Chuseok in Seoul 2024 | 9 Wonderful Things to do for Korean Thanksgiving

Chuseok in Seoul is undoubtedly one of the best times to be in the city. Seoul empties out and the weather is close to perfect. In fact, Chuseok is one of the rare times when I actually CHOOSE to stay in Seoul, rather than book a plane ticket to parts unknown.

Chuseok is one of the best times to stay in Seoul.

Over the 14 years I’ve lived in Korea, I’ve discovered plenty of great things to do during Chuseok in Seoul. Read on and discover free, fun and unique options for what to do during Chuseok.

When is Chuseok?

In 2024, Korean Thanksgiving or Chuseok, lands on Tuesday, September 17th. The public holiday dates for this year are Monday, September 16th to Wednesday, September 18th, meaning everyone will have a 5 day weekend.

You can enjoy traditional performances if you stay in Seoul during Chuseok.

Chuseok is an important time for family to gather together, so usually, that means gridlocked roads and a strangely empty city, as Seoulites head to their hometowns all over the Peninsula. It’s actually, strangely. the perfect time to plan a trip to Seoul from other parts of Korea, since traffic is going in the opposite direction.

The drive to Busan can take 3 hours longer during Chuseok in Seoul © Doo Ho Kim (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It also means truly insane prices on flights out of the country, as more and more Koreans choose to take advantage of the extra days off by taking a vacation, instead of battling traffic.

Chuseok in Seoul is a great time to look out for traditional performances.

Seoul during Chuseok is usually quiet and serene in a way that Korea rarely is, so enjoy it while you can!

If you do plan to wander around Seoul (and it’s hard not to because the weather is pretty much perfect), it’s still prudent to mask up if you have cold symptoms, and wash your hands often.

The weather is usually kinda perfect during Chuseok in Seoul.

READ NEXT: 15 Excellent Myeongdong Hotels to Stay at for Chuseok in Seoul

What’s open in Seoul during Chuseok?

Travelers to Seoul at this time usually one have big question, and it’s a good one. What the heck is open in Seoul during Chuseok? Will I be able to eat? Get coffee? Enjoy anything at all? Makes sense, since this is one of the biggest national holidays in Korea!

Well, I’m here to tell you not to worry. There’s plenty open in Seoul on Chuseok, including restaurants, cafes, and big attractions like Everland and Lotte World.

Lotte World is definitely open during Chuseok, and it’s subway accessible!

In my experience, it’s a bit more difficult to find restaurants and cafes open on the morning of actual Chuseok day – which is September 17th in 2024. Other than that, you won’t have any difficulties.

I think it might be one of the only times I’ve actually seen Starbucks closed – but there are plenty of other cafes open, like Korean chains Megacoffee and Holly’s. You won’t have trouble getting your morning caffiene fix.

Don’t go to Starbucks for your morning coffee during Chuseok.

If things get desperate, the convenience store is a fun option for breakfast. Many have seating areas, and there’s ALWAYS one open nearby. I recommend the soft-boiled eggs!

Things to do during Chuseok in Seoul

This list of things to do during Chuseok is gleaned from over a decade of living in the city. Some are special events just for Korean thanksgiving, some are free, and some are just way more pleasant to do without all the crazy crowds around.

Gyeongbokgung and other historic sites will be open for Chuseok in Seoul.

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Visit a Korean Heritage site for free during Chuseok in Seoul

If you haven’t ventured into one of Seoul’s historical sites yet, Chuseok is the perfect chance to finally go. Major royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung and traditional tombs across the country will stay open during the entire Chuseok holiday. Best of all admission into all sites is free!

Jongmyo Shrine from the rooftop of Sewoon Plaza

You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Jongmyo Shrine, which is usually reservation-only. It will be totally open to the public for Chuseok in Seoul.

There’ll also be various special performances and events during Korean Thanksgiving, as well as traditional folk games, like yut-nori and juldarigi to play.

Look out for traditional performances across Seoul during Chuseok

Rent a traditional hanbok

Renting a Korean hanbok when visiting these traditional sites is an excellent way to get into the Chuseok spirit in Seoul. This is one of the rare days when you might actually see locals, wearing their own hanbok out and about.

I recommend reserving your hanbok in advance because even though the city will be empty, these sites will be a hub of activity. This is a very popular activity for tourists and locals alike, especially on these types of holidays.

Renting a hanbok is a popular activity during Chuseok in Seoul.

READ NEXT: 48 Incredible Places to See Autumn Leaves in Korea

Step Back in Time for Chuseok in Seoul

Chuseok traditions have evolved a lot over the years. Head to these places to learn about traditional Korean life and culture.

