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Cultural · Nationwide, South Korea

Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)

“Korea's biggest family holiday — 3-day harvest festival, ancestor rites + songpyeon rice cakes”

Chuseok is Korea's biggest family holiday — 3-day autumn harvest festival where 90% of Koreans travel home. Traffic gridlock, empty Seoul + Busan, packed inter-city trains. Great time for tourists (Seoul quiet) OR bad if you need domestic travel. Book domestic flights + trains 3+ months ahead.

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
September 15-17 (Wed-Fri)
Following year
2028
October 3-5

15th day of the 8th lunar month. Late September to early October (Gregorian). 3-day holiday period.

Duration
3 days official holiday (plus weekend = 5-day travel period)
Crowd
30M+ Koreans travel
Budget/day
$80-200 mid-range Seoul
Book ahead
3+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Foreign travellers who want quieter Seoul + Busan (locals leave)
  • ✓Domestic KTX + flights sell out 2-3 months ahead
  • ✓Seoul + Busan are EMPTIER (locals leave) — great for tourists
  • ✓Rural Korea is BUSIER — hometown returns + family gatherings
  • ✓Many restaurants + shops closed 2-3 days for holiday
  • ✓Try songpyeon (crescent-shaped rice cakes) + Korean BBQ family-style
  • ✓Palaces + folk villages offer free traditional Chuseok events

Book hotels for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 3+ months ahead.

Fly to Incheon International (Seoul)

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Frequently asked

When is Chuseok 2027?
September 15-17, 2027 (Wed-Fri). 3-day public holiday. Dates change each year with Korean lunar calendar. Effective 5-day travel period with adjacent weekend.
Is Chuseok a good time to visit Korea?
Yes for foreigners in Seoul/Busan — locals leave = quiet city + attractions accessible. Bad if you need domestic travel — KTX + flights sell out 2-3 months ahead.
What is songpyeon?
Crescent-shaped rice cakes filled with sesame, chestnut, or bean paste — traditional Chuseok food. Families make together the night before.
Are shops open during Chuseok?
Many closed 2-3 days. Convenience stores open. Major department stores + tourist attractions open. Palace admissions are FREE on Chuseok day.
What are traditional Chuseok activities?
Charye (ancestral rites), sŏngmyo (family tomb visits), ganggangsullae (traditional circle dance), archery, ssireum (Korean wrestling). Free demonstrations at Namsan + Bukchon.