If you are planning a trip to South Korea in late September, Chuseok 2026 is an important holiday to know about.
In 2026, Chuseok Day falls on Friday, September 25, with the main public holiday period running from September 24–26.
For Koreans, Chuseok is a time to return to their hometowns, spend time with family, prepare traditional food, and honor their ancestors.
But what does Chuseok actually mean for a foreign traveler?
Will restaurants be closed?
Can you visit palaces?
Will the Seoul subway run?
Can you take a KTX from Seoul to Busan?
And perhaps most importantly:
Should you avoid visiting Korea during Chuseok?
The short answer is no.
Korea does not completely shut down during Chuseok. In fact, some parts of Seoul can feel quieter than usual during the main holiday.
However, intercity transportation can become extremely busy, and some restaurants, shops, and local businesses may close for several days.
This guide explains what actually changes during Chuseok and how to plan your trip without unnecessary stress.
🇰🇷 Chuseok 2026 at a Glance
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Chuseok holiday | September 24–26 |
| Chuseok Day | September 25, Friday |
| Main travel period | September 23–27 |
| Seoul | Many tourist areas remain open |
| Public transportation | Operating, but schedules may vary |
| Restaurants | Some close for the holiday |
| Shopping | Major stores generally operate, but schedules vary |
| KTX / intercity travel | Book as early as possible |
Chuseok follows the lunar calendar, so its dates change every year.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization, Chuseok is one of Korea’s major traditional holidays. Government offices and banks generally close during public holidays, while many major tourist attractions, museums, department stores, and entertainment facilities continue operating. However, individual businesses may have different holiday schedules.
Table of Contents
- What Is Chuseok?
- Does Korea Close During Chuseok?
- The Biggest Chuseok Issue: Intercity Transportation
- Chuseok 2026 KTX Tickets
- Can Foreign Tourists Buy KTX Tickets?
- Is Seoul Empty During Chuseok?
- Are Palaces and Museums Open?
- What Happens to Restaurants?
- Does the Seoul Subway Run?
- Should You Travel From Seoul to Busan?
- How Should You Plan a Chuseok Trip?
- Chuseok Travel Checklist
- Chuseok in Korea FAQ
What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea.
It is sometimes compared to Thanksgiving because families traditionally gather together, return to their hometowns, prepare food, and spend time with relatives.
Traditional Chuseok activities include visiting ancestral graves and performing family ceremonies.
Food is also an important part of the holiday.
One of the most recognizable Chuseok foods is songpyeon (송편), a small rice cake traditionally shaped like a half-moon.
Other foods commonly associated with Korean holiday meals include:
- Jeon (전)
- Bulgogi
- Japchae
- Galbi
- Various fruits
- Songpyeon
For travelers, Chuseok is an opportunity to experience a part of Korean culture that you may not see during an ordinary trip.
Does Korea Close During Chuseok?
This is probably the biggest misconception about traveling to Korea during Chuseok.
No, Korea does not completely close.
Instead, different types of businesses have different holiday schedules.
Usually available
- Convenience stores
- Major shopping malls
- Many chain restaurants
- Major tourist areas
- Seoul subway
- City buses
- Many major tourist attractions
May have different hours
- Museums
- Palaces
- Restaurants
- Traditional markets
- Small shops
- Independent cafés
Requires more planning
- KTX
- SRT
- Express buses
- Long-distance driving
- Popular restaurants
- Intercity travel
For most first-time visitors, transportation is more important to plan than sightseeing.
The Biggest Chuseok Issue: Intercity Transportation
If you are staying in Seoul throughout your trip, Chuseok may not cause many problems.
The situation changes if your itinerary includes:
Seoul → Busan
Seoul → Gyeongju
Seoul → Jeonju
Seoul → Gangneung
Many Koreans travel to their hometowns around Chuseok, so trains, buses, highways, and major transportation hubs can become much busier than normal.
This is why we recommend a simple rule:
Book your intercity transportation before building your detailed itinerary.
Don’t plan your sightseeing first and then try to find a train afterward.
Chuseok 2026 KTX Tickets: When Should You Book?
