Visiting Seoul During Chuseok? Don’t Assume the City Is Closed
You arrive in Seoul during Chuseok.
The subway is running.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is full of visitors.
Traditional performances are happening in a hanok village.
But the department store you planned to visit is completely closed.
Then you walk five minutes and find another shopping area crowded with people.
Welcome to Seoul during Chuseok.
One of the biggest misconceptions among international travelers is that “everything closes during Chuseok.”
That used to be closer to reality.
Today, the answer is much more complicated.
Some places close.
Some shorten their hours.
Some stay open as usual.
And surprisingly, some of Seoul’s most famous cultural attractions become better places to visit during Chuseok than on an ordinary weekend.
So if you are in Seoul during the 2026 Chuseok holiday, here is what you actually need to know.
First: When Is Chuseok in 2026?
The main Chuseok day in 2026 is:
Friday, September 25, 2026
The traditional three-day public holiday runs from:
Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26.
For many travel and cultural programs, however, the practical holiday weekend extends through Sunday, September 27.
That distinction matters.
A shop may close September 24–25.
Another may close September 25–26.
A museum may be open all four days.
And a special Chuseok event may not begin until September 25.
So during Chuseok, never assume that an entire category of places follows the same schedule.
Quick Answer: What Is Usually Open and Closed?
| Place | Chuseok 2026 Situation |
|---|---|
| Royal Palaces | ✅ Open — many with free admission |
| Jongmyo Shrine | ✅ Open |
| Namsangol Hanok Village | ✅ Open |
| Many Seoul city museums | ✅ Open |
| Seoul Outdoor Library | ✅ Open Sep. 25–27 |
| National Museum of Korea | ❌ Closed Sep. 25 |
| Seoul Library | ❌ Closed Sep. 24–26 |
| Nodeul Island | ❌ Closed Sep. 25 |
| Major Department Stores | ⚠️ Many close for two days |
| Supermarkets | ⚠️ Depends on branch |
| Restaurants & Cafés | ⚠️ Highly variable |
| Convenience Stores | ✅ Usually among the easiest options |
| Subway | ✅ Running |
| Buses | ✅ Running |
| Taxis | ✅ Available, but demand may vary |
The key lesson:
Cultural Seoul often stays open. Retail Seoul is much more complicated.
1. Seoul’s Royal Palaces Are Actually a Great Chuseok Option
Here is the good news.
During the 2026 Chuseok holiday, Korea’s major royal heritage sites are open for free from September 24 through September 27.
This includes:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Deoksugung Palace
- Jongmyo Shrine
- Joseon Royal Tombs
The Korea Heritage Service confirmed free admission throughout the four-day holiday period.
At Gyeongbokgung, opening hours are 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, with final admission at 5:00 PM. Regular guided tours are suspended during the holiday period.
At Changdeokgung, the main palace area is also free from September 24–27, although the Secret Garden is not included in the free admission.
Naru’s Tip
If this is your first Chuseok in Korea, visiting a palace during the holiday is one of the easiest ways to experience the atmosphere without being invited into a Korean family’s private celebration.
You may also see more visitors wearing hanbok, making the palaces especially photogenic.
2. Namsangol Hanok Village: One of the Best Places to Experience Chuseok
If you want something more interactive than simply walking around a palace, consider Namsangol Hanok Village.
It stays open throughout the holiday period, generally from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
The special 2026 Namsangol Chuseok Festival: Namsan Moonlight Yard runs from:
September 25–27
10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Programs include traditional Korean music, cultural experiences, hanbok and daenggi hair styling, and a Chuseok food market. Some activities require a fee.
For a visitor, this is probably one of the easiest places to understand what Chuseok looks and feels like.
3. Many Seoul Museums Stay Open
Another surprise:
Many Seoul-operated museums remain open throughout the holiday.
The Seoul Museum of History and several related museums are operating during the holiday period, while the Seoul Baekje Museum and Seoul Museum of Craft Art are also open with holiday hours.
Some even offer special Chuseok programs.
For example, on September 26:
- Seoul Museum of History hosts traditional music, crafts and games.
- Seoul Baekje Museum offers Samulnori, traditional crafts and family activities.
- Seoul Urban Life Museum offers Korean traditional music and traditional games.
Many of these programs are free.
So if the weather is bad—or if you simply want a quieter cultural experience—museums can be an excellent Chuseok option.
4. But the National Museum of Korea Is Closed on Chuseok Day
This is important because it is one of Seoul’s most popular attractions.
The National Museum of Korea is closed on Friday, September 25, 2026 — Chuseok Day itself.
That makes this a perfect example of why travelers should not assume that all museums follow the same holiday schedule.
City-operated museums may be open.
