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Top Places to Go During Chuseok Holiday in Korea 2026

Trazy Crew

Chuseok (‘Hangawi’ in Korean), or the Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest Korean holidays. This year, Chuseok, Korea’s Thanksgiving, will be celebrated from September 24th to 26th. Many shops, department stores, and restaurants will close down at some point during the holiday. But more and more, there are numerous places that stay open for travelers and expats in Korea to enjoy during the Chuseok holiday.

▷Plan Your Trip Around Chuseok Here!◁

Why Travel to Korea During Chuseok

Traveling during Chuseok in Korea is a unique experience because it offers a rare, culturally immersive glimpse into one of the country’s most meaningful holidays, marked by ancestral rites, family gatherings, and traditional foods. As millions leave big cities to reunite with family in their hometowns, the entire nation transforms: transportation hubs overflow, highways are packed with travelers, and rural areas come alive with vibrant, festive energy.

Best Places to Visit During Chuseok

1) Historic & Cultural Sites

In Seoul, the royal palaces and museums are perfect places to get into the Chuseok holiday spirit, as they will offer plenty of cultural and traditional activities to indulge in.

A group of people in vibrant yellow and red traditional Korean costumes are performing a folk dance on a stone plaza. They are playing drums and twirling long white sashes, with a traditional palace gate visible in the background and a crowd of spectators on the side.

a) Korean Folk Village – a “living museum” type of outdoor park where you can feel what Korea was like in the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). You can explore every corner of the village and go into various types of ancient houses.

b) Namsangol Hanok Village – A popular Chuseok holiday destination, located near Chungmuro Station, where visitors can take part in various hands-on activities and enjoy folk music performances. You can also join the Korean Thanksgiving Festival from September 24th to 26th, where you’ll experience traditional Korean games, performances, and much more.

c) National Folk Museum – Located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum offers a wide range of hands-on activities and traditional games. 

d) National Museum of Korea – The National Museum of Korea, the nation’s largest museum located in Yongsan in central Seoul, will hold various traditional events.

e) Korean War Memorial – The Korean War Memorial in Yongsan displays replicas of missiles and exhibitions about the Korean War. (Closed on October 6th & 10th)

Check out All the Best Historical Museums and the Best Art Museums in Seoul You Must Visit on Trazy Blog!

A traditional Korean palace building is brightly illuminated at night, with its reflection visible in a still pond. The scene depicts Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju.

If you want to explore cities beyond Seoul and deeply experience Korean history and culture, a visit to Gyeongju and Andong during Chuseok is a must! Gyeongju, known as the “Museum Without Walls,” offers stunning UNESCO heritage sites like Bulguksa Temple and the ancient royal tombs, glowing with autumn colors and traditional rituals during the holiday.

An aerial view of the Andong Hahoe Folk Village shows many traditional houses with both thatched and tiled roofs. The village is nestled in a valley with mountains and a rocky cliff in the background.

Meanwhile, Andong comes alive with its famous Mask Dance Festival and the preserved Hahoe Folk Village, where you can witness authentic folk performances, traditional games, and festive Chuseok celebrations that showcase Korea’s rich cultural roots.

2) Theme Parks & Aquariums

Set out for Korean amusement parks that are open all year round. They may be more crowded than usual, so be sure to get the admission tickets in advance.

A grand fireworks display lights up the night sky over Everland, with bursts of pink, white, and green light. A tall, blue, conical building decorated with lights stands on the right, and other illuminated amusement park structures are visible below.

a) Everland

Korea’s largest theme park, located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, which boasts a wide range of rides and attractions, such as T-Express, one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world. You can book an Everland 1-day pass instantly on Trazy and simply show your QR code ticket on your phone when entering.

b) Lotte World

The biggest indoor theme park located in Jamsil, Seoul. Along with its thrilling rides, Lotte World offers a variety of performances and festivals all year round. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience of wearing a Korean school uniform and taking Instagrammable pictures at Lotte World!

Seoul Land – The best family-friendly park located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, that has the most kid-friendly rides and attractions.

Also, check out other theme parks across Korea!

Check out Korea’s Most Popular Theme Parks You Must Know on Trazy Blog!

3) Performances & Shows

If you are staying in Seoul, check out these brilliant musical and cultural performances that will spice up your holiday. Click on each performance below for details. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance!

