Chuseok 2025 in Seoul: A First-Timer's Survival Guide to Korean Thanksgiving

Ever dreamed of visiting Korea during its beautiful autumn season, only to hear everything shuts down for a massive holiday? 

Let’s bust that myth right now. 

Chuseok, Korea's Thanksgiving, can be the absolute best time to experience Seoul, but only if you know the secrets to navigating it like a local.

Key Takeaways

Understand what Chuseok is and why it’s a big deal in Korea.
Get a clear list of what's actually open versus what's closed in Seoul.
Learn insider tips to navigate transport and enjoy unique cultural events.
Decode the fascinating Chuseok gift culture (yes, we'll talk about the Spam sets!).

The Phenomenon: What is Chuseok?

Chuseok, often called Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the nation's most important holidays. 

In 2025, the official holiday period runs from Sunday, October 5th to Tuesday, October 7th. 

It's a harvest festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar under the full harvest moon. 

For Koreans, this holiday is all about family. 

Millions of people leave the cities and head to their ancestral hometowns, which is why Seoul can feel unusually quiet. 

This mass migration is legendary, causing traffic jams known as the "national migration." But for a traveler staying in Seoul, this quietness can be a golden opportunity.

Historical Roots: The 'Why' Behind the Holiday

Chuseok is more than just a day off; it's a tradition steeped in history and respect. The day begins with a solemn ancestral memorial rite called 'Charye' (차례). 

Families gather to honor their ancestors with an elaborate table of offerings, including freshly harvested rice, alcohol, and half-moon-shaped rice cakes called 'Songpyeon' (송편). 

There's a saying that if you make beautiful songpyeon, you'll meet a good spouse or have a beautiful child. 

It’s a holiday that beautifully connects the past with the present, reinforcing family bonds and gratitude for the harvest.

Quick Explainer

Chuseok (추석): Pronounced "Chu-seok," it literally means "Autumn Eve." It's the major harvest festival in Korea.
Songpyeon (송편): Pronounced "Song-pyeon," these are small, half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with sweet ingredients like sesame seeds or red bean paste. They are the quintessential Chuseok food.
Charye (차례): Pronounced "Cha-rye," this is the memorial service to honor ancestors, a core ritual of the holiday.

Modern Reality: Your Chuseok Survival Guide

 

So, what does this all mean for you, the traveler? Here’s the breakdown. 

What's Closed:

Many small, family-owned restaurants, cafes, and shops will be closed, especially on Chuseok day itself (October 6th). Traditional markets may have reduced hours. It's best to check their schedules in advance. 

What’s Open (and a Must-Do!):

Royal Palaces & Museums: Places like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces are not only open but often offer free admission and host special cultural performances and folk games. The National Folk Museum of Korea is another great spot for holiday events. 

Large Malls & Theme Parks: Major department stores, huge shopping malls like Starfield COEX, and theme parks like Lotte World and Everland are open and bustling. 

Transportation: Avoid long-distance travel out of Seoul. Train (KTX) and bus tickets sell out months in advance. Instead, enjoy Seoul's relatively empty subways and streets. 

Pro-Tip: The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement is waived for many nationalities until the end of 2025, making spontaneous autumn trips much easier!

A Global Perspective: The Chuseok Gift-Giving Decoded

If you walk into any Korean department store before Chuseok, you'll be amazed by the elaborate gift sets. 

This is a huge part of the culture, similar to bringing a bottle of wine to a Thanksgiving dinner in the West, but on a much grander scale. 

Common gifts include baskets of perfect, shiny fruit (apples and pears), and luxurious sets of Hanwoo (premium Korean beef). 

But the one that surprises most Westerners is the Spam gift set. 

Spam was introduced to Korea during the Korean War and became a luxury item in the decades that followed. 

Today, it remains a popular and nostalgic gift, a symbol of shared history and practicality. It's a perfect example of how a global product can take on a unique cultural meaning.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it a bad time to visit Korea during Chuseok?
A: Not at all! It's a fantastic time to see cultural events, as long as you plan to stay primarily in Seoul and embrace the festive atmosphere.

Q: Will I be able to find food?
A: Yes. While small local eateries might be closed, hotel restaurants, franchise restaurants, and places in major shopping malls and tourist areas will be open.

My Personal Take

From my perspective as a native, Chuseok isn't a time to "survive" but a time to embrace. 

Yes, some things are inconvenient, but the trade-off is a chance to see a different face of Seoul—one that's both peacefully quiet and bursting with festive energy in specific spots. 

My advice is simple: don't fight the current. Stay in Seoul, visit a palace, try some songpyeon, and just soak in the unique atmosphere. You'll get a glimpse into the heart of Korean culture that most tourists miss.

This content is for informational purposes only, based on my personal experiences and research. Holiday hours and event schedules can change, so please check official websites before your visit. This does not constitute professional travel advice.

Sources: PublicHolidays.co.kr, Reddit, VISITKOREA, The Soul of Seoul, Wikipedia