In Korea, there are two major holidays each year that trigger what people often call a nationwide migration. These are Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). During these periods, millions of people travel across the country to visit their hometowns.
Because both holidays follow the lunar calendar, the dates change every year. Seollal usually falls between late January and mid-February, while Chuseok typically occurs between early September and mid-October.
If your trip to Korea overlaps with one of these holidays, you might wonder whether it’s a good idea—or a logistical nightmare. In this guide, I’ll explain from a local perspective how to plan wisely if your Korea holidays travel schedule coincides with Seollal or Chuseok.
Quick Guide: 2026 Korean Holiday Dates
Before we dive in, here are the official dates for the two major holidays in 2026. If your travel overlaps with these dates, pay close attention to the tips below.
| Holiday | Main Holiday Day | 3-Day Break Period |
| Seollal (Lunar New Year) | February 17 (Tue) | Feb 16 (Mon) – Feb 18 (Wed) |
| Chuseok (Thanksgiving) | September 25 (Fri) | Sept 24 (Thu) – Sept 26 (Sat) |
In 2026, Chuseok has a substitute holiday on September 28th (Monday). This creates a long 5-day weekend from September 24th to 28th. Expect even more crowds and plan your travel accordingly!
What Are Seollal and Chuseok?
Korea has many public holidays, but Seollal and Chuseok are the biggest and most culturally significant. Like many Koreans, I usually travel to my parents’ hometown during these holidays. Highways fill with cars, train stations buzz with families carrying gift sets, and the atmosphere feels distinctly different from ordinary long weekends.
Both holidays officially last three consecutive days. If one of those days overlaps with a Sunday or another public holiday, an extra substitute holiday is often added.
Seollal celebrates the Lunar New Year. Families gather, eat tteokguk (rice cake soup), and younger generations perform sebae, a formal bow to elders. Chuseok, on the other hand, marks the harvest season. Families share songpyeon, half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with sesame or red bean, and express gratitude for the year’s crops.
In simple terms, Seollal is about welcoming a new year, while Chuseok centers on giving thanks for a successful harvest.
In the past, traffic during these holidays was almost unimaginable. A drive from Seoul to Gangneung—which normally takes about three hours—once took me over seven. I still remember sitting in the car, watching brake lights stretch endlessly across the highway.
Things have improved in recent years. More Koreans travel abroad during long holidays, and transportation infrastructure has developed significantly. Even so, Seollal and Chuseok remain the most congested travel periods in Korea.
Do Shops Close During Korean Holidays?
On most Korean public holidays, businesses remain open. People go out, shop, eat, and explore—so staying open often makes financial sense. In fact, some clinics and hospitals even operate on Sundays and public holidays.
However, Seollal and Chuseok are different.
Many independent shops close, and even some large shopping malls may shut their doors. That said, closures typically happen only on the main holiday day—the middle day of the three-day break. Most businesses do not close for the entire holiday period.
For example, in 2026, Lotte World Mall in Jamsil plans to operate from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Seollal itself. Recently, more major shopping centers have begun opening with reduced hours even on the main holiday day.
To summarize: during regular public holidays in Korea, shops usually stay open. During Seollal or Chuseok, many stores close on the main holiday day, but an increasing number of malls and tourist areas operate with limited hours.
Transportation: The Real Challenge
Traffic is heavier than usual on any Korean public holiday, especially when a Friday holiday creates a three-day weekend.
But Seollal and Chuseok operate on an entirely different level.
Highway congestion lasts longer and stretches farther. Not all highways have dedicated bus lanes, so bottlenecks are unavoidable.
You might think, “What about taking the KTX or SRT high-speed train?”
Unfortunately, securing train tickets during Seollal or Chuseok is extremely difficult—even for locals. Holiday train tickets are released during special booking windows and sell out almost instantly. The most competitive routes are from Seoul to regional cities on the first day, and from regional cities back to Seoul on the final day—time of day hardly matters.
However, you can turn this challenge into an advantage.
For instance, you could explore cities like Busan or Gwangju before the holiday begins, then travel to Seoul after the main exodus. In that case, trains are less crowded and highways are clearer. Alternatively, plan your regional travel near the end of the holiday period.
If you’re renting a car, here’s one useful tip: highway toll fees are often waived during major holiday periods.
Is It a Good Time to Visit Korea?
In the past, visiting Korea during Seollal or Chuseok wasn’t ideal. Many shops closed for the full three days, and travelers sometimes found themselves with limited options.
Today, the situation is very different.
Except for the main holiday day, most businesses operate—and some areas feel even busier than usual. I visited a popular food alley in Seoul during the 2026 Seollal holiday, and almost every restaurant was open. The air was filled with sizzling meat, clinking glasses, and lively conversation. It felt less like a shutdown and more like a festive weekend.
One major advantage is that royal palaces in Seoul—such as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung—offer free admission during Seollal and Chuseok. Walking through Gyeongbokgung in crisp winter air, hearing the echo of footsteps on stone paths, you can truly feel the atmosphere of a traditional Korean holiday.
Areas like Insadong also maintain strong foot traffic, and hanbok rental shops are often even more active than usual.
So if your travel dates overlap with Seollal or Chuseok, there’s no need to hesitate. With thoughtful planning, it can become a memorable cultural experience rather than an inconvenience.
Quick Planning Tips for Travelers
If your itinerary includes travel outside Seoul during Seollal, plan carefully. You may spend more time on the road than expected.
For smoother travel, consider moving between regions before the holiday begins or near its conclusion. Both trains and express buses are generally easier to book during those windows.
If your schedule includes the main holiday day, I strongly recommend visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace. Admission is free, and nearby neighborhoods often remain lively because the holiday period can actually boost business in those areas.
Some large malls and specific attractions may close, so always check operating hours in advance. Focusing on areas like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong is usually a safe and rewarding choice.
Recommended Reads
- Seollal vs Chuseok: Which Is Better for Travelers to Korea?
Trying to decide which holiday is actually worth experiencing during your trip? This comparison breaks down the real differences so you can choose based on what you want to see and avoid. - Free Palace Entry During Seollal & Chuseok in Seoul
Heard that palace entry is free during these holidays but not sure how it works? This guide shows exactly when to go and how to make the most of that rare opportunity. - What’s Open During Seollal & Chuseok in Korea?
Worried about arriving and finding everything closed? This post gives a realistic picture of what actually stays open—and what you should plan around. - KTX and Traffic During Seollal & Chuseok: What Travelers Should Expect (Updated 2026)
Thinking of traveling between cities during the holiday rush? This guide helps you understand the real booking situation and avoid the worst timing mistakes.