Chuseok (추석), also known as Hangawi (한가위) is one of the two biggest holidays in Korea. It’s typically considered “Korean Thanksgiving” and is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, so the exact dates differ from year to year. This year it will be a four day holiday, September 24 ~ September 27, 2026.
If you’re planning on traveling to Korea during this time, don’t panic. The country doesn’t go into a complete shutdown mode. In fact, there are quite a few thing to do and enjoy over the holiday break. So if you need a few ideas, I’ve got you covered.
Visit a Museum
The National Museum of Korea is ranked as the 3rd most visited art museum in the world, just behind the Louvre and the Vatican Museums and honestly, I can see why. It’s one of my all-time favorite museums and a great place to get a glimpse into Korea’s history, with collections dating all the way back to prehistoric times. It really shows you how Korea’s history helped shape the culture you see today. You could easily spend an entire day here trying to take it all in.
Starting in 2027, the museum plans to introduce admission fees for its permanent exhibitions, so if you’re visiting Seoul this Chuseok, you may want to take advantage of the free admission while you can! The museum will be closed on September 25 (Chuseok Day), but will be open on September 24, 26 and 27 during the broader holiday.
All four of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art’s branches, MMCA Seoul, Deoksugung, Gwacheon, and Cheongju, will be offering free admission throughout the four-day holiday. Just note that MMCA Seoul will be closed on September 25 (Chuseok Day) before reopening for the rest of the holiday. And if you’re visiting the Seoul branch, don’t miss the Do Ho Suh exhibition which transforms the museum into a series of colorful fabric homes and architectural spaces, exploring memory, identity, and the places we call home. It’s easily one of the standout exhibitions in Seoul this season and absolutely worth planning your visit around.
Palace Hop
If you’ve been thinking about renting a hanbok and checking out Seoul’s palaces, Chuseok is a pretty perfect time to do it! From September 24–27, 2026, four of Seoul’s royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung, will be offering free admission to all visitors (with or without a hanbok). There will also be traditional cultural activities and folk games taking place, giving visitors a chance to experience some Korean Chuseok traditions while exploring the palaces.
But it doesn’t stop at the palaces! Jongmyo Shrine and 22 royal tomb sites will also open their gates free of charge during the Chuseok holiday. So grab your hanbok, pick a palace. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, try to visit all four and spend the day exploring a little piece of Korea’s royal history.
Take a Ballon Ride
Get 130 meters above Seoul in SEOULDAL, the giant moon-shaped helium balloon floating over Yeouido Park. The 15-minute ride gives you panoramic views of the Han River, Seoul’s skyline and surrounding mountains. Book around sunset and you might catch the city transitioning from golden daylight to sparkling nighttime views. It’s one of the most unique ways to see Seoul from above and definitely one of my favorite Seoul experiences. And for Chuseok there will be a special events where you can enjoy traditional games, photo zones, special missions and gifts.
Feast like a Korean
Food is a huge part of Chuseok. It is a time to feast and we certainly do in our house. Traditionally the food is prepared by the women of the house, in this case, that’s just me. I usually spend 2 days preparing all the food, as I make everything from scratch. But just because you’re visiting doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy a delicious Korean feast.
Sigol Bapsang (시골밥상) in Itaewon is a cozy, hanok-style restaurant specializing in banchan, the colorful side dishes that are such an important part of Korean meals. When I visited, the table was covered with around 28 different side dishes, including jeon, vegetables and other seasonal dishes, alongside options like bulgogi and steamed egg. The homey atmosphere and huge spread make it a fun place to experience traditional Korean food in Seoul.
Insa-dong Geujip is is tucked inside a renovated hanok in Insadong, making it an easy stop while exploring the neighborhood and nearby palaces. The menu focuses on approachable Korean dishes, with plenty of banchan and non-spicy options. One of my favorite dishes is their bulgogi tteokbokki, while the Samjungsik sets are a good choice if you want a traditional Korean meal with lots of side dishes. It’s also a particularly convenient option for visitors who want to try hansik without venturing far from Seoul’s major cultural attractions.
Enjoy a Traditional Performance
During the 2026 Seoul International Garden Show, you can combine a stroll through the gardens with special K-Heritage performances held on Fridays and Saturdays, making this a perfect weekend activity in Seoul. Wander through the 167 gardens, stop by the K-Heritage Garden, then catch a FREE traditional and fusion Korean music concert while your there. It’s a fun way to experience a little Korean culture without having to spend your day at a palace. The concerts will help every Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 6:30pm for the month of September.
Hang Out with Hanbok Pikachu
If you love Pokemon, don’t miss Pikachu’s Autumn Outing at HiKR Ground. This free Pokémon pop-up transforms the space into a beautiful autumn world inspired by Korean minhwa paintings, complete with immersive photo zones, a noraebang, exclusive merchandise, and adorable Hanbok Pikachu. And don’t forget to complete the stamp to receive a Korea exclusive 30th anniversary Hanbok Pikachu sticker!
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