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 – Korea’s 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 for many foreign travelers or residents, Korea can suddenly feel too quiet — shops close, offices shut down, and the city slows to a pause. ㅠㅠ
Actually, that’s exactly why Chuseok is one of the best times to explore Seoul. Famous spots are less crowded, palaces sometimes offer free admission, theme parks feel festive, and places like Bukchon, Insadong, and Hangang become even more peaceful and atmospheric.^^
This guide brings you 14 timeless Chuseok spots — places that stay open, feel magical during the holiday, and are perfect whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or living in Korea. From royal palaces and folk villages to theme parks, zoos, markets, and the best moon-viewing spots, you’ll find everything you need to plan your Chuseok.
And at the end, I added a small FAQ section to answer common traveler questions like openings, closures, and what to expect during the holiday. ^^ Let’s make your Chuseok warm, meaningful, and unforgettable!
💜 Tradition & History
If you’re wondering where to start, let’s begin with the most classic Chuseok mood — palaces, hanok villages, and living history in the heart of Seoul. ^^
❤ Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung (경복궁·창덕궁 – royal palaces)
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| 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)
(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)
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| 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
After soaking up all that history and tradition, you might crave something a little more playful. If you’re in the mood for rides, parades, and full-on holiday energy, these theme parks are perfect for Chuseok. ^^
❤ 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 (makgeolli – 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)
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| 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)
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
Of course, not every Chuseok has to be packed with rides and crowds. If you prefer a slower, more local vibe, these spots are perfect for quiet walks, street food, and night views. :)
❤ Hangang Picnic (한강 피크닉 – Han River picnic)
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| 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)
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| 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)
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| 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)
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| 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)
By now you’ve seen a mix of palaces, markets, theme parks, riverside spots, and night views. To make planning easier, here are a few simple route ideas you can follow during Chuseok, depending on your mood and location. ^^
❤ 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)
💜 Chuseok in Korea – FAQ
Q1. Are most places closed during Chuseok in Seoul?
A: Not everything closes. Many cafés, restaurants, parks, palaces, museums, and theme parks stay open for most of the holiday period.
However, on Chuseok Day itself, more local shops, family-run restaurants, and markets may close so people can spend time with family.
It’s always a good idea to check hours online or call before you go. ^^
Q2. Do subways and buses run normally during Chuseok?
A: Yes. Subways and city buses in Seoul usually run almost the same as normal, sometimes with slightly reduced frequency.
Long-distance buses and KTX trains can be very busy because many Koreans travel to their 고향 (gohyang – hometown),
so it’s better to book intercity tickets in advance if you’re leaving Seoul.
Q3. Is it a good idea to visit traditional markets on Chuseok Day?
A: During the holiday period before and after Chuseok, markets like Gwangjang Market are lively with food and shopping.
But on Chuseok Day itself, many stalls close, and the atmosphere is much quieter.
If you want full market energy, it’s better to visit one or two days before Chuseok or on the last day of the holiday. :)
Q4. Which days are the quietest or most crowded during Chuseok?
A: In general, Chuseok Day is the quietest in the city center because many people stay home with family.
Highways, bus terminals, and train stations are crowded right before and after the main day,
but places like palaces, museums, Hangang parks, and Naksan Park can feel extra peaceful and spacious. ^^
Q5. Is Chuseok a good time for solo travelers in Seoul?
A: Yes! If you enjoy calmer streets, fewer crowds, and a more local mood, Chuseok can be a wonderful time.
You might find some smaller shops closed, but you’ll gain a different side of Seoul —
quiet palace walks, relaxed Hangang picnics, and beautiful 보름달 (full moon) views at Naksan Park or N Seoul Tower. 💗
Q6. Do I need to book tickets in advance for places like theme parks or Korean Folk Village?
A: For popular spots such as Lotte World, Everland, Korean Folk Village, and some exhibitions,
booking online in advance is usually more convenient, especially on weekends or the last day of the holiday.
For palaces, parks, Hangang, and most museums, you can usually just walk in on the day —
but always double-check the latest information before you go. :)
💜 Final Thought
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| Want it all in one glance? Here’s a quick visual guide ^^ |
추석 may be a family holiday, but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel left out in Seoul.
Whether you explore royal palaces, enjoy a quiet Hangang picnic, visit theme parks,
or watch the 보름달 (full moon) rise over Naksan Park, there’s always a way to make the holiday feel special.^^
Sometimes even one 송편 (songpyeon – half-moon rice cake) shared at a market is enough to create a warm memory.
If you're spending Chuseok in Korea for the first time, I hope this guide helps you discover places you’ll truly enjoy —
and maybe even start your own little holiday tradition here. 💗
With love,
한글리아😊
🌕 More Chuseok Stories
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- ✨ Where to Go in Seoul During Chuseok — Best Places to Visit (You're here ^^)
- 💌 Chuseok Greetings in Korean — Messages & Conversation Phrases
- 🍽️ What to Know About Chuseok Food — 13 Dishes from a Real Korean Home
- 🎬 7 Must-Watch Korean Movies for Chuseok
