In Korea, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are the two biggest holidays of the year. They are not single-day holidays but three-day breaks. Because many people travel to their hometowns, travelers often wonder, “Will everything be closed if I visit Korea during this time?”
The short answer is no, not everything closes. However, operations differ slightly from regular public holidays. In this guide, I will explain realistically what stays open and what tends to close during Seollal and Chuseok.
(If you are also concerned about transportation during the holiday period, see my previous guide: KTX and Traffic During Seollal & Chuseok: What Travelers Should Expect.)
Do Shops Close During Seollal and Chuseok?
On most Korean public holidays, shops and restaurants operate normally. The atmosphere is often similar to a Sunday, with many businesses open. Seollal and Chuseok are somewhat different.
These holidays typically last three days, and the highest number of closures happens on the main holiday day (the middle day). The first and last days of the holiday period usually see more businesses operating. However, policies vary by store, and some businesses choose to close for all three days.
Independently run restaurants, neighborhood shops, and traditional market stalls are more likely to close on the main holiday day. Spending time with family during Seollal and Chuseok holds significant cultural importance in Korea.
What About Large Shopping Malls and Franchise Chains?
The situation has changed in recent years.
Large shopping malls, department stores, hypermarkets, franchise cafés, and fast-food chains increasingly operate on reduced hours even on the main holiday day. In the past, some closed for the entire three-day period, but now many either close only on the main day or open later in the afternoon.
During the 2026 Seollal holiday, I visited a popular food alley in Nowon, Seoul. Most franchise restaurants were open. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and people were laughing and dining as usual. It felt more like a typical weekend than a shutdown. Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, Seoul, also opened on Seollal day in 2026.
Of course, conditions vary by region and commercial district. Central Seoul may feel different from smaller provincial cities.
Are Tourist Attractions Open?
Many attractions remain open.
In particular, royal palaces in Seoul often offer free admission during Seollal and Chuseok. For example, Gyeongbokgung is well known for offering complimentary entry during major holidays. Some palaces also host traditional performances or cultural activities during this period.
Hanbok rental shops can even become busier than usual, as visitors take advantage of the traditional atmosphere for photos.
However, some museums and privately operated exhibition spaces may close on the main holiday day, so checking official websites in advance is advisable.
What About Hospitals, Pharmacies, and Convenience Stores?
Most convenience stores remain open. Since many operate 24 hours a day, they generally pose no issue for travelers.
Pharmacies operate under a rotating “duty pharmacy” system during holidays. You can find open pharmacies, but options are more limited than usual. If you need basic over-the-counter medication such as digestive aids or fever reducers and do not require a hospital visit, some convenience stores sell limited medical supplies. However, not all locations carry them.
Most clinics close during the holiday period, but emergency rooms remain operational. General hospitals with emergency departments continue to provide urgent care. Large hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital and Asan Medical Center prioritize severe cases, which can result in long waiting times.
Are Smaller Provincial Cities Different?
Compared to Seoul, smaller cities and residential areas tend to have a higher closure rate on the main holiday day. In non-tourist neighborhoods, the atmosphere can become very quiet. Some businesses close for the entire three-day period.
If you plan to travel outside Seoul, it is wise to confirm in advance whether a few nearby restaurants will be open around your accommodation.
Is It Actually a Bad Time to Visit?
In the past, traveling during Seollal or Chuseok could be inconvenient. Many shops closed, and there were fewer activities available. The situation today is different.
If you plan carefully around the main holiday day, most tourist attractions operate. Seoul, in particular, can feel less crowded as many residents leave the city. Areas that normally experience heavy traffic may allow for noticeably faster taxi or car travel during this time.
There are also experiences unique to the holiday period, such as free palace admission and traditional cultural events.
With thoughtful scheduling, Seollal and Chuseok are not necessarily periods to avoid, but rather times that require strategic planning.
Practical Summary for Travelers
- On the main holiday day, some independent shops and restaurants close.
- Large malls and franchise chains often operate on reduced hours.
- Royal palaces frequently offer free admission, making them good options to visit.
- Smaller provincial cities may have higher closure rates than Seoul.
- Convenience stores and emergency medical services generally remain available.
Seollal and Chuseok remain the most traditional holidays in Korea, but they are also evolving. If you check current information and keep your schedule flexible, visiting during these periods can still be a satisfying experience.
Finally, when the Seollal holiday period begins, Incheon International Airport becomes extremely crowded. Many Koreans use the extended break to travel abroad. If you are departing Korea at the start of the Seollal holiday, allow extra time at the airport. Check-in, security screening, and access to duty-free areas may take significantly longer than usual.