Korean Folk Village | 한국민속촌

Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90 (보라동)

Covering a vast 990,000㎡ space in Yongin, the Korean Folk Village is quite possibly one of the best places near Seoul to learn about the Joseon era. It’s made up of authentic houses that have been relocated from all over the country, so you can really feel what it must’ve been like to live back then.

Step back into the Joseon Era at the Korean Folk Village © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

You could easily spend an entire day at the Korean Folk Village, exploring its multiple museums, watching traditional performances, seeing K-drama shooting sites, and even riding amusement park rides.

During Chuseok in Seoul, there are traditional art performances, and a ton of special activities to take part in.

Enjoy traditional performances during Chuseok in Seoul © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Namsangol Hanok Village | 남산골한옥마을

Address: 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 퇴계로34길 28 (필동2가)

Every time I’ve visited Namsangol Hanok Village, it’s been relatively deserted, but this definitely won’t be the case during Chuseok in Seoul. Located right at the foot of Namsan Mountain, there’s sure to be crowds, and a ton of activities and outdoor performances, where you can learn about Korean Chuseok traditions.

Namsangol Hanok Village is a hotspot for Chuseok activities in Seoul.

READ NEXT: Eunpyeong Hanok Village: A Less Touristy Hanok Village in Seoul near Bukhansan National Park

Just Released | Limited Edition Autumn Tours

These autumn tours in Korea only take place for a few months each year, and they get booked up fast, because space and timing for them is limited. If the timing is right while you’re visiting Seoul during Chuseok, I recommend reserving a spot as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Hwadam Forest is an autumn hotspot © Kim Dae-hyeong, Korea Tourism Organization

Day Tours from Seoul

• Wondae-ri Birch Forest + Seasonal Flower Festival | September 13th – November 15th, 2024
• Nari Park, Pink Muhly Grass + Dumulmeori  |  September 23rd – October 18th, 2024
• Seoraksan (Osaek Autumn Foliage) + Nami & Garden of Morning Calm OR Alpaca World  |  October 2nd – November 29th, 2024
• Seoraksan Autumn Maple Leaves Tour | October 16th – 25th, 2024
• Seoraksan National Park Hiking Tour (Private or Join-in | no set dates, recommend booking in the last 2 weeks of October
• Alpaca World + Hongcheon Ginkgo Tree Forest  | October 8th – 18th, 2024
• Hwadam Botanic Garden + Namhansanseong Fortress (UNESCO)  |  October 15th – November 5th, 2024
• Seoraksan National Park with Cable Car Day Tour from Seoul | October 15th – November 8th, 2024
• Seoul City Autumn Tour (Gamaksan, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Haneul Park + Jingwansa)  |  October 16th – November 24th, 2024
• Jangtaesan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | October 28th – November 22nd, 2024
• Classic Naejangsan National Park Tour |   October 25th – November 15th, 2024
• Naejangsan National Park + Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul  |  November 1st – 13th, 2024

Day Tours from Busan

• Jirisan National Park Autumn Tour | October 21st – November 4th, 2024
• Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil Autumn Tour | October 24th – November 12th, 2024
• Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage Tour | October 25th – November 10th, 2024
• Naejangsan Autumn Tour with Transfer from Seoul to Busan | October 25th – November 11th, 2024
• Gyeongju Autumn Foliage One Day Tour | October 28th – November 15th, 2024

There’s no other place quite like Jangtaesan in Korea.

In a cotton candy state of mind? Here are the best places to see pink muhly in Korea during autumn.

• Yangju Nari Park, Nami Island, and Gangchon Rail Bike Tour
• Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival and Pocheon Seasonal Attractions
• Jeju Autumn Highlights and Pink Muhly Tour
• Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage One Day Tour from Busan (book in October)

Pink muhly blooms in Korea in autumn © Lee Bumsu, Photo Korea

See Seoul from Above

With its crisp blue skies, and clear air, autumn is the best season to see Seoul in all its mega-city glory.

Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower

My pick for the best birds-eye view of the city is from the Seoul Sky Observatory in Korea’s tallest building – the Lotte World Tower. During Chuseok in Seoul, there’s a chance you could even get pictures without other people in them.

It’s impossible to find this breathtaking view anywhere else in Seoul.

There’s 7 different levels from which to take in the incredible views, but the 120th floor outdoor Sky Terrace is the highest outdoor observatory in the world. It sits at a whopping 486 metres high and you’re guaranteed a breathtaking unobstructed view of the city. Pick up advance tickets to Seoul Sky Observatory here.

N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain

If the Seoul Sky Observatory is out of your budget, the Observatory at the N Seoul Tower also offers expansive views from its perch high atop Namsan Mountain, but at a much cheaper price.

