Chuseok 2026 (Sep 24–26): What’s Open and Closed for Travelers

The official Chuseok holiday in 2026 runs from Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, September 26 — a three-day break. If you’re visiting Korea or planning to come during these dates, it’s helpful to know in advance which places will be open and which may be closed.

Places most likely to close over the holiday include neighborhood restaurants, independently run cafés, small shops, and smaller museums and galleries. By contrast, convenience store chains like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven, franchise cafés such as Starbucks, royal palaces, major museums, and popular tourist districts — Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae — typically remain open during the holiday.

Tip for travelers: wearing hanbok will often get you free admission to royal palaces. Confirm exact free-entry dates and which palaces participate by checking the Cultural Heritage Administration’s official notices. Also, because travel for visiting family is heavy during Chuseok, book intercity trains and buses at least one month in advance.

With these points in mind you can map out backup plans if local spots are closed and take advantage of free palace-entry days to plan a budget-friendly Chuseok visit.