What to Do in Seoul During Chuseok Weekend

South Korea’s annual Chuseok holiday is one of the most important and widely celebrated events of the year. During this period, the usually busy streets of Seoul fall quiet, while palaces, parks, and cultural sites come alive with traditional celebrations. If you’re wondering what to do in Seoul during Chuseok, this is your chance to see the city in a more local, reflective way.

This guide walks you through how to plan a Chuseok weekend in Seoul, where to go when shops close, and how to experience the local festivities.

• Event: Chuseok
• Where: Seoul, South Korea
• When: 24-26 September 2026
• Crowds: Lighter in the city, heavier at major landmarks
• What’s open: Palaces, museums, parks, some restaurants, and cafes
• Key benefit: Unique access to traditional performances and customs you won’t see at other times of year

Chuseok, often described as Thanksgiving in South Korea, is a major harvest festival when families gather to honour their ancestors.

Most locals leave Seoul to visit family homes across the country. This leaves a rare atmosphere in the bustling capital: quieter streets, less traffic, and more space to explore.

For travellers, it means fewer crowds in some areas but also reduced retail activity. Large shopping districts, independent restaurants, and some markets may close for one or more days during Chuseouk.

When planning your trip to Seoul, it’s important to understand what stays open during Chuseok to help you shape your itinerary.

• Royal palaces: Often free entry, with special cultural events.
• Museums and cultural sites: Many host Chuseok programs and special events.
• Parks and outdoor spaces: Fully open and well-used by locals.
• Hotel restaurants: Reliable for meals throughout the holiday.
• Convenience stores and cafés: Limited but consistent availability.
• Public transport: Subways and buses operate as normal.

• Independent restaurants: Many close for family celebrations.
• Local markets: Often shut for at least one day.
• Shopping malls and department stores: Usually closed on main holiday dates.
• Boutique retail stores: May remain closed longer than larger chains.
• If shopping or specific restaurants are your priority, plan these activities before or after the main Chuseok days.

One of the best things to do in Seoul during Chuseouk is paying a visit to a royal palace.

During the public holiday period, Seoul’s major palaces often open their doors for free. You also get access to cultural performances, traditional games, and demonstrations that don’t run year-round.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s most popular palaces, and for good reason. During Chuseok, you can watch traditional music performances, see locals wearing hanbok, and explore the grounds at a slower pace, minus the usual crowds.

Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

If you prefer a more peaceful setting, Changdeokgung Palace offers a quieter experience. The palace’s Secret Garden is especially appealing during early autumn, with bursts of colour and falling leaves making for a memorable photo opportunity.

Chuseok weekend in Seoul includes a range of free cultural activities, especially around public spaces and museums.

National Folk Museum of Korea

Located within Gyeongbokgung grounds, the National Folk Museum of Korea often hosts live demonstrations of traditional crafts, music, and rituals. It’s one of the best ways to experience Chuseouk for families and children.

Namsangol Hanok Village

This restored village showcases traditional Korean houses and hosts Chuseok-specific events such as:

• Yutnori (a traditional board game)
• Archery demonstrations
• Folk dances and music

You can spend a few hours here, and most activities are free or low-cost.

With many indoor attractions closed during Chuseok, you may find yourself spending more time outdoors.

Han River parks

Locals who stay in the city often gather at the parks along the Han River for picnics and bike rides. You can rent a bike, grab takeaway from nearby convenience stores, and enjoy some of the best views of Seoul’s skyline.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Take the cable car or hike up Namsan Mountain for panoramic views of the city. The area around the tower stays open, and the quieter holiday atmosphere makes it easier to enjoy.

Food is a big part of the holiday, but many smaller restaurants close for family gatherings.

That doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry – you just need to know where to eat in Seoul during Chuseok.

Hotel restaurants, international dining spots, and chains are your safest options. Areas like Myeongdong and Itaewon usually have more open restaurants compared to residential neighbourhoods.

One overlooked benefit of Seoul during Chuseok is how easy it becomes to move around.

Traffic is lighter, public transport is less crowded, and major sightseeing spots are easier to navigate.

Take this opportunity to visit areas that are usually packed, such as Bukchon Hanok Village or Insadong. You’ll still see visitors, but the atmosphere is noticeably quieter.

It’s also a good time for photography, with empty streets and open spaces giving you cleaner shots of the city.

During Chuseok, large department stores and malls in Seoul may close for one or two days, while smaller shops often shut for longer.

However, duty-free stores, convenience stores, and some shopping centres reopen quickly after the main holiday days.

If shopping is an important part of your Seoul itinerary, plan it either before Chuseok or towards the end of the long weekend, and always check mall and store opening hours.

If you find Seoul too quiet during Chuseok, consider a day trip to a nearby city.

Destinations like Suwon or Incheon are easily accessible from central Seoul and offer a different atmosphere during Chuseok. You’ll see local families gathering in parks or historic areas and get a glimpse into traditional rituals and offerings.

Keep in mind that transport may be busier at the start and end of the holiday period as locals travel across the country.

Where you stay during Chuseok can have an impact on your experience. Some parts of the city feel almost empty during the holiday, while others maintain a steady level of activity. Here are some of the best places to stay in Seoul to make the most of the Chuseok celebrations.

Myeongdong is one of the best places to stay in Seoul, and it remains lively throughout Chuseok. While some retail stores may close for a day or two, the neighbourhood doesn’t fully shut down, and you’ll still find a mix of open restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores.

• ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong offers a convenient base with easy access to shopping streets and public transport, plus rooftop views that give you a different perspective of the city.

• ibis Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong places you in the heart of the action, with convenient access to dining and transport, making it a practical choice if you want everything within walking distance.

Itaewon tends to stay active during Chuseok, thanks to its international community and broad mix of dining options. While some local venues may close briefly, you’ll still find a good selection of restaurants, bakeries, and bars open throughout the holiday.

• Mondrian Seoul Itaewon combines a central location with on-site dining and facilities, so you don’t need to rely as heavily on businesses outside the hotel during holiday closures.

Hongdae’s creative district feels more active than most areas during Chuseok. While some shops close, many independent cafés, dessert spots, and casual eateries remain open, especially around the main streets near Hongik University.

• Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae places you close to the neighbourhood’s cafés and nightlife, giving you flexibility when other parts of the city feel quieter.

Dongdaemun is a practical area to stay in during Chuseok if you want easy access across the city. While some retail complexes may close temporarily, the area doesn’t feel completely quiet, and it remains well connected by public transport so it’s easy to travel between attractions that stay open.

• Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences offers spacious rooms and direct access to transport links, making it easier to navigate between open attractions while having dining and amenities available on-site.

• Check the exact dates of Chuseok before booking your trip, as they change each year based on the lunar calendar.
• Prioritise visiting cultural attractions such as palaces, museums, and hanok villages, which often stay open and host special events.
• Plan your shopping outside core public holidays, as many stores close for one to three days.
• Make restaurant plans in advance, focusing on hotel dining or areas known to stay active, and always check restaurant opening hours.
• Take advantage of the quieter period to visit popular neighbourhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village or Insadong.
• Keep your itinerary flexible in case opening hours vary.
• Allow time for outdoor activities, including parks and riverside walks.
• Avoid long-distance travel at peak times when locals are returning to their hometowns.
• Book your accommodation early, especially in central areas like Myeongdong, Itaewon, or Dongdaemun.

Make your Chuseok weekend in Seoul easier to navigate by choosing hotel accommodation that’s central and reliable.

Explore Accor hotels across Seoul and sign up to the ALL Accor loyalty programme to save up to 10% on your stay when you book direct via ALL.com.