Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving or the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of South Korea's most significant cultural holidays. A three-day national celebration rooted in ancient harvest traditions, Chuseok 2026 falls on September 24 to 26, with September 25 being the main day. While millions of Koreans travel back to their hometowns, Chuseok is also a uniquely rewarding time for international visitors: tourist spots are less crowded, palaces open free, and the country's autumn colours begin their spectacular transformation.

• Chuseok 2026: September 24 (Thu) - September 26 (Sat) 2026
• Main Day: September 25, 2026 (Friday)
• Public Holiday: 3-day national holiday; most businesses closed, palaces open free of charge

Chuseok is often called Korean Thanksgiving for its harvest roots. Its traditions include ancestral rites (charye), grave-cleaning visits (seongmyo), folk games like ssireum (Korean wrestling) and ganggangsullae (circle dance), and the preparation of songpyeon - half-moon rice cakes steamed over pine needles.

Seoul's five grand palaces - Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung - offer free admission to visitors wearing traditional hanbok. Cultural centres also host Chuseok programming including ancestral rite demonstrations and folk games.

Coinciding with the Chuseok period, Seoul Autumn Festa typically kicks off in early October and runs through November, featuring art shows, music performances, and outdoor events across the city's parks.

The weeks leading up to Chuseok we can see that traditional markets exploding with activity. Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market offer Chuseok gift sets and seasonal delicacies - songpyeon stalls, Korean pears, persimmons, and premium ginseng gift boxes.

1. Seoul: Palace visits, Bukchon Hanok Village, autumn foliage parks
2. Gyeongju: Korea's ancient capital with Silla dynasty heritage and Chuseok cultural events
3. Jeonju: Korea's hanok capital - traditional food, hanbok, folk village experience
4. Andong: Hahoe Folk Village UNESCO heritage site - live traditional Chuseok rituals
5. Jeju Island: Early autumn warmth, pink muhly beginning to bloom, less crowded beaches

1. When is Chuseok 2026? Chuseok 2026 falls on September 25 (Friday), with the national holiday spanning September 24 to 26, 2026.
2. Is Chuseok a good time to visit Korea? For international tourists, absolutely. Major sites are less crowded, palace entry is free with hanbok, and early autumn creates beautiful scenery. The only inconvenience is some local restaurants and shops close on the main holiday days.
3. What should I eat during Chuseok? Songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes) is the signature Chuseok food. Other traditional dishes include japchae (glass noodles), galbi-jjim (braised short ribs), and jeon (Korean savoury pancakes).

Chuseok is one of Korea's most beautiful and culturally rich periods to visit. Book flights to Seoul (ICN), Busan (PUS), or Jeju (CJU) through Traveloka and find best hotels in Seoul now. Whether you want palace culture in Seoul, ancestral heritage in Gyeongju, or island tranquillity in Jeju, Traveloka has the best deals for your Chuseok 2026.