A major national museum may be closed.
Always check the specific venue.
Travel Tip
If you want to visit the National Museum of Korea, plan it for another day and use Chuseok Day itself for palaces, hanok villages, parks or special outdoor programs.
5. Seoul Outdoor Library Is Open at Night
One particularly interesting option in 2026 is the Seoul Outdoor Library.
The indoor Seoul Library is closed from:
September 24–26
But the outdoor libraries at:
- Seoul Plaza
- Gwanghwamun Square
- Cheonggyecheon
operate from 4:00 PM–10:00 PM from September 25–27.
That means you can spend the afternoon exploring a palace, eat dinner nearby and then sit outside in central Seoul with a book in the evening.
It is a very different Chuseok experience from the traditional family image—but also a very modern Seoul experience.
6. Some Public Attractions Do Close on Chuseok Day
Not everything cultural remains open.
For example:
Nodeul Island is closed on September 25 but operates from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM on the other holiday dates.
Several Hanyangdoseong-related exhibition and information facilities are also closed on Chuseok Day itself.
The pattern is important:
September 25 is the day most likely to create closures.
If there is one day when you should double-check before traveling across Seoul, it is Chuseok Day itself.
7. Department Stores Are Where Things Get Complicated
This is where many foreign travelers get caught.
Major Korean department stores often close for two days around Chuseok, but the exact two days differ by company—and sometimes even by branch.
For example:
Lotte Department Store
Lotte’s Main Store in Myeong-dong and Jamsil branch are closed:
September 24–25.
Shinsegae Department Store
Many branches, including Gangnam, close:
September 24–25.
But Shinsegae’s Main Store in Myeong-dong closes:
September 25–26.
The Hyundai Seoul
The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido is closed:
September 24–25.
This creates a strange situation.
Two famous department stores within the same city can have completely different opening schedules.
Naru’s Rule
During Chuseok:
Never search “Is Lotte open?”
Search:
“Is Lotte Department Store Myeong-dong open on September 26?”
Branch + exact date is what matters.
8. What About Supermarkets?
Large supermarkets are more complicated than department stores.
Some branches close on Chuseok Day.
Others remain open but operate shorter hours.
Holiday schedules can also overlap with Korea’s regular mandatory supermarket closure rules.
Major Korean media reported that some hypermarket and outlet branches would close on September 25 while others would operate with reduced hours.
So for:
Emart
Lotte Mart
Homeplus
Costco
check the exact branch before going.
Do not rely on Google opening hours alone during a national holiday.
9. Are Restaurants Open During Chuseok?
This is probably the hardest question to answer.
The short answer:
Many are open—but many are not.
Large restaurant chains in major tourism and shopping districts are more likely to operate.
Restaurants inside hotels, major malls, tourist areas and entertainment complexes may also remain open.
Small independent restaurants, especially family-run businesses, are more likely to close for Chuseok or shorten their hours.
The difference can be dramatic even within the same neighborhood.
In areas such as:
Myeong-dong
Hongdae
Gangnam
Itaewon
Jamsil
you are unlikely to find the entire neighborhood closed.
But the specific restaurant you wanted may be.
Best Strategy
On Chuseok Day:
- Search the restaurant’s Korean Naver Map listing.
- Check recent Instagram or Naver notices.
- Call if the restaurant is important to your itinerary.
- Keep a second option nearby.
10. Convenience Stores Are Your Safety Net
If everything else fails, Korea’s convenience stores become extremely useful.
CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and Emart24 locations are widely available throughout Seoul.
Many continue operating during major holidays, although individual franchise locations can set their own schedules.
And Korean convenience stores offer far more than snacks.
You can find:
Ramyeon
Dosirak lunch boxes
Kimbap
Sandwiches
Coffee
Drinks
Desserts
Some even have seating and instant-ramyeon cooking machines.
So don’t panic if your planned restaurant is closed.
A convenience-store meal can become its own Korean cultural experience.
11. Does the Seoul Subway Run During Chuseok?
Yes.
Public transportation continues operating.
In fact, Seoul is adding late-night transportation services on September 26 and 27 to help returning holiday travelers.
For Seoul subway Lines 1–9, the Ui-Sinseol Line and Sillim Line, the schedule is extended so that final trains arrive at their terminal stations by approximately 1:00 AM the following day on those two nights.
Selected city buses serving major train stations and bus terminals will also operate later.
Those locations include:
Seoul Station
Yongsan Station
Cheongnyangni Station
Yeongdeungpo Station
Suseo Station
Express Bus Terminal
Dong Seoul Terminal
Nambu Terminal
One caution: services operated by other rail operators, including KORAIL, can follow different schedules.
