Chuseok 2025: How to Join Korea’s Harvest Festival as a Traveler

Ever dreamed of seeing Seoul without the usual hustle and bustle? From October 5th to 8th, 2025, you have a golden opportunity during Chuseok, Korea’s most important traditional holiday. While it is a cherished, family-focused affair that sees a quiet calm settle over the city’s normally packed streets, it presents a unique and magical chance for travelers.

Instead of a city that’s shut down, you’ll find its historic heart is more alive than ever. Imagine royal palaces filled with the vibrant colors of traditional dress and the joyful sounds of folk music. 

This guide is your key to unlocking this special experience. Let’s turn the dream of joining these celebrations into a reality by planning your stay in the heart of the festivities.

Key Takeaways:

👉 Experience the heart of the celebration at Seoul’s royal palaces and folk villages, which come alive with special events and performances open to all.

👉 Book your hotel in Seoul months in advance and avoid planning travel to other cities, as this is Korea’s busiest domestic travel period.

👉 Immerse yourself in the culture by participating in activities like wearing a hanbok, joining workshops, and learning the holiday greeting.

What is Chuseok?

Often called “Korean Thanksgiving,” Chuseok (추석) is one of South Korea’s three most important traditional holidays, alongside Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Dano. The name literally translates to “Autumn Eve,” and it is also known by its older, native Korean name, Hangawi (한가위), which means “the great middle of autumn.”

Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, Chuseok occurs on the night of the full harvest moon, which is traditionally the brightest and fullest of the year. This timing is deeply rooted in Korea’s agrarian past, a time to celebrate a bountiful harvest and give thanks. 

For 2025, Chuseok Day falls on Monday, October 6th, with the official public holiday period extending from Sunday, October 5th, to Wednesday, October 8th.

At its heart, the holiday is a beautiful blend of three core themes:

• Gratitude: Giving thanks to ancestors for a successful harvest.
• Remembrance: Honoring deceased family members through memorial rites.
• Reunion: Gathering with family, sharing food, and strengthening bonds.

Chuseok is the most significant period for family gatherings, prompting a nationwide migration as millions travel from cities to their ancestral hometowns.

Local Traditions During the Chuseok Season

While you might not participate in the private family rituals, knowing them adds depth to your experience. The holiday is rich with beautiful customs that have been passed down for generations.

• Charye (차례): On Chuseok morning, families gather in their homes (often in a traditional hanok) to hold a memorial service for their ancestors. A table is laden with freshly harvested rice, alcohol, and rice cakes (songpyeon) as a symbolic offering of gratitude.
• Seongmyo (성묘): Following the home service, families visit their ancestral graves to clean the sites and pay their respects. This tradition is the primary reason for the massive traffic exodus from Seoul, as millions travel to their family hometowns.
• Songpyeon (송편): These iconic half-moon-shaped rice cakes are the definitive food of Chuseok. They are stuffed with sweet fillings like sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts and are traditionally steamed over a bed of pine needles, which gives them a subtle, fresh aroma.
• Ganggangsullae (강강술래): Under the bright light of the full harvest moon, women in traditional dresses join hands in a large circle to sing and dance. This folk custom is a prayer for a bountiful harvest.
• Dalmaji (달맞이): Meaning “welcoming the moon,” this is the simple act of heading outdoors to view the full moon. It’s a time for making wishes and appreciating the beauty of the autumn night sky.

What to Expect in Seoul During Chuseok

Note: Seoul is a fantastic city to explore at a relaxed pace, offering a mix of bustling markets, scenic streets, and cultural attractions. To make the most of your visit, plan your dining and shopping around the major open venues. Be sure to check the official websitesSeoul transforms during Chuseok, creating a unique ‘tale of two cities’ for travelers. While the highways leading out of the city are gridlocked, the city itself becomes unusually peaceful. The atmosphere is noticeably quieter, with fewer cars and pedestrians in major business districts like Gangnam.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

or Naver Maps for the latest information on opening hours, as well as any temporary closures or special holiday schedules. Some attractions, shops, and restaurants may operate on limited hours during holidays or special events. This way, you can enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable experience without unexpected disruptions. 