Visit the N Seoul Tower during Chuseok – Photo by CYAN (CC BY-SA 4.0)

It’s not even necessary to go into the N Seoul Tower to get an excellent view. You can see all of Seoul from the top of Namsan, hang a love lock, and watch outdoor performances for free!

Dine in Style during Chuseok in Seoul

A fine dining experience in a Seoul restaurant at dinnertime can be pretty darn pricey, as it is in most major cities around the world. At lunchtime though, prices drop significantly, for almost the exact same thing.

Lunchtime is more affordable at restaurants like Pierre Gagnaire.

The problem is that most people are working during the week, and a lengthy lunchtime meal just isn’t in the cards. Not during Chuseok though. It’s a glorious day off for just about everyone, and the perfect chance to try out one of the city’s fancier food experiences, at a reduced cost.

Jungsik Seoul

Address: 11 Seollungro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 선릉로 158길 11

Jungsik has locations in New York and Seoul, both with coveted Michelin Stars, and offers modern interpretations of Korean classics. 7 course lunch menus start at 155,000 won, which may seem expensive, but compare that to dinner which starts at 250,000 won for pretty much the exact same thing.

Incredible octopus at Jungsik in Seoul

Take an easy day trip to the Garden of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is a 30,000 square metre private garden, with 20 different themed sections, and 5000 different kinds of plants. It’s located just an hour away from Seoul in Gapyeong. It’s accessible by subway, meaning you won’t have to deal with potential Chuseok traffic jams.

Peaceful vibes at the Garden of Morning Calm

Nami Island, Alpaca World, and the Gangchon Rail Bike are popular destinations in the same area. I’ve visited and highly recommend a visit. Nami Island is particularly gorgeous in autumn, and riding the old train tracks on the Gangchon Rail Bike is a total blast.

The Gangchon Rail Bike is simply stunning.

Go hiking on one of Seoul’s Mountains

Let’s face it, hiking the mountains close to Seoul is not always the peaceful communing with nature it should be. But during Chuseok, there’s a distinct possibility that you might have a mountain to call your own.

Depending on the year (not in 2024), both Bukhansan and Gwanaksan are reachable by subway and bus and may even be showing the first signs of autumn colour during Chuseok.

Try a guided hiking and rock climbing tour of Bukhansan or Gwanaksan, or if you want to ensure yourself a solitary experience, head to one of the lesser known trails, like Hyangnobong Peak.

Try some Uzbek Food at Fortune Cafe

Address: 154, Mareunnae-roJung-gu, Seoul | 서울 중구 마른내로 154 2층

Visiting the Russian district and trying some Uzbek food is one of the best things to do near Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It’ll be full of workers from Central Asia with real time off and missing a taste of home. The area will be bouncing with life and for certain, nothing will be closed during Chuseok in Seoul.

Uzbek restaurants are guaranteed to be open during Chuseok in Seoul

The restaurant my Uzbek friend Diana recommends as the best in the city, is Fortune Cafe. Make sure you try the samsa – a seasoned lamb and onion filled pie, and some shashlik (meat skewers).

Escape to Southeast Asia at Coconut Box

Address: 서울 마포구 홍익로3길 20 서교프라자 1층

Flights to the gorgeous beaches of Thailand might be too expensive, but you can still escape to southeast Asia for Chuseok in Seoul, at Coconut Box in Hongdae.

Escape to SE Asia in Hongdae.

At Coconut Box, there are 32 unique bungalows to relax in, fresh coconuts, an afternoon tea set, VR games, a media art room, and 2 absolutely massive ball pits for kids to play in.

There are various all-inclusive packages available that include a bungalow, all attractions, and an afternoon tea set. Be sure to reserve these in advance.

This is one of 2 massive ball pits at Coconut Box.

Catch up on your reading at the Starfield Library

Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513

If books are your thing, the Starfield Library in Starfield Coex Mall is not to be missed. It’s truly grand in scale, with 2,800 square metres of space spread over 2 stories. Without a doubt though, it’s most eye-catching feature is 3 gigantic bookshelves stuffed with over 50,000 books and magazines.

The Starfield Library is worth visiting

Visit during Chuseok in Seoul or in the morning and you’re guaranteed a comfortable and inspiring spot to catch up on your reading.

Enjoy a blissfully empty city during Chuseok in Seoul

And finally, simply enjoy Seoul without gazillions of people in it. Wander the streets aimlessly without crashing into wayward Koreans. Eat in your favourite restaurants without waiting, and maybe, just maybe find silence in a cafe.

Chuseok in Seoul can be blissfully uncrowded. Enjoy!

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Are you staying in Seoul for Chuseok? What are your favourite things to do during Korean Thanksgiving?

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