Chuseok in Seoul 2026: What to Do, What’s Open, and Where to Eat in Myeongdong
Chuseok in Seoul 2026 is one of the most important travel periods to understand if you are visiting Korea in late September. Chuseok, often described as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays. It is a time when many families gather, travel to hometowns, visit relatives, prepare traditional food, and take part in ancestral memorial rituals.
For visitors, Chuseok can feel confusing at first. Some parts of Seoul may feel quieter than usual because many locals leave the city to visit family. At the same time, major travel areas, cultural sites, malls, hotels, and popular neighborhoods can still be active. Some independent shops and restaurants may close, while major attractions and department stores may continue operating with adjusted holiday schedules.
In 2026, the Chuseok public holiday period falls from September 24 to September 26, with the main Chuseok day on September 25. If your Seoul trip overlaps with these dates, good planning matters. You should know what may close, what usually stays open, where to go for Chuseok cultural experiences, how to avoid travel stress, and where to eat in central Seoul.
At Mongvely, we know many people visiting Seoul during Chuseok stay around Myeongdong because it is central, convenient, and easy to navigate. Myeongdong is useful during the holiday because it has hotels, shopping streets, cafes, subway access, department stores, street food, and restaurants within a compact area. It also connects well to Namsan, Euljiro, Cheonggyecheon, City Hall, Gwanghwamun, and several cultural event locations.
Mongvely is an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant in Myeongdong, with one branch near Myeongdong Station and another near Euljiro 1-ga Station. We are open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, including weekends and holidays, making Mongvely a convenient place to eat during Chuseok in Seoul.
This guide covers what to do during Chuseok in Seoul 2026, what is usually open, what to check before going out, where to experience Korean culture, how to plan around Myeongdong, and where to eat Korean BBQ during the holiday.
➣ READ ALSO : The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in Seoul
What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which means the exact Gregorian calendar dates change every year. In 2026, Chuseok falls during September 24 to September 26.
Chuseok is commonly associated with harvest, family, gratitude, traditional food, and ancestral remembrance. Many Koreans travel to their hometowns during this period, which makes transportation especially busy before and after the holiday. Families may prepare food, gather for meals, visit ancestral graves, and spend time together.
For travelers, Chuseok is not only a holiday to avoid. It can also be a meaningful time to experience a more traditional side of Korea. Cultural venues, hanok villages, museums, palaces, and public spaces often prepare holiday programs, traditional games, performances, and hands-on activities.
However, because Chuseok is a family-centered holiday, visitors should not assume every business will operate normally. Some restaurants, small stores, clinics, markets, and independent shops may close or change hours. This is why checking schedules in advance is important.
Is Seoul Good to Visit During Chuseok?
Yes, Seoul can be good to visit during Chuseok, but you need to plan differently from a normal week.
One advantage is that Seoul may feel slightly less busy in some local areas because many residents leave the city. Roads leaving Seoul and intercity transportation can become crowded, but some parts of the city itself may feel calmer. This can make certain walks, hotel areas, and central neighborhoods easier to enjoy.
Another advantage is that Seoul offers Chuseok cultural programs. If you want to understand Korean tradition beyond shopping and cafes, this can be a good time to visit cultural spaces, hanok villages, museums, and palace-area neighborhoods.
The challenge is that opening hours can be irregular. A restaurant you saved may be closed. A small shop may take several days off. Some places may operate shorter hours. Even places that usually stay open may announce holiday schedules close to the date.
The best way to enjoy Chuseok in Seoul is to choose reliable areas, check official schedules, and keep your itinerary flexible. Myeongdong is useful for this because it has many hotels, transport options, shops, cafes, department stores, and restaurants close together.
What Is Open During Chuseok in Seoul?
During Chuseok, government offices and banks are closed. Some small businesses, independent restaurants, clinics, beauty salons, local shops, and traditional market stalls may also close or operate on reduced hours.
However, many major tourist facilities, palaces, museums, department stores, amusement facilities, hotels, large shopping areas, and popular visitor districts may still operate. The exact schedule can vary by business, so it is important to check directly before visiting.
In Seoul, areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae, Yeouido, COEX, Jamsil, Gwanghwamun, and major hotel districts are usually safer choices than quiet residential neighborhoods if you need food, shopping, cafes, or transportation during a holiday.
For restaurants, do not assume everything is open just because the area is popular. Always check the restaurant’s website, Google Business Profile, Instagram, Naver Map, or direct contact page. Chuseok is one of the times when a restaurant’s usual schedule may not be enough.
Mongvely is open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, including holidays, so it is a convenient Korean BBQ option in Myeongdong during Chuseok.
What Might Be Closed During Chuseok?
The places most likely to close during Chuseok are smaller independent businesses, local family-run restaurants, clinics, private salons, smaller cafes, local offices, banks, government offices, and certain neighborhood stores.
Traditional markets can be complicated. Some may be active before Chuseok because people shop for holiday food and gifts, but parts of the market may close during the actual holiday period. It depends on the market and the business owner.
Small restaurants are also unpredictable. Some remain open because holiday visitors are still in the area. Others close because the owners and staff spend time with family. This is why it is better not to rely only on saved map lists during Chuseok.
If there is a specific place you really want to visit, check ahead. If you cannot confirm, prepare a backup nearby.
For food, it is smart to save a few options in major neighborhoods like Myeongdong, Euljiro, Gangnam, Hongdae, Jongno, and Jamsil. During Chuseok, the best plan is not the most complicated plan. It is the plan that still works if one or two places are closed.
Best Things to Do During Chuseok in Seoul 2026
Chuseok is a good time to experience cultural activities, traditional spaces, autumn weather, and central Seoul neighborhoods. Since 2026 Chuseok falls in late September, the weather is usually more comfortable than summer, making walking and outdoor plans easier.
Instead of trying to do too much in one day, focus on areas that combine culture, food, transport, and flexibility.
1. Visit Namsangol Hanok Village for Chuseok Events
Namsangol Hanok Village is one of the most natural places to visit during Chuseok in Seoul. It is located near Namsan and central Seoul, making it convenient from Myeongdong, Chungmuro, Euljiro, and nearby hotel areas.
For Chuseok 2026, Seoul lists the Namsangol Chuseok Festival: Namsan Dalbit Madang from September 25 to September 27. The event is held at Namsangol Hanok Village and includes traditional cultural festival programming for the holiday.
This is a good option if you want Chuseok to feel more meaningful than a normal shopping day. Hanok architecture, traditional activities, performances, and seasonal atmosphere help visitors understand why Chuseok is culturally important in Korea.
After visiting Namsangol Hanok Village, you can easily continue toward Myeongdong, Namsan, