Seoul attractions closed on Monday and Tuesday typically include palaces and museums. More specifically, 경복궁 is closed every Tuesday, while 덕수궁, 창덕궁, and the remaining two of the five main palaces are closed on Mondays. Big marts like Lotte Mart, Emart예산 및 홈 플러스 also have their own specific closing schedules. The opening hours of attractions also vary, particularly during public holidays like 추석 설랄, when small businesses may suddenly stop operating on short notice. At such times, your best alternative will be to opt for other activities.
Seoul Attractions Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays: Quick Table
| 휴무일 | Palaces in Seoul | Museums in Seoul | Art Galleries, Markets, Festivals, & More |
| 월 | 덕수궁, 창덕궁, 창경궁, 경희궁 | 전쟁기념관, 리움미술관, Seoul Museum of Art – Seosomun Main Branch, 청계천박물관, 서울역사박물관, 서울국악박물관, Seoul Museum of Craft | 남산골 한옥 마을, 서대문 형무소 역사관, 아라리오갤러리, 청운문학도서관, 인왕산 |
| 화 | 경복궁, 경복궁 별빛투어 | 청와대 사랑채 | 서울풍물시장 |
| 일 - Closed | All five main royal palaces are open on Sundays. | - | 동대문 시장 (Dongdaemun Market), 아라리오갤러리, 남대문 시장, 광장 시장 |
| Holiday & Special Closure Dates | All five main royal palaces remain open during public holidays. | War Memorial of Korea, Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul Museum of History, Seoul Museum of Korean Folk Music, Seoul Museum of Craft, 국립 고궁 박물관, 청계천박물관 | Ttukseom Winter Festival, Seodaemun Prison |
What’s Closed on Monday in Seoul?
Most of Seoul’s palaces, museums, and cultural sites close on Monday. This includes 덕수궁, 창덕궁, 창경궁, 경희궁 고급 호텔, 전쟁기념관, Seodaemun Prison, Leeum Museum, and more. One thing to note: four out of Seoul’s five royal palaces are closed on Monday, with Gyeongbokgung Palace being the only exception.
* Important info: SEOULDAL Hot Air Balloon is no longer closed on Mondays; it operates from Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00.
덕수궁
- 영업 시간 : Tue-Sun: 09:00 – 21:00 (Last admission at 20:00)
- 휴관일: 매주 월요일
덕수궁 is the smallest of Seoul’s five main royal palaces, and you only need to spend around an hour to explore. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed every Monday. The highlight is the “Changing of the Guard Ceremony,” held thrice a day at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30. The ceremony takes place every day except on Mondays. * Note: If a scheduled closing day falls on a public holiday, Deoksugung Palace will close the following day instead.
💡 Tip: First-time visitors typically opt for a half-day or full-day tour that combines a palace visit with other Seoul attractions. Here’s what the booking platforms charge:
전쟁기념관
- 영업 시간 : Tuesday-Sunday: 09:30 – 17:40
- 휴관일: 매주 월요일
The 전쟁기념관 is closed every Monday and open from 9:30 AM to 5:40 PM on the remaining days. This military museum commemorates the military forces and civilians affected by the Korean War. It houses approximately 33,000 artifacts, including 10,000 on display at indoor and outdoor exhibitions. * Note: The War Memorial of Korea is closed on New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok.
서대문 형무소 역사관
- 영업 시간 : Tuesday-Sunday: 09:30 – 18:00
- 휴관일: 매주 월요일
Located in the Seodaemun district, 서대문 형무소 역사관 is closed every Monday and is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. It was a prison during the Japanese colonial period in the early 1900s. People who opposed Japanese rule were imprisoned and brutally tortured here. It is now a museum where visitors can see prison cells and learn about the prison’s history. * Note: Seodaemun Prison is closed on January 1st, Seollal, and Chuseok.
리움미술관
- 영업 시간 : Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
- 휴관일: 매주 월요일
One of three private art museums in Korea, 리움미술관 is among the Seoul attractions closed on Mondays. It is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. The museum features two sections: Museum 1 (M1) housing a gigantic collection of traditional Korean art and Museum 2 (M2) housing modern and contemporary art. It also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions by Korean and international artists. * Note: Leeum Museum is closed on January 1st, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok.
What’s Closed on Tuesday in Seoul?
경복궁 is closed every Tuesday. Since first-time visitors typically plan to visit Gyeongbokgung, they have to avoid visiting it on Tuesdays. This also makes Gyeongbokgung the best alternative destination on Monday when the rest of Seoul’s palaces are closed. Take a look at the official opening hours of the palace below:
| 개월 | Wednesday-Monday Opening Hours |
| 1월-2월 | 09 : 00 - 17 : 00 |
| 3 월 -5 월 | 09 : 00 - 18 : 00 |
| 6 월 ~ 8 월 | 09 : 00 - 18 : 30 |
| 9 월 10 월 | 09 : 00 - 18 : 00 |
| 십일월 십이월 | 09 : 00-17 : 00 |
* Note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday year-round. If the scheduled closing day falls on a public holiday, it will close the following day instead.