KORAIL has announced a special reservation schedule for the 2026 Chuseok holiday.
The special Chuseok train travel period covers:
September 23–27, 2026
Notice that this is slightly longer than the official Chuseok holiday of September 24–26.
This is important because transportation demand can increase before and after the official holiday dates.
2026 Chuseok KTX Reservation Schedule
KORAIL’s special reservation schedule is divided by route.
| Date | Main reservation category |
|---|---|
| September 3–4 | Priority reservation |
| September 7 | General reservation |
| September 8 | Gyeongjeon, Gangneung, Donghae, Jungang, Jungbunaeryuk lines |
| September 9 | Honam and Jeolla lines |
| September 10 | Selected Suseo-related services |
| September 11 | Gyeongbu Line |
| September 12 | Payment begins |
| September 23–27 | Chuseok travel period |
The general reservation period is scheduled for September 7–11, with reservations opening in the morning.
The exact route and train should always be checked against the latest KORAIL announcement before booking.
Example: Seoul → Busan
If you are planning to travel between Seoul and Busan, pay particular attention to the Gyeongbu Line reservation schedule.
Example: Seoul → Gangneung
Travelers heading to Gangneung should check the relevant Gangneung Line reservation schedule.
Example: Seoul → Gwangju
For Gwangju and other destinations served by the Honam Line, check the Honam Line reservation date.
⚠️ Don’t Confuse the Reservation Date With the Travel Date
This is particularly important for international travelers.
The date shown in the KORAIL reservation schedule is the date when you book your ticket.
It is not necessarily the date you travel.
For example:
September 11: Book your train
September 25: Travel from Seoul to Busan
The Chuseok travel period covered by the special reservation is September 23–27.
So when planning your trip, keep these two dates separate:
Reservation date → when you buy the ticket
Travel date → when you actually take the train
Can Foreign Tourists Buy KTX Tickets?
Yes.
Foreign travelers can use KORAIL’s English-language website to search for trains and purchase tickets.
For regular KORAIL tickets, the official English booking service supports international travelers and overseas-issued payment cards, subject to the payment requirements of the website.
However, there is an important distinction during Chuseok.
Regular KTX tickets
These can normally be searched and purchased through the KORAIL international booking service.
Chuseok special tickets
These are subject to a separate holiday reservation schedule and system.
Therefore, don’t assume that the normal “one month before departure” rule works exactly the same way during Chuseok.
Always check the special holiday announcement first.
Can I Use a Foreign Credit Card?
KORAIL’s international booking service supports overseas-issued cards, although payment may require additional authentication such as 3D Secure.
For travelers from outside Korea, this is important because you don’t necessarily need a Korean bank account or Korean credit card to purchase a regular KTX ticket.
Before your trip, make sure:
- Your card allows international online payments
- 3D Secure authentication works
- Your billing information is entered correctly
- Your passport information matches your booking when required
If a payment fails, try another international card rather than waiting until the last minute.
What About the KORAIL PASS?
You may also come across the KORAIL PASS while researching Korean trains.
The KORAIL PASS is designed specifically for eligible foreign travelers and can be useful when you plan to take several KORAIL trains during your trip.
For example:
Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju → Seoul
could make a rail pass worth comparing with individual tickets.
But don’t automatically buy a pass.
Compare the total cost of your actual train itinerary first.
Also remember that KORAIL PASS is not a universal public transportation pass. It does not cover everything in Korea, such as the Seoul subway or SRT services.
Is Seoul Empty During Chuseok?
This is one of the more interesting things about Chuseok.
Many people who live in Seoul travel to their hometowns during the holiday.
As a result, some parts of Seoul can actually feel quieter than usual.
That doesn’t mean tourist areas become empty.
Places such as:
- Myeongdong
- Hongdae
- Gangnam
- Itaewon
- Gyeongbokgung
- Bukchon
can still have plenty of visitors.
But compared with a normal weekend, the city may have a different atmosphere.
For tourists who want to explore Seoul without dealing with extremely large local crowds, the main Chuseok holiday can actually be a reasonable time to visit.
Are Palaces and Museums Open During Chuseok?
Many major cultural attractions continue operating during public holidays.
