Where to Go During Chuseok in Korea: 14 Best Spots for Foreign Residents & Travelers

💝 What to Do During Chuseok (추석) in Korea – 2025 Guide


안녕하세요! I’m Hangeulia ^-^

Chuseok (추석 – Korean harvest festival) is one of the biggest holidays in Korea. For Koreans, it’s all about family gatherings, 제사 (ancestral rites), and a huge feast. But if you’re a foreign resident, sometimes it can feel a bit too quiet... ㅠㅠ.

Don’t worry though~ ^^ Even during the holiday, there are plenty of places open, and some feel even more special because of the season. So here are my 14 timeless spots you can enjoy every Chuseok!



💜 Tradition & History


❤ Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung (경복궁·창덕궁 – royal palaces)


Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) main gate under blue sky.
Step through the gates of Gyeongbokgung and feel the heartbeat of Korea’s royal past ^^

Strolling these palaces in hanbok (한복 – traditional Korean dress) during Chuseok feels magical. Sometimes they even open for free on the holiday. 완전강추 (highly recommended)!
👉 View on Google Maps (Gyeongbokgung)
👉 View on Google Maps (Changdeokgung)


2025 Update: From Oct 3–9, 2025, not just these two but also Changgyeonggung (창경궁 – another royal palace), Deoksugung (덕수궁 – palace near City Hall), Jongmyo Shrine (종묘 – royal ancestral shrine), and the Royal Tombs (조선왕릉 – Joseon dynasty tombs) are free to enter.

(Note: details can change year to year—please check the official sites just before you go.)

❤ Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을 – hanok village)

A slow stroll through hanok (한옥 – traditional Korean houses) alleys is pure healing, and it’s extra peaceful during the holidays.
👉 View on Google Maps (Bukchon Hanok Village)


❤ Insadong (인사동 – traditional street)

Traditional tea (전통차 – traditional tea), calligraphy corners, galleries, and great souvenir hunting—pair it with Bukchon for a perfect half day.
👉 View on Google Maps (Insadong)


❤ Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌 – folk village)


Traditional dance performance at Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)
Enjoy folk culture, performances, and food at Korean Folk Village this Chuseok 🎵 

During Chuseok, Korean Folk Village is the perfect place to dive into tradition. Stroll through historic hanok houses, join festive games and cultural performances, and taste seasonal foods. By day it’s family-friendly fun, and by night it transforms with spooky horror events ^^
👉 View on Google Maps (Korean Folk Village)
👉 Read my full Korean Folk Village review: A Must-Visit Day & Night Trip Near Seoul (Culture, Food, and Horror Fun!)
👉 Read my full Korean Folk Village guide: Tickets, Hours, Map & Directions from Seoul


❤ National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관 – National Museum)

If you want to dive deep into Korean history, this is your spot—ancient relics, Buddhist sculptures, and seasonal exhibitions.
👉 View on Google Maps (National Museum of Korea)
Note: The museum usually closes only on Chuseok Day itself, and stays open for the rest of the holiday. Still, always double-check hours before visiting.



💜 Fun & Theme Parks


❤ Lotte World (롯데월드 – amusement park)

Indoor and outdoor rides, parades, K-pop themed shows—busy but festive. That’s the holiday vibe ^^
👉 View on Google Maps (Lotte World)


❤ Everland (에버랜드 – Korea’s biggest theme park)

Located in Yongin, it goes all out with holiday parades and 불꽃놀이 (fireworks). It’s a full-day adventure!
👉 View on Google Maps (Everland)


❤ Seoulland (서울랜드 – amusement park)

Smaller and less crowded than Everland, but still fun ^^ — Around lunchtime, step into Seoulland’s 장터 (jangteo, food court) right inside the park, where you can enjoy a steaming bowl of 국밥 (gukbap – rice soup), 해물파전 (seafood pancake), or even a bowl of 막걸리 (makgeoli — Korean rice wine traditionally served in bowls). It's the perfect local touch to balance out the thrill rides.
👉 View on Google Maps (Seoulland)


❤ Seoul Grand Park Zoo (서울대공원 동물원 – Seoul zoo)


Giraffe at Seoul Grand Park Zoo (서울대공원 동물원) in Gwacheon, Korea
Meet giraffes and more at Seoul Grand Park Zoo — a relaxing Chuseok day trip spot 🦒

Right next to Seoulland. If you’d rather take it slow, stroll, see the animals, and breathe some fresh air. You can even do both in one day!
👉 View on Google Maps (Seoul Grand Park Zoo)


💛 Travel Tip: To reach Seoulland or Seoul Grand Park Zoo, first arrive at the main gate of Seoul Grand Park. From there, you can take the Elephant Train (코끼리 열차 – shuttle train) inside the park.

