2026 Chuseok archive (updated September 28, 2026): The September 24–27 travel period has ended. The dates, ticket-sale windows and event details below describe 2026. For a future trip, check the new holiday calendar, transport schedules and opening hours before booking.
If your trip overlaps with Chuseok Korea 2026, you may be wondering whether everything will be closed. The answer is no. But this is one week when leaving your transport and dinner plans to chance can become expensive, inconvenient, or both.
Chuseok falls on Friday, September 25, 2026. The statutory holiday runs from Thursday, September 24, through Saturday, September 26. Sunday, September 27, makes it a practical four-day break for many people, although Sunday is not an additional Chuseok public holiday. There is no substitute holiday under the current calendar.
Quick Answer: Is Chuseok a Bad Time to Visit Korea?
No. Seoul and other major cities do not simply shut down, public transportation continues, and several cultural events are designed for the holiday. The real risk is intercity travel: KTX seats, Suseo high-speed trains, and highway buses can sell quickly, while road journeys may take much longer than usual. Opening hours also become less predictable at independent restaurants, department stores, supermarkets, and smaller attractions.
| Travel IssueWhat Changes During ChuseokWhat Tourists Should Do | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTX | Holiday trains are sold through a special reservation schedule and popular routes can fill quickly. | Use Korail’s official site or Korail+ app; check cancellations and remaining seats. |
| Intercity bus | Popular routes may have limited seats and busy terminals. | Check both KOBUS and Bustago; avoid building a tight itinerary around an unbooked bus. |
| Road traffic | Hometown travel can create severe expressway congestion. | Prefer rail where possible and leave a large time buffer. |
| Restaurants | Chains and tourist-area venues may open, while independent restaurants may close or shorten hours. | Confirm the exact location the day before and keep a backup meal. |
| Cafes | Chain branches are more predictable, but branch hours vary. | Check the branch’s official notice rather than the chain’s normal hours. |
| Department stores | Closure dates can differ by chain and branch. | Check the exact branch, not just the brand name. |
| Supermarkets | Some branches close on Chuseok or another holiday date; schedules vary. | Buy essentials early and verify the individual store. |
| Attractions | Some remain open or hold events; others close on Chuseok Day. | Use the attraction’s official 2026 notice. |
| Delivery apps | Apps may operate, but fewer restaurants and drivers can mean longer waits or higher fees. | Order earlier and keep convenience-store food as Plan B. |
| Airports | Airports operate, but roads and airport buses can be affected by holiday traffic. | Use rail when practical and allow extra time. |
The short version: do not avoid Korea. Avoid unreserved intercity travel and assumptions about opening hours.
What Is Chuseok Korea 2026?
Chuseok is Korea’s major autumn harvest holiday. Many people travel to their hometowns, gather with family, prepare holiday food, and may hold ancestral memorial rites. That family movement—not a nationwide pause button—is what changes travel conditions.
Songpyeon, small half-moon-shaped rice cakes, is the food most closely associated with the holiday. Jeon, braised short ribs, fruit, and traditional sweets are also common, although they are not exclusive to Chuseok. For a visitor, the useful cultural fact is simple: family plans take priority, so transport demand rises and owner-operated businesses may close.
The Biggest Problem for Tourists: Intercity Travel
Trips between Seoul and Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and other regional cities compete with one of Korea’s largest annual travel movements. Seats do not become impossible to find by definition, but the convenient departures can disappear fast.
This matters most from Wednesday, September 23, through Sunday, September 27—the five-day travel period covered by Korail’s 2026 Chuseok ticket program. A Seoul hotel and a Busan hotel booked on consecutive nights are not a complete plan unless the connection between them is secured.
Taking the KTX During Chuseok
Korail’s official 2026 Chuseok reservation notice uses a special reservation process. Initial sales are online through the Korail website or Korail+ app, and integrated Korail membership is required. Existing SR members must convert to the integrated membership system because Suseo high-speed services are included in the coordinated sale.
Priority booking for eligible disabled passengers, travelers aged 65 or older, pregnant passengers, and eligible national merit recipients ran September 3–4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. General booking began September 7, with routes divided across several days.
For the routes most relevant to international visitors:
- Seoul–Busan Gyeongbu KTX tickets open Friday, September 11, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Yongsan-based Honam and Jeolla KTX routes opened September 9.
- Suseo-based Gyeongbu, Gyeongjeon, Donghae, Honam, and Jeolla services opened September 10.