A stage performance with a female dancer in a white and black costume balancing on a large, flat drum. Another dancer lies on the drum beneath her, while four performers in red and yellow costumes play large drums on either side. The stage is bathed in dramatic red and white lighting.

a) Cookin’ Nanta Show

A non-verbal performance incorporating traditional percussion and humor that has long been a popular staple since 1997. The show runs every day at Myeongdong Nanta Theatre and Hongdae Nanta Theatre.

b) National Gugak Center: Saturday Gugak Concert

A weekly performance featuring Korean traditional music like pansori and dance, held every Saturday at the National Gugak Center in Seoul.

c) JUMP Show – Korea’s first non-verbal comedy performance that blends martial arts, acrobatics, and physical humor into one thrilling act.

d) The Second Chance Convenience Store: Musical Drama

Based on the million-seller by Kim Ho-yeon, this heartwarming musical drama tells the story of unexpected connections, second chances, and the quiet strength of everyday people. Subtitles available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Check out All the Must-See Shows in Korea on Trazy Blog!

4) Mountain Escapes & Nature Spots

Chuseok is also known as the Korean Thanksgiving. This national holiday symbolizes the official season of Autumn. Even if it’s a little early for the full fall colors, this is still a perfect time to go hiking and enjoy the fresh autumn breeze and stunning natural scenery.

a) Seoraksan National Park

A small river flows through a rocky gorge, surrounded by a dense forest with brilliant orange, red, and yellow autumn foliage. The colors of the trees are reflected in the water, and a mountain covered in fall foliage is visible in the background.

Seoraksan Mountain is a famous place for the color-changing leaves during autumn. Although the Chuseok holiday is quite early this year to witness autumn foliage at Seoraksan Mountain, it is still a great way to just take a stroll along with these beautiful trees and relax with the cool autumn breeze!

b) Alpaca World

A group of alpacas are on a dirt path in a mountainous area. In the background, a hillside is covered in a forest with a mix of green and autumn-colored trees.

Alpaca World is also a great place to visit in Korea’s fall! This alpaca ranch lets you meet, feed, and touch alpacas and many other farm animals. Plus, there are so many beautiful destinations near Alpaca World, such as Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm, Gangchon Rail Bike, and many more.

c) Bukhansan & Gwanaksan

A panoramic view of a mountain range at sunrise or sunset. Two large, rocky peaks glow with a warm, golden light, while the slopes below are covered in red and orange autumn foliage. In the distance, layers of mountains fade into a bluish haze.

You can enjoy hiking in Seoul with dramatic peaks like Bukhansan and Gwanaksan, both just a short subway ride from downtown. Join John, a passionate local climber who has been exploring Korea’s mountain ridges since 2002. No matter your hiking level, John will guide you to his favorite lesser-known trails with breathtaking views!

5) Day Trips from Seoul

Check out some of the best day trip destinations to visit from Seoul during the Chuseok holiday season! From Nami Island to the DMZ, you can explore various places near Seoul with hassle-free 1-day tours on Trazy.

a) Nami Island

A wide path lined with tall ginkgo trees with brilliant yellow autumn foliage on Nami Island. A person is sitting on a bench on the left side, and a lake is visible on the right.

Nami Island is an absolute must-visit destination when visiting Korea. It’s famous for its pristine walking trails and some K-drama shooting spots!

b) DMZ

A large bronze sculpture at the DMZ depicts several figures pushing two halves of a sphere together. The sculpture is located under a large silver arch with the words "The 3rd Tunnel" written on it.

DMZ is Korea’s Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea. If you want to have a close encounter with the North Korean border, join this special DMZ tour!

6) Tandem Paragliding

If you want to have a unique and special experience during the Chuseok holiday, how about booking tandem paragliding? It will be a truly unforgettable experience for anyone who wishes to enjoy the beautiful scenery and thrilling moments.

A paraglider soars through the air above layers of misty mountains and valleys. The sky has a soft, hazy glow, suggesting sunrise or sunset.

3. FAQ – What to Know Before You Go

When is Chuseok in 2026?

In 2026, Chuseok will be celebrated from September 24th to 26th, with the main holiday falling on the 25th.

Are attractions open during Chuseok?

Major tourist attractions, palaces, and cultural sites usually remain open, and some even offer free admission. However, smaller shops, restaurants, and local businesses may close for a few days, so it’s best to check in advance.

How to avoid heavy traffic during Chuseok?

Highways, train stations, and bus terminals are extremely busy as Koreans visit their families. To avoid the rush, consider:

  • Traveling before or after the peak days (Sept 24 or 27 in 2026).
  • Booking KTX train or express bus tickets well in advance.
  • Exploring destinations within Seoul or nearby cities instead of long-distance trips.

For more ideas for your next trip to Korea, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!

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