Chuseok in Korea: Dates, What to Do, What’s Open & Travel Tips

Last updated: September 3, 2026

Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays, often called Korean Thanksgiving. It is a time when families return to their hometowns, honor their ancestors, enjoy traditional food, and spend time together. For travelers, Chuseok can be an interesting time to experience Korean culture and early autumn in Korea. However, it is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year, so transportation, restaurants, shops, and attractions may operate differently from usual.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Chuseok 2026 in Korea, including the dates, traditions, food, what is open and closed, transportation tips, and the best things to do as a foreign traveler.

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Quick Facts About Chuseok in Korea

What is Chuseok?	Chuseok is a major Korean traditional holiday and mid-autumn harvest festival.
When is Chuseok?	The 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar.
When is Chuseok 2026?	Friday, September 25, 2026
Chuseok 2026 Holiday Period	Thursday-Saturday, September 24-26, 2026
Famous Chuseok Food	Songpyeon (rice cake), Japchae, Bulgogi, Galbi-jjim, Jeon (pancake)
Main Traditions	Charye, Beolcho, Seongmyo making, family gatherings, traditional games
Should tourists visit Korea during Chuseok?	Yes, but Chuseok is the busiest travel period in Korea. Make transportation plans accordingly.

What Is Chuseok in Korea?

Chuseok (추석), also called Hangawi (한가위), is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. It is traditionally associated with the autumn harvest and giving thanks for the year’s crops.

The holiday is centered around family. Many Koreans travel from major cities back to their hometowns to spend time with relatives, prepare traditional food, visit ancestral graves, and take part in memorial rituals. Unlike a festival where most activities take place in one central location, Chuseok is primarily a family holiday. This is why Korea can feel unusually quiet in some places while major transportation hubs become extremely crowded.

For visitors, Chuseok is also a chance to see traditional Korean customs, food, clothing, performances, and cultural programs.

When Is Chuseok 2026 in Korea?

Chuseok 2026 falls on Friday, September 25. The official three-day Chuseok holiday runs from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26, 2026. Because Chuseok follows the lunar calendar, its dates change every year. The holiday is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, around the full moon.

For travelers, the busiest period can extend beyond the official three-day holiday. In 2026, Korail’s special Chuseok transportation period covers September 24–27, so travelers planning trips between Seoul and other cities should expect particularly high demand.

What Are The Main Chuseok Traditions?

The holiday of Chuseok is steeped in a wealth of cultural customs handed down over the years. It retains the tradition of sharing and gratitude. The following are some of the more well-known Chuseok traditions:

Charye (Ancestral Memorial Rites)

The Charye ceremony is an important ritual that starts on the morning of the Chuseok holiday. It is common practice for families to honor their ancestors by preparing a feast consisting of traditional delicacies and laying these foods out as offerings on a table. After that, they serve ceremonial bows as a sign of respect to their ancestors and an expression of thanks to those who came before them.

Beolcho and Seongmyo

The custom of going to ancestral gravesites and pulling weeds that may have grown there is a sign of respect and care for ancestors, known as beolcho. The term “seongmyo” refers to the practice of paying a visit to the burial grounds of one’s ancestors as a sign of respect and to update one’s forebears on the present state of the family.

Wearing Hanbok

The Hanbok is a traditional Korean outfit characterized by its bright colors and clean lines, as you may already know. During Chuseok, wearing traditional hanbok is common among locals, which lends an air of elegance to the occasion. Visitors may also see people wearing hanbok at palaces, folk villages, and Chuseok cultural programs. You can also rent a hanbok and join in the festivity.

Making Songpyeon

Songpyeon is a rice cake that, depending on the filling, can have a sweet or salty flavor. Families frequently gather to prepare Songpyeon, which turns the preparation process into a pleasurable community activity. Those who can mold Songpyeon into an attractive shape will have a greater chance of finding a suitable partner and having children who are both healthy and beautiful. (It’s a belief!)

Ganggangsullae

This is a traditional kind of dance in Korea under the full moon’s light. Hands are held in a circle by a group of women clad in hanboks as they sing and dance together. UNESCO has acknowledged the dance as a worldwide intangible cultural heritage component. The Joseon dynasty is widely credited with the creation of the dance, which can be traced back to the Joseon dynasty, where its beginnings may be found.

Playing Folk Games

In addition, Chuseok is a time for playing games and having fun. During the celebrations, traditional Korean games such as “Yutnori,” which is a board game, “Ssireum,” which is Korean wrestling, and “Jegichagi,” which is a game similar to hacky sack, can be at the top of your priority list.