However, “open during Chuseok” does not necessarily mean “normal opening hours.”
Some attractions may have:
- Special opening hours
- Special cultural programs
- Free admission events
- Temporary closures on specific days
So always check the attraction’s official website before visiting.
Good places to consider
Gyeongbokgung Palace
One of Seoul’s most famous historical attractions.
If you want to experience Korean traditional culture, this is one of the easiest places to include in a first-time Seoul itinerary.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A traditional neighborhood located near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
It can be combined with Gyeongbokgung and Insadong in a single walking route.
Insadong
A good area for traditional souvenirs, crafts, tea houses and Korean food.
Jongmyo Shrine
A UNESCO World Heritage site associated with the royal ancestral rituals of the Joseon Dynasty.
What Happens to Restaurants During Chuseok?
Restaurants are more complicated than tourist attractions.
There is no rule saying every restaurant has to close during Chuseok.
Instead, each business decides its own holiday schedule.
Large chains and restaurants in major tourist areas are often easier to find open.
Small independent restaurants may close for one or more days.
This is especially important if you’re planning to visit a restaurant that you found through a blog, Instagram or TikTok.
A restaurant that is normally open every day may still close during Chuseok.
Our recommendation
Don’t save only one restaurant.
Save:
Plan A: Your first choice
Plan B: Another restaurant nearby
Plan C: A convenience store or food court
This is particularly useful if you are visiting a less touristy neighborhood.
Convenience Stores: Your Chuseok Backup Plan
Korean convenience stores are extremely useful for travelers.
Major chains such as:
- CU
- GS25
- 7-Eleven
can be found throughout Korea.
Depending on the store, you can buy:
- Kimbap
- Sandwiches
- Instant noodles
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Coffee
- Basic toiletries
- Travel essentials
Many stores operate during holidays, but individual stores can have different opening hours.
So don’t assume that every location is open 24 hours.
A useful tip:
Before leaving your hotel, search for the nearest convenience store in NAVER Map and save it.
It takes less than a minute and can be very useful when your planned restaurant is unexpectedly closed.
Can You Go Shopping During Chuseok?
Generally, yes.
Major shopping malls and department stores often operate around Korean public holidays.
However, individual stores can have special schedules.
This matters most for:
- Small boutiques
- Independent cosmetic stores
- Traditional markets
- Small cafés
- Local shops
If shopping is an important part of your trip, check the opening hours of the specific place rather than relying on the area’s normal business hours.
For first-time visitors, major shopping districts such as Myeongdong are generally easier than small neighborhood shopping streets.
Does the Seoul Subway Run During Chuseok?
Yes.
Seoul’s subway and city bus systems continue operating during Chuseok.
However, holiday schedules and operating frequencies can differ from ordinary weekdays.
For getting around Seoul, we recommend using:
NAVER Map
or
KakaoMap
rather than relying entirely on Google Maps.
If you’re visiting Korea for the first time, our guide explains how to use NAVER Map for:
- Subway routes
- Bus stops
- Walking directions
- Local businesses
- Saved places
Should You Travel From Seoul to Busan During Chuseok?
You don’t necessarily have to remove Busan from your itinerary.
The key is when you travel between cities.
For example:
Lower-stress option
September 23: Seoul
September 24: Seoul → Busan
September 25: Busan
September 26: Busan
September 27: Busan → Seoul
This can be easier than trying to move between major cities on the busiest holiday dates.
Higher-risk option
September 25: Seoul → Busan
This isn’t impossible.
But if you wait until the last minute to find transportation, your options may be very limited.
For a first-time visitor, it’s better to secure the train first and then plan your sightseeing around it.
What About Driving?
Driving between major cities during Chuseok can also be challenging.
A large number of Koreans travel by car to visit family, which can cause heavy traffic on major highways.
For example:
Seoul → Busan by car
may take significantly longer than expected during peak holiday traffic.
If your goal is simply to move between major cities, KTX is often easier to plan than driving.
If you are renting a car for a Jeju or rural Korea trip, the situation is different and should be evaluated separately.
What Does Chuseok Look Like for Travelers?
