Your First Chuseok in Korea: A Simple Guide for 2026

Editorial illustration of songpyeon rice cakes and tea beside a hanok window, with a moonlit autumn landscape.
Seasonal editorial illustration by KEYWORD_WORLD; not a photograph or a forecast of autumn leaves.

Your first Chuseok in Korea can be easier with a little planning. Check your travel, find out which places will open, and leave time to enjoy the holiday.

This guide is for visitors and people who live in Korea. You do not need to know every custom to take part.

When is Chuseok in 2026?

Chuseok Day is Friday, September 25, 2026. The Chuseok public holidays run from September 24 to 26. Sunday, September 27, follows them. Your own work or school schedule may be different.

Dates to keep in mind
DateWhat it means
September 24–26Chuseok public holidays
September 25Chuseok Day
September 27Sunday after the holidays

What is Chuseok?

Chuseok is a Korean harvest holiday. Many families gather, share food and remember family members who have died. Some visit family graves. Customs differ from one family to another.

You may see songpyeon, small rice cakes often shaped like a half-moon. They are one of the foods linked to Chuseok. Trying one can be a simple way to learn about the holiday.

Plan travel between cities first

If you want to travel to another city, check tickets before making the rest of your plan. Leave extra time for road travel, too.

KORAIL has a special booking process for trains running from September 23 to 27, 2026. Its notice sets different booking days by train and route. Do not assume that the usual booking process applies.

Check the official KORAIL holiday notice (in Korean) for the booking and payment rules. If you need help understanding the travel information, use the tourism help service linked below.

Check opening hours before you go

A holiday does not mean that every place closes. It also does not mean that your usual café, shop or service will open.

Look for a holiday notice from the place itself. Check your exact visit date. An old review or a normal weekly schedule may not show a holiday change.

  • Eating out: Check the restaurant’s holiday hours. Keep a second option nearby.
  • Daily needs: Buy the basics you will need before your local shop closes.
  • Deliveries: Check the seller’s order deadline and the delivery company’s holiday notice.
  • Rubbish: If you live here, check your building or local council notice for collection changes.

Enjoy one small part of the holiday

You could try a holiday food or look for a cultural activity near you. Before visiting a palace or museum, check its own 2026 notice. This guide does not confirm free entry or special opening hours for any venue.

If someone invites you to their home, ask what time to arrive and whether you should bring anything. You do not have to guess.

Need help with travel information?

The Korea Tourism Organization offers the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline by phone and real-time chat. Its official page explains how to use the service.

The KEYWORD_WORLD view

A first holiday in a new country can feel unfamiliar. A clear plan for food and travel leaves more room to notice the small things: a shared meal, a family visit or a new taste.

You can start with one of those moments. There is no need to fit everything into one day.

Sources and information date

Information checked September 7, 2026. Dates refer to Korea. Opening hours and services vary by place. Planning tips and the KEYWORD_WORLD view are editorial advice.

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