1. 2025 Holiday Dates at a Glance

Official Chuseok day: Monday, October 6, 2025.

Public holiday period: Sunday, October 5 to Tuesday, October 7, 2025. In 2025 there is also an observed day noted on Wednesday, October 8, on some calendars and guides, creating a 4 day stretch for many travelers. Always confirm your company or school schedule.

2. What Chuseok Means

Chuseok, also called Hangawi, is Korea's mid autumn harvest festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Families gather to give thanks for the harvest, pay respects to ancestors, and share seasonal food. Many Koreans travel to their hometowns for reunions.

3. Traditions and Foods

Charye. A morning memorial rite at home to honor ancestors, with a carefully arranged table of seasonal foods.

Seongmyo and beolcho. Family members visit and tidy ancestral graves, trimming grass and cleaning the site.

Songpyeon. Half moon shaped rice cakes steamed over pine needles, with fillings like sesame, red bean, or chestnut. Seasonal fruit, makgeolli rice wine, and classic dishes round out the table.

Hanbok and folk games. Some families wear hanbok and enjoy yut nori, traditional dance, and full moon viewing.

4. What Stays Open in Seoul

In major cities like Seoul, many sightseeing spots, royal palaces, and museums run special programs or free entry on and around Chuseok, while some small shops and restaurants may close during peak family hours. Department stores and large chains often keep holiday schedules with adjusted hours.

Expect lighter traffic in the city center during the holiday itself, but heavy intercity travel before and after as people go to and from their hometowns.

5. How To Plan Your Trip

Book transport early. KTX and express buses sell out fast in the lead up to the holiday. Lock in tickets as soon as sales open.

Build a flexible plan. Mix indoor and outdoor options. If a favorite restaurant closes for family time, pivot to palaces, river walks, or big museums.

Time your city day. Visit markets and bakeries early, then tour palaces, riverside parks, or Namsan in the afternoon, and enjoy moon viewing at night if skies are clear.

Respect traditions. Avoid loud noise in residential neighborhoods, and be mindful around shrines, temples, and cemeteries.