Planning to be in Seoul during Chuseok?
You might be wondering what will actually be open, where you can go, and whether everything will be crowded and expensive.
Honestly, Chuseok is not the easiest time to travel around Korea.
Many Koreans travel to their hometowns to visit family, so trains, buses, highways, and airports can get very busy. Accommodation and transportation can also be more expensive than usual. Some restaurants, cafés, and small businesses close for the holiday, too.
If you’re spending Chuseok in Seoul, don’t worry.
You don’t need an expensive itinerary to enjoy Chuseok.
In fact, I think this can be a good time to slow down, stay in the city, and experience Seoul without trying to check off every tourist attraction.
Here are some easy things to do in Seoul during Chuseok in 2026.
What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is one of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays.
It is often compared to Thanksgiving because it is a time when families get together, share food, and spend time with relatives.
One food you will often see around Chuseok is songpyeon, a small rice cake traditionally made in different shapes and colors.
Traditional games, performances, and cultural activities are also common during the holiday.
In 2026, Chuseok falls on September 25.
If you’re visiting Korea during this period, remember that Korea does not completely shut down for Chuseok. However, individual businesses and attractions may have different holiday hours or close for a few days.
So, always check before you go.
Visit a Traditional Korean Village
If you want to experience a little bit of traditional Korea, visiting a hanok village is an easy option.
Namsangol Hanok Village is one of the places worth checking during Chuseok.
The village has traditional Korean houses, gardens, and cultural spaces. Special Chuseok programs are also planned around the holiday period.
Another option is Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can walk through the historic neighborhood and see traditional Korean houses.
If you’re visiting Bukchon, remember that it is a real residential neighborhood. Keep your voice down and be respectful of the people who live there.
A tip from someone who lives in Korea
You don’t need to book a fancy cultural tour to experience traditional Korea.
Sometimes simply walking through a hanok neighborhood and stopping for a coffee nearby is enough.
Look for Free Chuseok Events
This is probably one of the best things to do if you don’t want to spend much money.
Seoul usually has a variety of free or low-cost cultural programs around Chuseok, including traditional performances, games, crafts, and family activities.
For 2026, several museums and cultural spaces in Seoul are preparing Chuseok programs.
Seoul Baekje Museum is scheduled to hold a Chuseok festival around the holiday period, and Seoul Museum of Urban Life is also planning a Chuseok cultural event.
These kinds of events can be especially nice if you’re traveling with children.
Instead of paying for an expensive tourist experience, you can spend a few hours enjoying Korean culture with local families.
Just check the official schedule before visiting, as individual programs and opening hours can change.
Visit Bukchon Cultural Center
If you’re interested in Korean traditions, keep an eye out for Bukchon Dorak, a seasonal cultural program held through the Bukchon Cultural Center.
The program celebrates traditional Korean seasonal holidays, including Chuseok.
The Chuseok edition is planned for September 2026, with activities related to traditional food and games.
This is the kind of experience I would recommend if you want something a little more local and less touristy.
And because the exact program schedule can change, check the official announcement before making a special trip.
Spend a Slow Afternoon at the Seoul Outdoor Library
Not every Chuseok activity has to be about traditional culture.
Sometimes you just want to take a break.
The Seoul Outdoor Library is a good example.
Outdoor library programs are scheduled in several central Seoul locations during September, including Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and Cheonggyecheon.
Grab a coffee, find a book, sit outside, and watch the city for a while.
It costs little or nothing, and there is no need to make a complicated plan.
Honestly, after several days of sightseeing, this might be exactly what you need.
Have a Picnic by the Han River
Here’s one of the easiest ways to spend an afternoon in Seoul.
Go to a convenience store.
Buy some snacks, drinks, kimbap, or ramen.
Then head to the Han River.
That’s it.
You don’t need a reservation, an expensive restaurant, or a packed schedule.
The Han River is perfect for walking, sitting on the grass, watching the sunset, or letting kids run around.
And a convenience-store picnic is actually a fun Korean experience for visitors, too.
If the weather is nice during Chuseok, this would be high on my list.
Check Out the Jamsugyo Bridge Festival
If you want something more lively, check the schedule for the Jamsugyo Bridge Walking Festival.
The festival is held on selected Sundays and offers performances, activities, and events along the Han River.
A special Chuseok-themed event is also planned for September 27, 2026.
It’s another good option if you want to enjoy Seoul outdoors without spending a lot of money.
Check the official event schedule before visiting because programs and times may change.
Explore Your Neighborhood
This might sound like a strange suggestion for a tourist.
But hear me out.
You don’t always have to go to Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, or another famous tourist area.
Walk around the neighborhood where you’re staying.
Find a small café.
Try a local bakery.
Visit a nearby park.
Stop by a convenience store.
Just see what you find.
During Chuseok, Seoul can feel a little different because many people leave the city to visit their families.
Some areas may actually feel quieter than usual.
Just remember that small businesses may also close during the holiday, so check their opening hours first.
Don’t Plan a Long-Distance Trip Unless You Really Want To
This is probably my biggest piece of advice.
Think twice before planning a KTX or long-distance bus trip during Chuseok.
Chuseok is one of the busiest travel periods in Korea.
Many people travel between cities to visit family, so trains, buses, highways, and transportation hubs can become extremely crowded.
If visiting Busan, Jeonju, or another city is one of the main reasons you came to Korea, of course, go for it.
Just book your transportation early and expect a slower journey.
But if you’re only thinking about leaving Seoul because you feel like you should do something special during the holiday, you don’t have to.
Stay in Seoul.
Your trip might actually be easier that way.
Try Some Chuseok Foods
Of course, we can’t talk about Chuseok without talking about food.
If you see songpyeon, give it a try.
You can also look for Korean dishes commonly served at family gatherings, such as jeon, japchae, and galbijjim.
If you’re not sure where to find traditional Chuseok food, try a Korean supermarket or traditional market.
Supermarkets are also interesting around Chuseok because you’ll often see seasonal food, gift sets, snacks, and beautifully packaged holiday products.
You don’t have to sit down for a big traditional meal.
Sometimes just walking around a Korean supermarket during a holiday is an experience in itself.
Is Chuseok a Good Time to Visit Korea?
Honestly, it depends on what kind of trip you want.
If your plan is to travel around Korea, visit several cities, and move around by train, Chuseok can be challenging.
Transportation gets busy, prices can rise, and some businesses close for the holiday.
But if you’re already planning to stay in Seoul, there’s no reason to panic.
You can still have a great time.
Visit a traditional village.
Join a free cultural event.
Have a picnic by the Han River.
Visit a museum.
Find a neighborhood café.
Or simply take a day off from sightseeing.
Chuseok doesn’t have to mean an expensive trip or a packed schedule.
Sometimes, having no big plans at all is the best plan.
Quick Chuseok Tips for Travelers
Before heading out during Chuseok, keep these things in mind:
- Check attraction opening hours before visiting.
- Check restaurant and café holiday schedules.
- Book KTX and long-distance buses early if you need them.
- Expect major transportation hubs to be crowded.
- Look for free cultural events and public programs.
- Don’t try to visit too many places in one day.
- Staying in Seoul can be much easier than traveling between cities.
- Check official websites for the latest event information.
And most importantly, don’t worry if your original itinerary doesn’t work out.
Chuseok is simply a different time to experience Korea.
Slow down a little.
Enjoy the food.
Take a walk.
And let Seoul surprise you.
Event dates, opening hours, and individual programs may change. Please check the official websites before visiting.