Gift Giving

During Chuseok, giving and receiving gifts is customary as a sign of friendliness and respect for one another. Gifts can come in various forms, including gourmet foods, everyday household products, and even high-end luxury goods.

Palgongsan Mountain Ritual

In addition, some Koreans follow the age-old custom of ascending Palgongsan Mountain to present an offering to the gods, pray for a bountiful crop, and ask for the health and happiness of their family.

As a result of these customs, Chuseok is a lively celebration of Korean ancestry; it also provides a fascinating look into the rich culture and history of the Korean people.

What Do Koreans Eat During Chuseok?

Food is one of the most important parts of Chuseok. Families traditionally prepare a large meal together, with dishes varying by region and family.

Songpyeon

Without a doubt, the meal that epitomizes the Chuseok holiday is Songpyeon. These miniature rice cakes, shaped like half moons and filled with sweetened sesame seeds, mung beans, or chestnuts, are steamed over a bed of fragrant pine needles before being served. It increases the appeal of these sweets by coloring the dough with natural ingredients such as mugwort or sweet potato.

Japchae

The next item to be served is japchae, a joy to the taste buds and the eyes. It is made using dangmyeon, a noodle made from sweet potato starch. It is stir-fried with colorful veggies, such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and sometimes meat.

Bulgogi and Galbi-jjim

The Bulgogi and the Galbi-jjim are a must-try for anyone who enjoys beef. To create bulgogi, grill beef cut very thinly and marinated in a mixture of sweet and salty spices until it reaches the desired degree of doneness. Bulgogi is a traditional dish from the Korean peninsula. On the other hand, galbi-jjim is a filling dish with beef short ribs that are simmered in a rich marinade that often consists of soy sauce, sugar, and Korean pear until they are incredibly tender and fall apart when you bite into them.

Jeon

Another essential item for Chuseok is jeon, a Korean pancake. These savory pancakes come in a variety of forms. They can be created with various ingredients, including green onions, zucchini, mushrooms, or seafood coated in a light batter and pan-fried until golden brown and crisp.

Gujeolpan

Gujeolpan, a meal that is equally delicious to look at as it is to taste, is frequently included in the Chuseok buffet. It is a dish with eight pieces of finely sliced foods, such as colorful vegetables, meat, and mushrooms, and it is served with thin wheat pancakes in the center.

Hangwa

If you crave something sweet, you can satisfy it with a traditional Korean treat called hangwa. These sweets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also leave your mouth watering, and they are available in a wide variety of forms, flavors, and textures.

Baekseju and Soju

Last, traditional alcoholic beverages like Baekseju, a mellow rice wine, and Soju, a clear distilled liquor, appear on the table alongside this rich feast.

The cooking of these meals is a family tradition, and family members get together to do it as a group activity. As a result, the Chuseok feast is not just about the food but also about the family, the love, and the coming together of everyone.

How to Travel Around Korea During Chuseok

KTX and Trains

KTX trains continue running during Chuseok, but demand is much higher than usual as millions of people travel across Korea to visit family. Popular routes between Seoul and cities such as Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju, Jeonju, and other major destinations can sell out quickly.

For Chuseok 2026, Korail has designated September 24–27 as the special holiday transportation period. If you plan to take a KTX during these dates, pay close attention to the Chuseok ticket reservation schedule. General-member reservations are scheduled by route from September 7 to 11, 2026, with remaining seats released afterward.

Tip: If your itinerary includes intercity travel during Chuseok, book your KTX as soon as reservations open. Don’t wait until the day of travel or assume you can easily buy a ticket at the station.

If your preferred train is sold out, check for:

• Different departure times
• Earlier or later trains
• Other KTX/SRT routes where available
• Express or intercity buses as an alternative

Express and Intercity Buses

Express and intercity buses continue to operate during Chuseok, but major terminals and popular routes can be extremely busy.

Buses can be a useful backup when train tickets are unavailable, but allow significantly more travel time. Holiday traffic can cause long delays, especially on routes between Seoul and major cities.

Getting Around Seoul

If you’re staying mainly in Seoul, transportation is much easier than traveling between cities. Seoul’s subway and city buses generally continue operating during Chuseok, although holiday schedules may differ.

For a Seoul-only itinerary, you can still visit major attractions and move around the city relatively easily. The bigger transportation challenge is getting to or leaving Seoul, rather than traveling within the capital.

Best Things to Do During Chuseok in South Korea for Foreigners

Visit Seoul’s Royal Palaces

Chuseok is a great time to visit Seoul’s royal palaces, including Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung. During major traditional holidays, the palaces often offer free admission, making it a good opportunity to explore Seoul’s historic sites without paying an entrance fee.