- Remaining seats across holiday services go on sale September 11 at 3:00 p.m. through Korail channels and station counters.
The limit is 12 tickets per person and six per transaction. General-sale bookings must be paid for between September 12 at midnight and September 15 at midnight or they are released. Korail says holiday trains have no free-seating cars, and several normal discount products are suspended. Do not build a plan around buying a standing or unreserved ticket at the station.
If your preferred train is sold out, keep checking the official inventory during the payment deadline and afterward. Unpaid reservations are released. Try a different departure time, nearby station, or Suseo service, and compare an official express bus. Avoid resale offers: Korail specifically warns against unauthorized ticket trading.
If you’re departing from Seoul Station, see our guide to what to do at Seoul Station before your KTX for practical tips before boarding.
Should You Travel Between Seoul and Busan During Chuseok?
For trips during a future Chuseok period, secure your Seoul–Busan train or bus ticket before booking nonrefundable activities. Korail announces each holiday ticket-sale schedule separately; do not reuse the September 2026 sale dates below. If you arrive at Incheon Airport on a peak travel day, compare the available same-day connections with an overnight stay in Seoul or near the airport, and leave a generous transfer buffer.
If you must continue, secure the domestic connection before departure and leave a generous transfer buffer.
If your itinerary is flexible, keep September 24–26 in one city and move on September 23 or 27 only with a reservation. Families with children or large luggage benefit most from avoiding uncertain bus transfers and crowded stations.
Driving or Taking a Bus During Chuseok
Driving gives flexibility but not speed. Holiday traffic concentrates on major expressways as families leave metropolitan areas and return. The government’s 2026 Chuseok measures include expressway toll exemptions from September 24–27, but free tolls do not mean empty roads.
As of September 10, a detailed official day-by-day 2026 congestion forecast was not yet available in the sources checked. Past patterns are useful as a warning, not a timetable. Monitor Korea Expressway Corporation’s ROADPLUS traffic service on the day and avoid promising yourself a normal travel time.
For buses, search both KOBUS and Bustago because they cover different terminals and operators. An express bus can rescue a sold-out rail plan, but it shares the road with holiday traffic. Allow time for terminal crowds and do not schedule an important tour immediately after the advertised arrival time.
Is Seoul a Good Place to Stay During Chuseok?
Yes. Staying in Seoul is often easier than crossing the country without a reservation. Subways and city buses continue to operate, major tourist districts still have activity, and public cultural venues hold special programs.
The tradeoff is choice. A neighborhood can feel quieter, a favorite family-run restaurant may be closed, and individual stores may shorten hours. Seoul is not empty; it is simply less predictable at the business-by-business level.
For a low-stress Chuseok Day, combine one officially confirmed attraction or event with a flexible neighborhood walk and a confirmed meal. Myeongdong, Hongdae, Insadong, and major hotel districts generally offer more fallback options than a residential side street, but no district guarantees that every shop will open.
What Is Open and Closed During Chuseok?
| TypeLikely PatternWhat to Check | ||
|---|---|---|
| Convenience stores | Usually the most dependable backup, but not every branch is 24 hours | Branch hours and food stock |
| Chain cafes | Many open with adjusted hours | Exact branch notice |
| Independent cafes | Varies widely | Instagram, Naver notice, or phone |
| Independent restaurants | More likely to close or shorten hours | Same-day or day-before confirmation |
| Department stores | Often close for one or more holiday dates, varying by branch | Official branch calendar |
| Large supermarkets | Varies by branch and statutory closing schedule | Individual store page |
| Traditional markets | Mixed; individual vendors choose their hours | Market notice and vendor posts |
| Shopping malls | Building, department store, cinema, and restaurants may keep different hours | Each tenant or facility |
| Museums | Some open for programs; others close on Chuseok Day | Official holiday notice |
| Palaces | Special holiday access may apply, but hours and reservations still matter | Official palace notice |
| Theme parks | Often operate with holiday schedules | Dated operating calendar |
| Convenience services | Banks and government offices close; private services vary | Official service notice |
Are Department Stores and Supermarkets Open?
Do not search only “Is Lotte open?” and assume the answer applies everywhere. Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae, Hyundai, Lotte Mart, and Emart can use different closure dates by branch. A mall building may open while its anchor department store or supermarket is closed.
As of September 10, 2026, complete branch-by-branch Chuseok schedules were not consistently available in the official pages indexed during research. That uncertainty belongs in your plan. Check the exact branch’s official page, app, or social account 24 hours before visiting. Buy medication, baby supplies, and any must-have groceries by September 23 or early September 24.
