Traveling in Korea During Chuseok:Essential Tips for Visitors

Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. Often compared to Thanksgiving, it is a time when families gather, honor their ancestors and share seasonal food.

For international visitors, traveling during Chuseok can offer a meaningful glimpse into Korean family life and tradition. However, it is also one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the year. Transportation, restaurant hours and sightseeing schedules may be very different from a normal week.

If you are planning a trip to Korea during Chuseok, a little preparation will make your journey much easier.

What is Chuseok?

Chuseok is a major Korean holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Because it follows the lunar calendar, its date changes each year, but it usually falls in September or early October.

The official holiday generally lasts three days, including the day before and the day after Chuseok. Depending on how the dates connect with weekends or substitute holidays, many Koreans may enjoy an even longer break.

During this period, families travel to their hometowns, visit relatives and hold memorial rituals known as charye. They also visit ancestral graves, share traditional food and spend time together.

For travelers, Chuseok is not simply a festival taking place in one location. It is a nationwide holiday that temporarily changes the rhythm of the entire country.

What do Koreans eat during Chuseok?

The best-known Chuseok food is songpyeon, a small half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, beans or chestnuts. Families traditionally make songpyeon together and steam the rice cakes over pine needles.

Other common Chuseok dishes include:

• Jeon, or Korean-style savory pancakes
• Galbijjim, braised beef short ribs
• Japchae, stir-fried glass noodles
• Seasonal fruits such as pears and apples
• Various namul, or seasoned vegetable dishes

However, visitors should know that Chuseok meals are usually prepared and enjoyed privately at home. It may not be easy to find a complete traditional Chuseok meal simply by walking into a restaurant.

A carefully arranged cooking experience or local host program can provide a more meaningful way to understand the food and customs of the holiday.

Are restaurants open during Chuseok in Korea?

Some restaurants remain open during Chuseok, especially in major tourist districts, shopping malls, hotels and busy areas of Seoul. However, many independent restaurants, cafés and local businesses close for one or more days so their staff can spend the holiday with their families.

Chuseok Day itself usually has the greatest number of closures. Some restaurants may also shorten their hours or close for the entire holiday period.

Opening information shown on Google Maps or other online platforms may not always reflect temporary holiday schedules. Even popular restaurants can change their plans at short notice.

We recommend that travelers:

• Confirm restaurant opening hours directly before visiting
• Make reservations whenever possible
• Avoid relying on one specific restaurant without an alternative
• Consider hotel dining for Chuseok Day
• Keep a few convenience stores, department stores or shopping malls in mind as backup options

Convenience stores are generally easy to find, but visitors looking for a special meal should arrange it in advance.

With Hanway, restaurant planning can be coordinated around confirmed holiday hours, dietary preferences and the overall travel route.

Is transportation busy during Chuseok?

Yes. Chuseok is one of the busiest travel periods in Korea.

Millions of people leave major cities to visit their hometowns, which creates heavy demand for trains, buses and domestic flights. KTX train tickets and express bus seats on popular routes can sell out quickly.

Road traffic may also be much heavier than usual, particularly at the beginning and end of the holiday. A journey that normally takes two or three hours can take considerably longer.

Travelers should avoid building a schedule with tight connections during this period. If you plan to travel between Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeonju or other regional destinations, book transportation as early as possible and leave extra time between activities.

Private transportation can make luggage handling and transfers more comfortable, but it cannot completely avoid nationwide holiday traffic. The route and departure time still need to be planned carefully.

Are tourist attractions open during Chuseok?

Many major palaces, museums, cultural sites and theme parks remain open for at least part of the Chuseok holiday. Some even organize traditional performances, craft activities or folk games for visitors.

However, opening schedules vary. Certain museums and attractions may close on Chuseok Day or choose a different closure date during the holiday period.

Before visiting, check the official website of each attraction rather than relying only on its regular weekly schedule.

Outdoor destinations can be especially enjoyable during Chuseok. Early autumn weather is often comfortable, and palace grounds, parks, walking trails and historic neighborhoods may provide a relaxed way to experience the season.

Where should international visitors go during Chuseok?

Explore Seoul’s palaces and traditional neighborhoods

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village are natural places to explore Korean history and architecture. Some cultural attractions may offer special holiday programs, although schedules should always be checked in advance.

A guided visit can help travelers understand how Chuseok connects with Korean family traditions, Confucian customs and seasonal life.

Experience Korean folk culture

The National Folk Museum of Korea and the Korean Folk Village are good places to learn about traditional homes, seasonal customs and folk games. Holiday events may include performances or hands-on activities.

These locations can become busy during the holiday, so arrival time and transportation should be planned carefully.

Enjoy autumn walks and outdoor scenery

If indoor attractions or restaurants have limited hours, Chuseok can be a good time to enjoy Korea’s outdoor spaces.

Palace gardens, the Seoul City Wall, riverside paths and regional historic areas such as Gyeongju offer opportunities for slower and more flexible exploration.

Stay at a temple

A temple stay can introduce travelers to another side of Korean culture through meditation, temple meals and Buddhist traditions.

Holiday availability is limited and programs differ by temple, so advance reservations are essential.

Is Chuseok a good time to visit Korea?

Chuseok can be a fascinating time to visit Korea, but it is best suited to travelers who plan ahead and remain flexible.

The holiday offers a chance to see traditional customs, seasonal food and a quieter side of urban life. At the same time, transportation demand, traffic congestion and temporary business closures can make spontaneous travel more difficult.

Chuseok may be a good fit if you:

• Want to learn about Korean traditions and family culture
• Prefer cultural sites and outdoor activities
• Are comfortable reserving transportation and restaurants in advance
• Can adjust your itinerary when opening hours change

It may be more challenging if you want to travel between several cities in a short period or visit a long list of specific restaurants without reservations.

Travel through Chuseok with confidence

Traveling in Korea during Chuseok requires more preparation than traveling during an ordinary week. Restaurants may close, transportation can sell out and business hours may change.

But with thoughtful planning, the holiday can also become one of the most culturally meaningful parts of your journey.

Hanway creates private Korea itineraries around confirmed transportation, carefully selected dining, cultural experiences and realistic travel times. We help international travelers navigate holiday schedules while discovering the traditions and places that make Korea special.

Plan your private Korea journey during Chuseok

Traveling during Korea’s biggest holiday does not have to feel complicated.

Hanway can arrange a personalized itinerary with private transportation, knowledgeable local guides, confirmed restaurant options and flexible alternatives—so you can experience Chuseok with greater comfort and cultural understanding.

Contact Hanway to begin planning your personalized Korea journey.