You can also rent a hanbok and explore the palace grounds in traditional Korean dress. Hanbok rental shops around Gyeongbokgung are particularly popular, so booking ahead is recommended during the holiday period.

Join Chuseok Programs at Namsangol Hanok Village

For a more traditional Chuseok experience, head to Namsangol Hanok Village. The village usually organizes special holiday programs around Chuseok, which can include traditional performances, folk games, craft workshops, hands-on cultural activities, and traditional food experiences.

Programs vary each year, so check the 2026 Chuseok event schedule before visiting. Many activities are free, while some workshops or hands-on programs may require advance registration or a separate fee.

Experience Traditional Culture at Korean Folk Village

Located just outside Seoul in Yongin, Korean Folk Village is another good option for experiencing Chuseok traditions.

During Chuseok, the village usually holds a special seasonal festival with performances, traditional games, folk customs, and other holiday-themed activities throughout the village. The larger setting also makes it a good choice if you want to spend several hours experiencing traditional Korea rather than simply visiting a single cultural site.

Spend a Day at Everland

If you want a fun break from traditional Chuseok activities, Everland is a good option for a full-day outing. The theme park generally operates during Chuseok and may run special seasonal events and decorations around the holiday.

Because Chuseok is one of Korea’s busiest travel periods, expect larger crowds than usual. Check the operating schedule and book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting with children.

Visit Lotte World

Lotte World is one of the easiest theme parks to add to a Seoul itinerary because it’s located in Jamsil and is connected to a major shopping and entertainment complex. The park is divided between the huge indoor Adventure area and outdoor Magic Island, with rides ranging from family-friendly attractions to bigger roller coasters. The indoor section is particularly useful if you want a flexible activity that isn’t dependent on the weather. After the theme park, you can also explore Lotte World Mall, Seokchon Lake, or Seoul Sky nearby.

The park typically remains open during Chuseok, but crowds can be heavy during the holiday. Check the day’s operating hours and consider arriving early to make the most of your visit.

Take a Day Trip to Nami Island

If you’d rather spend the day outdoors, Nami Island makes an easy day trip from Seoul. Its tree-lined walking paths, riverside scenery, and spacious grounds are ideal for a slower day away from the city.

September is also a nice time to visit as the weather becomes cooler and more comfortable for spending time outdoors. If you have a full day available, you can combine Nami Island with nearby attractions such as the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, or Gangchon Rail Park, either independently or as part of a day tour.

What Should Tourists Know About Traveling During Chuseok?

• Major tourist attractions stay open: Palaces, museums, parks, theme parks, and many cultural attractions generally operate during Chuseok. Some even offer free admission or special Chuseok programs, including traditional performances, folk games, and craft workshops.
• Small businesses may close: Family-run restaurants, cafés, and shops are more likely to take a holiday break. Some close only on Chuseok Day, while others may close for 2–3 days. Businesses in major tourist areas are generally more likely to remain open.
• Major shopping areas usually have plenty open: Department stores and individual shops may have holiday closures, but areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Insadong still have plenty of places operating.
• Convenience stores are your safest bet: Convenience stores such as CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven are widely available and generally remain open throughout the holiday, making them useful when smaller restaurants or shops are closed.
• Seoul can actually feel quieter: Many Seoul residents leave the capital to visit their hometowns, so some neighborhoods can be noticeably less crowded. Tourist areas may still be busy, but Seoul’s residential areas can feel unusually calm.
• Intercity travel is the biggest challenge: KTX, trains, and buses continue to operate, but demand is extremely high around Chuseok. For 2026, Korail’s special holiday transportation period is September 24–27, with Chuseok ticket reservations taking place September 7–11 depending on the route. If you need to travel between Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju, Daegu, or other cities, plan your transportation early.

Final thought

This brings to a close our exploration of the colorful fabric that is Chuseok, the much-loved Thanksgiving holiday in Korea. Chuseok is not just a holiday but a wholesome experience reflecting unity, respect, and thankfulness. From its rich customs to its fascinating folk games and delectable feasts to the different lovely destinations, Chuseok is more than just a holiday; it is a joyous occasion.

Suppose you’re planning on celebrating Chuseok for the first time this year. In that case, you’ll find this blog article to be an invaluable resource. We hope that it has enlightened you about the wonders of Chuseok and motivated you to participate in this beautiful celebration. So, here’s wishing you all the best for a wonderful Chuseok. May it be complete with happiness, prosperity, and warmth. Happy Chuseok!

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