How to Join the Festivities as a Traveler

Seoul rolls out the welcome mat for visitors during Chuseok, with cultural venues offering a fantastic array of events. Here’s how you can dive in:

Step Back in Time at Royal Palaces

A visit to a royal palace is a must. Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace are epicenters of public celebration. They often waive entrance fees for visitors wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and host a schedule packed with traditional music performances, folk game demonstrations, and royal guard ceremonies. The historic ambiance is simply magical.

Participate in Folk Celebrations

For a hands-on experience, head to Namsangol Hanok Village or the sprawling Korean Folk Village (just outside Seoul). These living museums offer traveler-friendly programs where you can try your hand at making songpyeon, watch thrilling tightrope walking (jultagi), and even see traditional Korean wrestling (ssireum).

Explore Chuseok-Themed Museum Programs

The National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Korea are excellent destinations. They put on special exhibitions related to harvest traditions and often have free workshops where you can create traditional crafts to take home as a unique souvenir.

Enjoy Seoul’s Natural Beauty

The crisp, clear autumn weather is perfect for exploring the city’s green spaces. Take a stroll through Seoul Forest, have a picnic at Olympic Park, or hike up Namsan Mountain for a panoramic view of the city. A leisurely walk or bike ride along the Han River is another fantastic way to spend the afternoon.

Indulge in Modern Festivities

If traditional events aren’t your only interest, Seoul’s modern attractions are buzzing. Theme parks like Lotte World and Everland are open with slightly smaller crowds. Large shopping centers, including the Starfield COEX Mall and major hubs in the Myeongdong shopping district, offer plenty of shops and restaurants for entertainment and dining.

Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Seoul for Chuseok

Finding the right place to stay is key. When searching for hotels in Korea, especially during this peak season, booking far in advance is essential to get the best prices and your desired location.

Why Location is Everything During Chuseok?

You’ll want effortless access to the subway so you can easily reach the royal palaces, museums, and major shopping districts that remain open and full of life. A central base saves you time and makes exploring simple. 

For travelers seeking a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and excellent value for money, Travelodge hotels in Seoul are a fantastic choice. They offer a smart, hassle-free base for experiencing the best of the holiday festivities.

Consider their properties in Myeongdong, such as Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan or Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro. Here’s why they stand out:

• Prime Myeongdong Location: You’re just a short walk from the Myeongdong subway station, placing you minutes away from Gyeongbokgung Palace and the bustling Myeongdong shopping scene.
• Modern Comfort: After a long day of exploring, you can retreat to a clean, comfortable room with all the essentials, including reliable Wi-Fi.
• Hassle-Free Experience: The friendly front desk staff can offer tips and assistance, ensuring your stay is smooth from check-in to check-out.

Don’t wait until the best spots are taken. Secure your perfect home base for Chuseok and explore your options today. 

Key Do’s and Don’ts for Chuseok Travelers

A little cultural awareness can go a long way in making your Chuseok experience even more special. Keep these simple do’s and don’ts in mind to travel smoothly and respectfully.

• Do learn the holiday greeting: “Chuseok jal bonaeseyo” (추석 잘 보내세요), which means “Have a good Chuseok.” Koreans will appreciate the gesture!
• Do double-check operating hours online or using an app like Naver Map before heading out.
• Do arrive at attractions early, as they can still be popular destinations.
• Don’t forget to carry some cash, as smaller shops or food stalls that are open may not accept credit cards.
• Don’t try to travel between cities during the peak exodus days unless absolutely necessary and booked far ahead.

Follow these simple tips to avoid common hassles and to also show your respect for the holiday, making your trip that much more rewarding.

Embrace the Spirit of Chuseok

Visiting South Korea during Chuseok isn’t just a holiday; it’s a deep dive into the heart of its culture. With a little planning and an open mind, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable harvest celebration filled with gratitude, history, and incredible food.

Secure your Chuseok experience and book a hotel in Seoul with Travelodge.