12. Chuseok Can Actually Be a Great Time to Visit Seoul
If you plan carefully, Chuseok in Seoul can be surprisingly enjoyable.
Many residents leave the city to visit family elsewhere.
Business districts can feel quieter.
Meanwhile, major cultural attractions actively create programs for people staying in Seoul.
In 2026 alone, Chuseok-period activities include:
traditional games,
pansori,
Ganggangsullae,
craft experiences,
hanbok programs,
traditional food,
outdoor libraries,
and free palace admission.
So the city is not “closed.”
It simply operates differently.
The Best Chuseok Day Itinerary for a Foreigner
If I were introducing Chuseok to a first-time visitor, I would keep the itinerary simple.
Morning — Gyeongbokgung Palace
Enjoy free holiday admission and walk through the palace before the largest crowds arrive.
Lunch — Jongno or Insadong
Choose a restaurant that has confirmed holiday opening hours.
Afternoon — Namsangol Hanok Village
Experience traditional games, performances and Chuseok activities.
Evening — Gwanghwamun or Cheonggyecheon
Visit the Seoul Outdoor Library or take an evening walk through central Seoul.
This gives you:
Palace → traditional culture → food → modern Seoul
in one day.
🌕 Did You Know?
Chuseok is actually one of the rare periods when some of Korea’s most important royal heritage sites can become cheaper rather than more expensive.
In 2026, the four major Seoul palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and Joseon royal tombs are free from September 24–27.
So while shoppers may discover locked department-store doors, cultural travelers may discover that some of Seoul’s best historical sites cost nothing to enter.
🔎 Hidden Story: Why Seoul Doesn’t Shut Down Like It Used To
Decades ago, Chuseok could make Seoul feel dramatically quieter.
Many businesses closed because workers returned to their hometowns.
But modern Seoul has changed.
Tourism has grown.
More people spend holidays in the city.
Families are smaller.
International visitors keep arriving.
Shopping, hospitality and entertainment businesses increasingly see holidays as potential demand periods rather than automatic closure days.
At the same time, Korea still strongly protects the idea that employees should be able to spend major holidays with family.
The result is the fascinating system visitors see today:
Some businesses close.
Some become busier.
Some cultural attractions open specifically because it is Chuseok.
That contrast tells us something important about modern Korea.
Tradition and commercial life are not simply replacing one another.
They are learning to coexist.
💡 Naru’s 5 Chuseok Travel Rules
1. Check the exact date.
September 24 and September 26 can look completely different.
2. Check the exact branch.
Two branches of the same department-store chain may close on different days.
3. Use official websites for major attractions.
Holiday Google hours can sometimes be inaccurate.
4. Book transportation early.
Intercity trains and buses around Chuseok can become extremely busy.
5. Don’t assume Seoul is empty.
Palaces, festivals and tourist districts can still be very crowded.
🗣 Korean Phrase of the Day
오늘 영업해요?
Oneul yeongeophaeyo?
English: Are you open today?
中文: 今天营业吗？
Español: ¿Están abiertos hoy?
A very useful phrase during any Korean public holiday.
📚 5 Korean Words to Learn Today
| English | Korean | Pronunciation | 中文 | Español |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday | 연휴 | yeon-hyu | 连休 | Días festivos |
| Open for business | 영업 | yeong-eop | 营业 | Abierto |
| Closed day | 휴무 | hyu-mu | 休息日 | Día de cierre |
| Opening hours | 영업시간 | yeong-eop-si-gan | 营业时间 | Horario |
| Chuseok | 추석 | chu-seok | 秋夕 | Chuseok |
❓ Today’s Question
Have you ever traveled somewhere during a major national holiday and discovered that your plans had completely changed?
What happened?
Did everything close—or did you discover something unexpected?
Share your experience in the comments.
💬 Naru’s Quote
“During Chuseok, Seoul doesn’t close. It simply becomes a different city.” — Naru
🇰🇷 한국어 버전
추석에 서울에서 어디가 열고 어디가 닫을까?
2026년 추석 당일은 9월 25일 금요일입니다.
외국인 여행객들이 가장 많이 하는 오해 중 하나는 “추석에는 서울 전체가 문을 닫는다”는 것입니다.
실제로는 그렇지 않습니다.
경복궁·창덕궁·창경궁·덕수궁과 종묘 등 주요 국가유산은 9월 24일부터 27일까지 무료 개방됩니다.
남산골한옥마을 역시 연휴 기간 운영하며, 9월 25–27일에는 전통공연과 체험, 먹거리 등을 즐길 수 있는 추석축제가 열립니다.
서울역사박물관, 서울공예박물관 등 많은 서울시립 박물관도 연휴 기간 운영합니다.