Unlike Gyeongbokgung Palace, the 국립 고궁 박물관 is open 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM from Sunday to Friday and 9:30 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays. It is only closed on the last Monday of every month.
서울풍물시장
- 영업 시간 : 10 : 00-19 : 00
- 휴관일: 매주 화요일
Aside from Gyeongbokgung, 서울풍물시장 is also closed every Tuesday. This is one of the best budget shopping spots in Seoul, where you can buy traditional arts and crafts, commonplace goods, souvenirs, vintage clothing, and rare collectibles. * Note: During Chuseok Day, some businesses may remain open.
Seoul Attractions Closed on Sunday
아라리오갤러리
- 영업 시간 : Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00 -18:00
- 휴관일: 매주 일요일과 월요일
아라리오갤러리 is closed twice a week on Sunday and Monday. Launched in 1989, the art gallery has promoted Asian art and artists through bold exhibitions. It runs three spaces across Seoul, Cheonan, and Shanghai. Check the 공식 웹 사이트 to see which exhibition is happening before visiting.
동대문 시장 (Dongdaemun Market)
- 영업 시간 : Monday-Saturday: 9:00 – 19:00
- 휴관일: 매주 일요일
상징적 인 동대문 시장 (Dongdaemun Market) is closed every Sunday and is open from 9 AM to 7 PM on the remaining days. The ultimate destination for both modern and traditional shopping, it features over 20 shopping malls and traditional markets selling wholesale clothing and affordable items. Just a heads up, the market is closed every Sunday, but many shops are also closed on Monday.
남대문 시장
- 영업 시간 : 0:00 – 23:00 (Operating hours vary per store)
- 휴관일: 매주 일요일
Similar to Dongdaemun Market, 남대문 시장 is closed every Sunday. It is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets, where you can find almost everything, from clothes, accessories, and shoes to electronics and street food. The best part is that the prices here are reasonable and even 10-20% lower than other markets.
광장 시장
- 영업 시간 : 09 : 00-18 : 00
- 휴관일: Every Sunday except for Food Alley
One of the oldest traditional markets in Korea, 광장 시장 is closed every Sunday, similar to Dongdaemun and Namdaemun. It specializes in traditional Korean cuisine, such as tteokbokki, kalguksu, bindaetteok, kimbap, buchimgae, and eomuk. It also features vintage and hanbok clothing stores, ideal if you want to shop for clothes. While the market is closed every Sunday, the food alley is open every day from 09:00 to 23:00.
Holiday & Special Closure Dates
Many attractions in Seoul are closed during Chuseok, 설랄, and other public holidays. The five main royal palaces in Seoul are the exception, as they open even if the holiday falls on their designated closing day. Some markets and attractions also suspend their business on specific dates or days of the week. Attractions that close on public holidays are:
| 휴가 | 관광 명소 |
| 추석 | War Memorial of Korea, Leeum Museum of Korea, Seodaemun Prison History Hall, National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul Museum of Korean Folk Music |
| 설랄 | War Memorial of Korea, Leeum Museum of Korea, Seodaemun Prison History Hall, National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul Museum of Korean Folk Music |
* Note: Namdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, 북촌 한옥 마을, 명동예산 및 인사동 will be open during Chuseok and Seollal, but many businesses may be closed.
Attractions closed on special dates or days:
- 국립 고궁 박물관: Closed on the last Monday of every month, Chuseok, Seollal, and New Year’s Day.
- 마장고기시장: Closed on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month.
- 캐리비안 베이: Closed every Tuesday and Wednesday during the low season.
- Ttukseom Winter Festival (Running from late December to mid-February): Has a short break from 12 PM to 12:40 PM every day for snow maintenance.
- Cheongwadae Sarangchae: Closed every Tuesday and on January 1st.
- Cheonggyecheon Museum: Closed every Monday and on January 1st.
- Seoul Museum of History: Closed every Monday and on January 1st.
그렇다면 대신 무엇을 해야 할까요?
Instead of letting your day go to waste, swap your initial itinerary with alternative destinations, such as DMZ, N 서울 타워 (N Seoul Tower)예산 및 롯데 월드. Here are attractions you can visit in Seoul when the above-mentioned palaces, markets, and museums are closed:
DMZ 투어
- 영업 시간 : DMZ Tours depart daily from Seoul
- 휴관일: Specific sites are closed every Monday, New Year’s Day, & Chuseok Day
When Seoul’s palaces, museums, markets, and malls are closed, book a DMZ tour, which offers the chance to see North Korea up close. This 250 km-long, 4-km-wide buffer zone separates North and South Korea and can only be visited through an authorized guided tour. While DMZ tours depart daily from Seoul, sites like the Dora Observatory, Infiltration Tunnel, and Dorasan Station are closed every Monday, New Year’s Day, Chuseok, and weekdays that fall on a public holiday. Some tours may also be suspended on specific Tuesdays due to military training exercises. On those days, the operators sell DMZ Starbucks tours instead.
