Today Summary

• How to effectively travel in Korea during holidays + travel tips

• Special ways Koreans celebrate traditional holidays

• Check Major Holidays in Korea

Many international visitors come to Korea during holidays, but they're often surprised to find closed shops and quiet city centers. What should you do during these times?

Also, Korean holidays aren't just days off - they're important times for family gatherings and ancestral remembrance. Let me share both practical travel tips and cultural insights about Korean holidays.

 

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Major Holidays in Korea

Traditional Korean Holidays

1. Seollal (Lunar New Year, 3-day holiday)
2. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, 3-5 days holiday)

source : kimcmarket

National Holidays & Memorial Days

• March 1st (Samiljeol): Commemorating Korea’s independence movement

• August 15th (Gwangbokjeol): Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule

• October 3rd (Gaecheonjeol): National Foundation Day

• October 9th (Hangeul Day): the creation of the Korean alphabet ✍️

Unique Holidays in Korea

• Children’s Day (May 5th): A holiday dedicated to kids

• Memorial Day (June 6th): Honoring Korea’s fallen soldiers

How to Travel in Korea During Holidays?

source : ginabears

Visiting Korea during a major holiday can be tricky.
Some shops and restaurants may be closed, and city streets can feel empty.

However, if you plan wisely, you can experience Korea’s unique traditions and avoid common travel inconveniences.

1. Experience Traditional Holiday Activities

source : n.news

Want to feel the authentic holiday atmosphere? Here are some perfect spots:

• Gyeongbok Palace & Changdeok Palace

  • Wear hanbok (Korean traditional dress) for free entry

  • Experience traditional palace architecture

  • Special holiday performances

• Korean Folk Village (Yongin)

  • Try traditional games like yut-nori

  • Watch cultural performances

  • Perfect for understanding Korean traditions

• Jeonju Hanok Village

  • Stay in traditional houses

  • Try on hanbok

  • Experience traditional tea ceremonies

2. Best Places to Visit During Holidays

source :seoultravelpass

When Seoul gets quiet, these places come alive:

• Jeju Island

  • Less crowded during holidays

  • Visit Seongsan Ilchulbong

  • Explore Bonte Museum

• Busan (Haeundae & Gwangalli)

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Amazing city views

  • Great seafood (even during holidays!)

• Gangneung & Sokcho

  • Famous for sunrise views

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Traditional markets

3. Museums & Art Spaces for a Relaxing Holiday

If you want a calm and cultural holiday, Korea’s museums and art galleries can be great options.

• Seoul Botanic Park

  A large indoor and outdoor botanical garden, perfect for relaxing.

• National Museum of Korea
  Learn about Korean history and culture in-depth.

• Songpa Book Museum
  Discover Korea’s literary and design culture.

4. Some Tourist Spots Offer Free Admission on Holidays!

source : seoultravelpass

During Seollal and Chuseok, some major historical sites offer free entry to visitors. This is a great opportunity to experience Korea’s heritage at no cost.

• Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung Palaces & Jongmyo Shrine

• Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

• National Museum of Korea & National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Tip: Check official websites for opening hours, as some places may have adjusted schedules.

How Do Koreans Spend Their Holidays?

source : travelandtourworld

When holidays approach, Korean families get busy:

Preparing for Charye (ancestral ceremony)

• Making traditional foods

• Preparing holiday gifts (often premium fruit, beef, or ginseng sets)

• Planning travel to hometown

Modern Trend: Many families now buy pre-made holiday foods from department stores!

During the Holiday

source : walkintokorea

1. Morning Rituals

   • Charye (ancestral ceremony)

   • Eating special holiday foods

     • Seollal: Tteokguk (rice cake soup)

     • Chuseok: Songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes)

2. Family Activities

   • Sebae (New Year's bow) with elders giving money to children

   • Traditional games like yut-nori

   • Family meals and catching up

Modern Trend: Some families now enjoy "hotel-cation" or travel abroad instead of traditional celebrations!

Traditional Holiday Games

These games are still played during holidays:

• Yut-nori

  • Board game with four wooden sticks

  • Strategic family game

  • Can be tried at Korean Folk Village

• Hwatu (Go-Stop)

  • Korean card game

  • Popular among adults

  • Similar to Japanese Hanafuda

• Jegi-chagi & Neolttwigi

  • Korean shuttlecock kicking

  • Traditional jumping board game

  • Fun physical activities

Travel Tips for Holiday Periods

1. Check Operating Hours

   • Many shops close during major holidays

   • Tourist attractions might have special holiday hours

2. Transportation

   • Avoid highways (extreme traffic)

   • Use subway or trains

   • Book tickets well in advance

3. Cultural Experiences

   • Join special holiday programs at palaces

   • Visit museums that remain open

   • Try traditional holiday foods at hotels
     

 

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I hope this guide helps you enjoy Korean holidays like a local. Even if you find shops closed, there are so many wonderful experiences waiting for you. I want to help create special memories of Korea that will make you smile even 10 years later.

 

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