opening Hours
Some attractions may have special Chuseok schedules. Always check before visiting, especially for museums, palaces, and cultural sites.
If you’re planning to visit popular attractions, tours, or experiences during the holiday, it’s also a good idea to book your tickets in advance. Not only can this help secure your spot during one of Korea’s busiest travel periods, but you’ll often find discounted prices compared to buying tickets on-site.
🎟️ Browse and book Korea attractions in advance to save time, compare prices, and check the latest availability before your trip.
📱 Download Essential Travel Apps
A few travel apps can make getting around Korea much easier during Chuseok.
📱 Before you go, check out my guide to 15 Essential Apps to Download Before Your Korea Trip (2026 Tourist Guide) to find the best apps for getting around Korea with confidence.
Best Places to Experience Chuseok in Seoul & Nearby
Spending Chuseok in Seoul? You can still enjoy Korean traditions, cultural activities, and beautiful autumn scenery. From my experience living in Korea, these are some of the best places to experience the holiday atmosphere.
🏯 Gyeongbokgung Palace
One of the best Chuseok spots in Seoul, especially in autumn. You may find traditional performances and cultural events during the holiday.
👘 Tip: Renting a hanbok is one of my favorite ways to explore Gyeongbokgung. You can take beautiful photos and enjoy free admission to the palace.
🏡 Namsangol Hanok Village
For a closer look at traditional Korean culture, visit Namsangol Hanok Village. During Chuseok, there are often cultural activities, traditional games, and hands-on experiences for visitors.
🏡 Namsangol Hanok Village
A great place to experience traditional Korean culture with hanok houses, games, and hands-on activities.
🌾 Korean Folk Village
Located near Seoul, this is a fun place to see traditional Korean life, performances, and seasonal events.
💡 Tip: Chuseok schedules can change, so check opening hours before visiting and book popular tours or attractions early.
Common Mistakes Tourists Make During Chuseok
After living in Korea, I’ve noticed many first-time visitors make the same Chuseok travel mistakes. Luckily, they’re easy to avoid with a little planning.
🚄 Booking Too Late
Chuseok is one of Korea’s busiest travel seasons. KTX trains, buses, and hotels can sell out quickly, especially for popular destinations like Busan, Jeju, and Gyeongju. Book early to avoid limited options.
🕒 Assuming Everything Is Closed
Korea doesn’t completely shut down during Chuseok. While some small businesses may close, many tourist attractions remain open with holiday schedules.
🚗 Ignoring Holiday Traffic
Roads can be extremely busy before and after Chuseok, especially between major cities.
🍽️ Not Having Backup Plans
Some local restaurants may take a short holiday, so keep a few options nearby.
🎎 Missing the Culture
Chuseok is more than a busy travel period—it’s a chance to experience Korean traditions, food, and family culture in a unique way.
With some preparation, visiting Korea during Chuseok can be a memorable experience.
Chuseok vs Regular Travel Days
If you’re wondering how traveling during Chuseok compares to a regular trip, here’s a quick overview. While things are a little busier than usual, planning ahead will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable visit.
During Chuseok | Regular Travel Days |
🚄 KTX trains, express buses, and domestic flights are in higher demand | Transportation is usually easier to book |
🏨 Hotels in popular destinations fill up faster | More accommodation choices are available |
🏡 Many Koreans travel to their hometowns | Cities follow their usual daily routine |
🍡 Seasonal Chuseok foods and family traditions | Regular restaurant menus and everyday activities |
🎎 Special cultural events and performances | Standard attraction schedules and events |
🕒 Some local businesses may have shorter holiday hours | Most businesses operate as usual |
From my experience, the biggest difference isn’t that Korea shuts down—it’s that transportation and accommodation become much busier. If you book ahead, you’ll still be able to enjoy everything from cultural experiences to Korea’s top attractions.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors
After experiencing several Chuseok holidays in South Korea, here are a few tips I’d share with first-time visitors:
✔ Book early. KTX trains, buses, flights, and hotels can sell out much faster than usual.
✔ Don’t assume everything is closed. Many major attractions, shopping malls, and theme parks remain open, but always check holiday hours before you visit.
✔ Keep your plans flexible. Some local restaurants and family-run businesses may take a short holiday, so having a backup option is always helpful.
✔ Try seasonal Chuseok food. If you get the chance, don’t miss Songpyeon, Jeon, and Japchae.
✔ Enjoy the quieter side of Seoul. While many locals travel home, some popular areas of the city can actually feel less crowded.
✔ Allow extra travel time. Train stations, airports, and highways are much busier during Chuseok, so don’t rush your schedule.
With a little planning, Chuseok can be one of the most rewarding times to visit Korea and experience its culture, traditions, and beautiful autumn atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chuseok in Korea?
Chuseok is Korea’s traditional harvest festival, when families gather to honor their ancestors, share special meals, and celebrate the autumn harvest.
Is everything closed during Chuseok?
No. Most major attractions, shopping malls, chain cafés, and convenience stores stay open, but some local restaurants and small businesses may close for a few days.
Is Seoul empty during Chuseok?
Not empty, but definitely quieter. From my experience, many locals travel to their hometowns, so some areas feel less crowded than usual.
Can tourists enjoy Chuseok?
Absolutely. It’s a great time to experience Korean traditions, seasonal food, and the country’s unique holiday atmosphere.
Should I avoid traveling during Chuseok?
Not at all. Just book your hotel and transportation early if you’re planning to visit other cities.
How early should I book KTX tickets and hotels?
As early as possible. They can sell out quickly during one of Korea’s busiest travel periods.
Can I still find restaurants open?
Yes. Chain restaurants, cafés, food courts, and convenience stores are usually easy to find, especially in larger cities.
Is renting a car a good idea during Chuseok?
Yes, but expect heavier traffic, especially before and after the holiday.
What’s the biggest mistake tourists make?
Waiting too long to book transportation or assuming everything will be closed.
What’s your top tip for first-time visitors?
From my experience, book early, stay flexible, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Chuseok can be one of the most memorable times to visit Korea.
Helpful Korea Travel Guides
Planning your Korea trip? These guides may help you prepare:
💸 Best Place to Exchange Money in Korea (2026 Guide)
Where to exchange money, use ATMs, and get the best options for travelers.
🌊 Best Areas to Stay in Jeju for First-Time Visitors (2026 Guide)
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🇰🇷 Incheon Airport to Busan Transportation Guide (2026)
Easy ways to travel from Incheon Airport to Busan.
🏖️ Best Areas to Stay in Busan for First-Time Visitors (2026 Guide)
The best neighborhoods for sightseeing, food, and convenience.
🎒 Where to Stay in Busan for Solo Travelers (2026 Guide)
Safe and convenient areas for solo travelers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting South Korea during Chuseok, don’t let the holiday schedule worry you. From my experience living here, it’s one of the best times to experience Korean culture beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Book your hotel and transportation early, stay flexible, and check opening hours before you go. With a little planning, Chuseok can easily become one of the most memorable parts of your trip to Korea.
👤 About the Author
Hi, I’m Richelle, the creator of Just KTravel, based in South Korea.
I share simple and practical Korea travel guides from my own experience — including seasonal spots, transport tips, hidden places, and easy itineraries.
I started this blog after visiting Korea as a traveler myself, and now I write to help others plan their trips with less stress and more confidence. My goal is to make Korea travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone, especially first-time visitors.
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