명동 야시장
- 영업 시간 : 16:00 or 17:00 until 22:00 or 1:00 AM
- 휴관일: No designated closing days
다른 시장과는 달리, 명동 야시장 opens every day of the week, including Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. That said, opening hours vary by store, with some operating from 4 PM until late at night. Plan your visit a little later than 5 PM, when all stalls have started their business.
롯데 월드
- 영업 시간 : Sunday-Thursday: 10:00 – 21:00, Friday-Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00
- 휴관일: No holiday closings
다음으로, 롯데 월드 is open year-round with no holiday closings or closed seasons. It is an ideal destination for visitors traveling during Seollal, Chuseok, or Hangeul Day. The no holiday closing rule applies to 롯데 월드 수족관 as well, which is open every day. It operates from 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 10 PM on weekends.
Online tickets are cheaper than buying at the entrance. Current charges are:
서울 스카이
- 영업 시간 : Sunday-Wednesday: 10:30 – 22:00, Thursday-Saturday: 10:30 – 23:00
- 휴관일: No regular closures
다음으로, 서울 스카이 is open year-round, making it an ideal Seoul attraction to visit during weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. Located on the upper floors of the Lotte World Tower, this observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city. Since it is adjacent to Lotte World and Lotte Aquarium, you can plan a day trip combining all three attractions.
COEX 스타필드 라이브러리
- 영업 시간 : 10 : 30-22 : 00
- 휴관일: No holiday closings
중심에 위치 코엑스 몰, 스타 필드 도서관 is open every day of the year from 10:30 AM to 10 PM. Its gigantic 13-meter-tall bookshelf holds approximately 70,000 books of various genres, including 600 types of magazines. Visitors are welcome to read, relax, or work on their laptops. They can also participate in any ongoing book-themed cultural events.
Are Malls Closed on Mondays in Seoul?
Yes, many shopping malls and department stores in Seoul are typically closed on Mondays. This includes the majority of modern malls, not traditional markets, the latter of which typically close on Sundays. Shopping districts like 명동, 홍대예산 및 인사동 are open year-round, though individual shops may vary.
| Shopping Malls & Department Stores | 휴무일 | 운영 시간 |
| Lotte Department Store Main (Myeongdong Branch) | 월 | 10 : 30 - 20 : 30 |
| Lotte Mart Zettaplex | Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. | 10 : 00 - 24 : 00 |
| Shinsegae Department Store Main | It is closed once a month on a rotating day. | 10 : 30 - 20 : 30 |
| 현대서울 | Third Monday of every month, Chuseok, Seollal, and New Year’s Day | Monday-Thursday: 10:30 – 20:00, Friday-Sunday: 10:30 – 20:30 |
| 동대문 디자인 플라자 | Every Monday, New Year’s Day, Chuseok, and Seollal | 10 : 00 - 20 : 00 |
| 올리브영 N성수점 | 매일 운영 | 10 : 00 - 22 : 00 |
| 이마트 | Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month | 10 : 00 - 23 : 00 |
| 홈 플러스 | Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month | 10 : 00 - 22 : 00 |
* Note: The closing schedules of Lotte Mart locations in Seoul vary, so always check the operating hours on Naver before visiting. The same applies to Shinsegae, Hyundai, Emart, Olive Young, and Homeplus.
Plan Your Trip Around Opening Hours With KTP
The easiest way to avoid a closed gate is to plan with the days of the week in mind. IVisitKorea무료 한국 여행 계획 도우미(KTP) builds a day-by-day itinerary around your travel dates. You only need to input the city you want to explore, travel dates, travel style, the size of your group, your pace, and budget level. The KTP will then create a personalized plan based on the data you input.
KTP’s attraction database records each attraction’s regular opening hours, its last admission time where one applies, whether booking ahead is needed, and the season dates for seasonal sights. Your travel dates tell KTP which day of the week each day of your trip falls on, so KTP places an attraction only on days it is open. A museum that closes on Mondays will not appear on your Monday itinerary. Or, your Tuesday itinerary will not have Gyeongbokgung Palace, since it is closed on that specific day. For seasonal sights such as cherry blossoms or fall foliage, KTP suggests them only when your dates fall in season.
✨ Recommended Itineraries to explore on KTP:
서울 역사와 문화 5일 여행 일정
Seoul 5-Day Itinerary for Autumn Foliage with Friends
Even if you don’t know which attraction is open on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or public holidays, KTP will consider closure dates and create an itinerary recommending alternative activities. So, build your Korea Itinerary with Korea Trip Planner 여행을 계획하기 전에.
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