하지만 모든 박물관이 그런 것은 아닙니다.
국립중앙박물관은 추석 당일인 9월 25일 휴관합니다.
쇼핑은 더욱 복잡합니다.
롯데백화점 본점·잠실점과 더현대 서울 등은 9월 24–25일 휴점하고, 신세계백화점 본점은 9월 25–26일 휴점합니다.
따라서 추석에는 브랜드 이름만 확인하지 말고 정확한 지점과 날짜를 확인하는 것이 중요합니다.
대형마트 역시 점포별로 휴점 또는 단축영업을 하기 때문에 방문 전에 확인하는 것이 좋습니다.
식당과 카페도 마찬가지입니다.
관광지·호텔·대형 쇼핑몰 주변의 식당들은 운영할 가능성이 높지만, 개인 식당은 가족과 명절을 보내기 위해 문을 닫는 곳도 많습니다.
대중교통은 정상 운영되며, 9월 26–27일에는 귀경객을 위해 일부 지하철과 버스의 심야 운행도 연장됩니다.
결론적으로 추석의 서울은 문을 닫는 도시가 아닙니다.
평소와 다른 방식으로 움직이는 도시입니다.
백화점 문은 닫혀 있을 수 있지만 궁궐은 무료일 수 있습니다.
평소 가고 싶었던 식당은 쉬지만, 바로 옆에서는 전통공연이 열릴 수 있습니다.
그래서 계획만 잘 세운다면 추석은 오히려 서울의 문화를 가장 흥미롭게 경험할 수 있는 시기 중 하나입니다.
🇨🇳 简体中文版
中秋期间首尔哪些地方营业，哪些地方休息？
2026年韩国秋夕当天是 9月25日星期五。
很多外国游客以为秋夕期间“整个首尔都会关门”。
事实上并不是这样。
景福宫、昌德宫、昌庆宫、德寿宫以及宗庙等主要历史遗址在 9月24日至27日免费开放。
南山谷韩屋村也会在假期期间开放，并于9月25日至27日举行秋夕特别活动，包括传统音乐、文化体验、韩服活动以及节日食品。
许多首尔市立博物馆也正常开放。
不过，韩国国立中央博物馆在9月25日秋夕当天闭馆。
购物则比较复杂。
不同百货公司的休息日期并不相同。
例如，The Hyundai Seoul以及部分乐天百货店在9月24日至25日休息，而新世界百货总店则在9月25日至26日休息。
因此，游客必须确认具体分店和具体日期。
餐厅和咖啡店也没有统一的规定。
旅游区和大型商业区通常仍有不少餐厅营业，但家庭经营的小店可能选择关门过节。
地铁和公交车继续运行。
9月26日至27日，首尔还会延长部分地铁和公交线路的夜间服务，以方便返城旅客。
所以秋夕期间的首尔并不是一座“关闭的城市”。
它只是变成了一座以不同方式运行的城市。
🇪🇸 Versión en Español
¿Qué está abierto y cerrado en Seúl durante Chuseok?
En 2026, el día principal de Chuseok cae el viernes 25 de septiembre.
Muchos viajeros extranjeros creen que durante Chuseok “todo Seúl cierra”.
En realidad, la situación es mucho más interesante.
Los cuatro grandes palacios de Seúl—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung y Deoksugung—junto con Jongmyo y las tumbas reales de Joseon ofrecen entrada gratuita del 24 al 27 de septiembre.
Namsangol Hanok Village también permanece abierto y celebra actividades especiales de Chuseok del 25 al 27 de septiembre.
Muchos museos administrados por la ciudad de Seúl permanecen abiertos durante las vacaciones.
Sin embargo, el Museo Nacional de Corea está cerrado el 25 de septiembre, el propio día de Chuseok.
Las compras son más complicadas.
Muchos grandes almacenes cierran durante dos días, pero las fechas cambian según la empresa e incluso según la sucursal.
The Hyundai Seoul cierra el 24 y 25 de septiembre, mientras que algunas otras tiendas cierran el 25 y 26.
Los restaurantes y cafés también deciden sus propios horarios.
Las grandes zonas turísticas suelen seguir teniendo bastantes opciones, mientras que pequeños negocios familiares pueden cerrar para pasar las fiestas con sus familias.
El metro y los autobuses continúan funcionando, y Seúl amplía algunos servicios nocturnos los días 26 y 27 para atender a las personas que regresan a la ciudad después de las vacaciones.
En resumen:
Seúl no cierra durante Chuseok. Simplemente funciona de manera diferente.
Con un poco de planificación, Chuseok puede ser incluso uno de los momentos más interesantes para descubrir la cultura de la ciudad.