Chuseok, known as ‘Hangawi’ in Korean, and celebrated as Korean Thanksgiving, stands as one of Korea’s most significant holidays. This year’s Chuseok holiday will span a total of 6 days, commencing on September 28th and concluding on October 3rd, which includes National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) on October 3rd.
During the holiday, many shops, department stores, and restaurants may temporarily close their doors. However, fortunately, there are numerous captivating destinations to explore and exciting events for both travelers and expats in Korea to relish throughout the Chuseok holiday.
1. Exploring Historic Sites & Museums
In Seoul, the royal palaces and museums provide an ideal backdrop for immersing yourself in the Chuseok holiday spirit, offering an array of cultural and traditional activities to partake in.
• Korean Folk Village – Step into the living history of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) at the Korean Folk Village, an outdoor park that recreates the ambiance of ancient Korea. Explore every nook and cranny of the village, from various types of ancient houses to immersive cultural experiences.
• Namsangol Hanok Village – Situated near Chungmuro Station, Namsangol Hanok Village is a popular Chuseok holiday destination. Here, visitors can engage in a variety of hands-on activities and relish folk music performances.
• National Folk Museum – Nestled within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum offers an extensive array of hands-on activities and traditional games. (Closed on September 10th)
• National Museum of Korea – As the nation’s largest museum, located in central Seoul’s Yongsan district, the National Museum of Korea will host a multitude of traditional events. (Closed on September 10th)
• Korean War Memorial – The Korean War Memorial in Yongsan features missile replicas and exhibitions dedicated to the Korean War.
2. Thrilling Adventures at Amusement Parks
Embark on an exhilarating adventure at Korean amusement parks that keep their doors open year-round. Be prepared for potentially larger crowds than usual, so it’s advisable to secure your admission tickets in advance.
• Everland – Situated in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Everland stands as Korea’s largest theme park, offering a diverse array of rides and attractions, including the renowned T-Express, one of the world’s premier wooden roller coasters. Simplify your visit by booking an Everland 1-day pass instantly on Trazy, where you can conveniently present your QR code ticket on your phone at the entrance.
• Lotte World – Nestled in Jamsil, Seoul, Lotte World ranks as the country’s largest indoor theme park. In addition to its thrilling rides, Lotte World hosts a plethora of performances and festivals throughout the year. To skip the lengthy queues at popular attractions, consider obtaining the Magic Pass Premium, an express pass.
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• Seoul Land – Located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Seoul Land is a fantastic family-friendly park renowned for its abundance of kid-friendly rides and attractions.
3. Mesmerizing Performances & Shows
For an unforgettable stay in Seoul, immerse yourself in these captivating musical and cultural performances that promise to add an extra layer of excitement to your holiday. Don’t forget to secure your tickets in advance!
• Cookin’ Nanta Show – The Cookin’ Nanta Show is a non-verbal performance that seamlessly blends traditional percussion with humor, captivating audiences since its inception in 1997. You can catch this incredible show daily at Myeongdong Nanta Theatre and Hongdae Nanta Theatre.
• Jump Show – Bursting with martial arts prowess and humor, the Jump Show is an award-winning nonverbal dance performance that incorporates ‘taekwondo’ and other Asian martial arts. Since its debut in 2003, the show has been a daily spectacle at Myeongbo Art Hall in Jung District, Seoul.
Autumn Adventures
Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, marks the official start of the autumn season. Typically, Chuseok falls during the peak of autumn foliage tours, but this year, it arrives a bit early for witnessing the vibrant fall colors. Nevertheless, September presents an ideal opportunity to bask in Korea’s splendid autumn weather!
• Seoraksan Mountain – Renowned for its enchanting autumn foliage, Seoraksan Mountain is a must-visit destination. Although Chuseok falls a bit early this year for the full autumn spectacle, it’s still a wonderful time to take a leisurely stroll amid these majestic trees while savoring the crisp autumn breeze.
• Hwadam Botanic Garden – Immerse yourself in the wonders of Hwadam Botanic Garden, an eco-friendly haven boasting over 4,000 plant and flower species. Explore this lush garden effortlessly with a convenient day tour from Seoul, complete with entrance fees and an English-speaking guide offering enlightening commentary. The tour also includes a visit to Namhansanseong Fortress, a mountain fortress perched atop the hills overlooking the Seoul suburb.
• Alpaca World – Experience the charm of autumn at Alpaca World, an alpaca ranch where you can interact with and feed these adorable creatures, along with various other farm animals. Nearby, you’ll find captivating destinations like Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Bike, Garden of Morning Calm, and more, making it an ideal autumn outing.
5. Day Trips from Seoul
Discover some of the most enticing day trip destinations to explore from Seoul during the Chuseok holiday season! From enchanting Nami Island to the historic DMZ, you can embark on hassle-free one-day tours via Dynasty Korea.
• Nami Island – A visit to Nami Island is an absolute must when exploring Korea. Renowned for its pristine walking trails and iconic K-drama filming locations, it’s a captivating destination.
• DMZ – The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a significant historical site that serves as the buffer zone separating North and South Korea. If you seek a unique opportunity to come close to the North Korean border, consider joining this special DMZ tour.
6. Tandem Paragliding
For a one-of-a-kind and extraordinary Chuseok holiday experience, why not consider arranging a tandem paragliding adventure? It promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking to revel in the breathtaking landscapes and exhilarating moments.