For the zoo, you can use both the Elephant Train and the Sky Lift (스카이리프트 – chairlift). The best way? Head to the far end of the entrance, ride the chairlift up for a scenic view, then explore the zoo while walking downhill. On your way back, take the Elephant Train — it saves energy and makes the visit more enjoyable ^^


💜 Chill & Local Vibes


❤ Hangang Picnic (한강 피크닉 – Han River picnic)


Han River view at Yeouido Hangang Park (한강공원) in Seoul
Chuseok afternoons at Hangang are extra peaceful ^^

Seoul gets quieter when locals head to their 고향 (hometown), so Hangang feels extra relaxed. Grab some Hangang ramyeon, sit by the river, and just… breathe.^^
👉 View on Google Maps (Yeouido Hangang Park)
👉 View on Google Maps (Banpo Hangang Park)
👉 How to eat Hangang ramyeon like a local
👉 Read my Yeouido Hangang Park local guide
👉 Read my Banpo Rainbow Fountain night guide


❤ Gwangjang Market (광장시장 – traditional market)


Jeon and mayak gimbap at Gwangjang Market (광장시장) Seoul
Taste crispy 전 and addictive 마약김밥 at Gwangjang Market during Chuseok 😋

Bustling with 전 (jeon – savory pancakes), 마약김밥 (mayak gimbap – mini “addictive” gimbap), and sometimes 송편 (half-moon rice cake), it’s pure holiday energy.
👉 View on Google Maps (Gwangjang Market)
Note: On Chuseok Day itself, most stalls are closed, so it’s better to visit during the holiday period rather than the exact day. ^^



❤ Naksan Park (낙산공원 – moon-viewing park)


Sunset and fortress wall walk at Naksan Park (낙산공원) in Seoul
Watch the 보름달 rise over Seoul from Naksan Park 🌕

One of the best spots in Seoul to see the 보름달 (full moon) during Chuseok. After a busy day at Gwangjang Market, head up to Naksan Park for fortress wall walks, night views, and the holiday moon shining above.
👉 View on Google Maps (Naksan Park)
👉 Read my full Naksan Park review


❤ N Seoul Tower (남산타워 – city view & love locks)


N Seoul Tower (남산타워) skyline view in Seoul, Korea
Ride the cable car up to N Seoul Tower and watch the 보름달 💕

One of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks, and a perfect spot to see the 보름달 (full moon) over the city skyline during Chuseok. Take the cable car or hike up Namsan, then leave a 사랑의 자물쇠 (love lock) at the terrace. ^^
👉 View on Google Maps (N Seoul Tower)



💜 Suggested Routes (by Area & Vibe)


❤ Royal Seoul Walk (Classic & Peaceful)

Gyeongbokgung → Bukchon → Insadong (all in Jongno, easy walking route)


❤ Seoul’s Living Heritage (Quiet → Lively → Moonlit)

Jongmyo Shrine (종묘 – quiet and sacred) → Gwangjang Market (광장시장 – lively and food-filled) → Naksan Park (낙산공원 – night walk & moon viewing 🌕)


❤ Culture + Chill

National Museum (용산) → Hangang Picnic (반포 or 여의도) → N Seoul Tower (남산타워 night view)


❤ Southern Seoul Family Day

Seoul Land + Seoul Grand Park Zoo (both in Gwacheon, same complex—easy one-day loop)


❤ Yongin Holiday Adventure

Korean Folk Village + Everland (both in Yongin—connect by bus or taxi)



💜 Final Thought


Infographic of top Chuseok spots in Korea including theme parks, zoo, palaces, culture and museum, night views and local vibes
Want it all in one glance? Here’s a quick visual guide ^^ 

추석 may be family holiday, but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel left out. Whether you want to wear hanbok, ride rollercoasters, wander through a zoo, or watch the full moon rise over Naksan Park, there’s always a way to make 추석 feel special.^^

Sometimes even one 송편 (songpyeon – half-moon rice cake) shared at a market is enough to make your holiday warm and memorable.💗

With love,
한글리아😊



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