Are Restaurants Open During Chuseok?
Some are; some are not. Hotel restaurants, large chains, transport hubs, and tourist-heavy districts are more likely to provide options, while small owner-operated restaurants may close for family time. That is a useful tendency, not a guarantee.
Google Maps and Naver Map can display normal weekly hours even when a holiday exception applies. Look for a dated Chuseok notice on the restaurant’s official Instagram or Naver page. If the meal matters, call, message, or ask your hotel concierge to confirm. A reservation platform accepting a booking is helpful, but a direct holiday notice is stronger evidence.
Does Food Delivery Still Work During Chuseok?
Delivery platforms do not necessarily stop operating. The number of participating restaurants, driver supply, delivery time, and fees can still change. Order before you are desperately hungry, and do not rely on one specific restaurant appearing in the app.
Visitors without a Korean phone number or local payment setup may face additional friction; see MBK’s guide to order food delivery in Korea without a Korean phone number. Your simplest backup is usually downstairs, not digital.
Your Safest Backup: Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are the most practical food Plan B. Look for gimbap, dosirak lunch boxes, cup ramen, sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. Larger branches near stations and tourist areas often have more prepared-food choices.
Not every store operates 24 hours, and popular meals can sell out. Buy a backup dinner earlier in the day if your neighborhood appears quiet. It will not be your grand Chuseok feast, but it beats discovering at 9:30 p.m. that your three saved restaurants all posted the same “closed for the holiday” sign.
Are Seoul Attractions Open During Chuseok?
There is no single rule. The 2026 government holiday program announced free admission from September 24–27 at the four major Seoul palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, royal tombs, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Still check each venue’s official page for hours, reservation requirements, and any building-specific closure.
The National Museum of Korea normally lists Chuseok Day among its annual closing days, so do not place it on September 25 without checking for a newer special notice. Commercial attractions such as observation decks and theme parks use their own dated calendars.
Three Seoul programs were officially listed when this guide was updated:
- Namsan Moonlight Courtyard: September 25–27, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., at Namsangol Hanok Village. Admission is free, with some paid activities and food. Programs include performances, traditional experiences, and games.
- Hanseong Baekje Museum Hangawi Festival: September 26, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., at the museum and Seoul Baekje Children’s Museum. Free, with same-day onsite registration for activities.
- Seoul Museum of History Hangawi Hanmadang: listed for September 26 with games, performances, and crafts. The official listing still marked details as planned, so recheck the time before going.
These are better anchors for a holiday itinerary than an attraction whose 2026 schedule has not been published.
Chuseok Foods Worth Trying
- Songpyeon: chewy half-moon rice cakes filled with ingredients such as sesame, beans, or chestnut; the signature Chuseok food.
- Jeon: ingredients coated and pan-fried; common on holiday tables but eaten year-round.
- Galbijjim: braised short ribs often served for celebrations and family holidays, not exclusive to Chuseok.
- Hangwa: a broad family of traditional sweets that appears in holiday gift sets but is available beyond the season.
The easiest route for a visitor is to buy songpyeon before a supermarket or department-store food hall closes, reserve a confirmed-open Korean restaurant, or join a verified cultural program. Do not assume a restaurant’s normal menu includes a full home-style holiday meal.
What Should Tourists Do on Chuseok Day?
On Friday, September 25, stay within one city unless you hold a confirmed ticket. In Seoul, build the day around Namsangol Hanok Village’s confirmed festival or a palace after checking its current notice. Add a flexible walk in Insadong, Ikseon-dong, Cheonggyecheon, or a tourist-oriented district, then eat at a restaurant whose holiday hours you verified.
Hotel facilities are a useful fallback, particularly for families. Keep the evening loose and save a convenience-store meal or hotel dining option. The best Chuseok itinerary has one solid anchor and several replaceable parts.
What I Would Avoid Scheduling on Chuseok Day
- An important Seoul–Busan trip without a confirmed reservation
- A road trip with a normal-day arrival estimate and no buffer
- A must-visit independent restaurant without a dated opening notice
- Shopping that depends on one department-store or supermarket branch
- A chain of prepaid activities with no room for delays
This is not a ban on travel. It is a ban on brittle plans.
Flying In or Out During Chuseok
Incheon International Airport continues to operate during public holidays. The vulnerable part is getting to or from it. Road traffic can delay taxis and airport buses, while rail generally provides a more predictable journey.