Chuseok is not simply a holiday when stores close.
It is a major part of Korean culture.
Families traditionally gather together, prepare food and visit relatives.
One of the most recognizable foods is songpyeon.
You may also see special Chuseok displays in department stores, supermarkets, bakeries and cultural attractions.
If you’re interested in Korean culture, this can be a good time to see a side of Korea that isn’t always visible during a standard tourist itinerary.
How Should You Plan a Chuseok Trip?
Rather than asking:
“Is Korea open during Chuseok?”
ask:
“What should I book before Chuseok?”
We recommend planning in this order.
1. Book your hotel
Choose your accommodation first.
2. Check intercity transportation
If you’re visiting Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju or another city, check KTX, SRT or express buses.
3. Check attraction schedules
Look at official websites for your must-see attractions.
4. Save restaurants
Don’t rely on a single restaurant.
Save alternatives nearby.
5. Plan your daily transportation
Use NAVER Map or KakaoMap on the day of your trip.
This approach gives you enough structure without making your itinerary too rigid.
Example: A 5-Day Korea Trip During Chuseok
If you are visiting Korea for five days around Chuseok, here’s one example of how you could structure your trip.
Day 1 — Seoul
- Myeongdong
- Namsan
- Korean BBQ
- Convenience store experience
Day 2 — Traditional Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Insadong
- Traditional Korean food
Day 3 — Seoul
- Hongdae
- Seongsu
- Café hopping
- Shopping
Day 4 — Busan
Take a pre-booked KTX from Seoul to Busan.
Day 5 — Busan
- Haeundae
- Gamcheon Culture Village
- Jagalchi Market
The exact order should depend on your transportation reservations.
The important part is not to force a fixed itinerary before securing your long-distance transportation.
Chuseok Travel Checklist
Before flying to Korea, check these items:
- Check whether your trip overlaps September 24–26
- Check the wider travel period of September 23–27
- Book KTX/SRT if traveling between cities
- Check attraction holiday schedules
- Save multiple restaurants
- Download NAVER Map
- Download a translation app
- Find a convenience store near your hotel
- Check the weather
- Keep your itinerary flexible
❓ Chuseok in Korea FAQ
Is everything closed during Chuseok?
No.
Korea does not completely shut down.
Many tourist attractions, convenience stores, shopping areas and restaurants remain available, but individual businesses may have holiday closures.
Is Seoul worth visiting during Chuseok?
Yes.
Some parts of Seoul can actually feel quieter because many residents travel to their hometowns.
Can tourists visit Gyeongbokgung during Chuseok?
Many major cultural attractions remain open during public holidays, but schedules can change.
Check the official website before visiting.
Are restaurants open during Chuseok?
Some are, some aren’t.
Large chains and tourist areas are usually easier, but independent restaurants may close.
Can I take KTX during Chuseok?
Yes.
But demand is much higher than normal.
If you need to travel between cities, check the special Chuseok reservation schedule and book as early as possible.
Can foreigners buy KTX tickets?
Yes.
Foreign travelers can use KORAIL’s international booking service, although Chuseok special-ticket rules are different from ordinary ticket purchases.
Is it better to stay in Seoul during Chuseok?
If you’re a first-time visitor and don’t have a strong reason to travel between cities, staying in Seoul during the main holiday can make your trip easier.
Should I rent a car?
For a Seoul trip, probably not necessary.
For rural areas or Jeju Island, renting a car can be useful, but Chuseok highway traffic should be considered.
Final Takeaway
You don’t need to avoid Korea during Chuseok.
You just need to understand that Korea operates a little differently for a few days.
If you’re staying in Seoul, your trip may be surprisingly easy.
If you’re traveling between cities, transportation is the part that requires the most planning.
Restaurants and small businesses are the second thing to watch.
Tourist attractions, shopping districts, public transportation and convenience stores are generally much easier to deal with.
The simplest rule is:
Be flexible with restaurants and shopping.
Book intercity transportation early.
Check holiday opening hours before visiting.
If you do those three things, Chuseok doesn’t have to complicate your Korea trip.
In fact, it can give you a chance to experience a side of Korea that many short-term visitors never see.
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