Check the current AREX timetable and any holiday service notice before departure. If using a bus or taxi, add a larger road buffer than usual. For a detailed comparison, read Seoul Station to Incheon Airport. Travelers continuing south should secure the domestic leg first and review getting from Incheon Airport to Busan.
A Simple Chuseok Travel Strategy
Tuesday, September 22 — three days before Chuseok: Finish essential intercity bookings, confirm accommodation, and shortlist backup restaurants. Do not wait for arrival to solve a Seoul–Busan transfer.
Thursday, September 24 — day before Chuseok: Stay in your chosen city if possible. Buy snacks, breakfast, medication, and essentials. Recheck every must-visit business and attraction.
Friday, September 25 — Chuseok Day: Use city transit, attend a confirmed cultural event, visit a verified-open attraction, and eat at a confirmed-open restaurant. Keep a convenience-store or hotel meal as backup.
Saturday, September 26 — day after Chuseok: Seoul cultural events continue, but intercity demand may remain high. Travel only with a booking and check hours again.
Sunday, September 27 — return-travel day: Many people will be heading back to metropolitan areas. Rail and roads can still be busy, so do not treat Sunday as a normal end-of-weekend transfer day.
What Should You Do If…
Your KTX is sold out: Check Korail after the payment deadline, search different times and stations, compare Suseo services and official buses, or move the trip by a day. Do not use unauthorized resellers.
Your restaurant is closed: Search a hotel, transport hub, mall restaurant floor, or chain branch with a current notice. Use a convenience store if certainty matters more than culinary ambition.
You arrive at Incheon Airport on Chuseok: Use rail where practical, confirm onward transport before flying, and consider sleeping in Seoul or near the airport rather than improvising a long-distance connection.
You are staying in Myeongdong: Expect more tourist-facing options than in many residential areas, but verify individual branches. For practical restaurant backups, see our guide to where to eat alone in Myeongdong.
You are staying in Busan: Apply the same branch-level checks. Avoid assuming that Seoul event schedules or retail closures apply to Busan, and use Visit Busan and venue-specific notices.
You have no fixed itinerary: Stay in one city from September 24–26. Choose a confirmed event each morning and keep meals flexible. During Chuseok, flexibility is an advantage, not a planning failure.
FAQ
Is Korea closed during Chuseok?
No. Public transport continues and many tourist facilities, convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants operate. Closures and reduced hours vary by venue, especially for independent businesses, department stores, and supermarkets.
Is Chuseok a good time to visit Korea?
It can be, particularly if you stay in one city and enjoy the cultural programs. It is less convenient for spontaneous long-distance travel or a schedule built around specific small businesses.
Does public transportation run during Chuseok?
Yes, city subways and buses continue, and intercity trains and buses run. Holiday timetables, high demand, and road congestion mean that you should verify schedules and reserve long-distance seats.
Can tourists buy KTX tickets during Chuseok?
Yes. Use Korail’s official website or Korail+ app and complete integrated membership requirements. The 2026 holiday sale uses route-specific dates, ticket limits, and payment deadlines.
Are restaurants open during Chuseok in Seoul?
Some are, especially hotel restaurants, chains, and venues in tourist districts. Independent restaurants are less predictable, so confirm the exact location through a dated official notice or direct contact.
Is Myeongdong open during Chuseok?
The district itself remains accessible and many tourist-facing businesses may operate, but there is no district-wide guarantee. Check each shop, restaurant, and attraction separately.
Is Lotte Mart open during Chuseok?
It depends on the branch and its holiday schedule. Check the exact Lotte Mart location’s official notice; do not apply one branch’s hours to the entire chain.
Is Incheon Airport busy during Chuseok?
The airport operates, and passenger levels plus road conditions can make access more time-consuming. Check airport guidance, use rail when it suits your route, and allow extra time.
Sources & Last Updated
Key facts were checked against the Korail 2026 Chuseok reservation notice, Korail, the government’s 2026 Chuseok policy package, Korea Expressway Corporation ROADPLUS, KOBUS, Bustago, Incheon International Airport, AREX, the National Museum of Korea, and official Seoul listings for Namsan Moonlight Courtyard, Hanseong Baekje Museum Hangawi Festival, and Seoul Museum of History Hangawi Hanmadang.
2026 event information retained as an archive; archive notice added September 28, 2026. Date-label consistency reviewed October 15, 2026.
Holiday schedules can change by location. Check the official website or social media account of any restaurant, store, or attraction you absolutely do not want to miss.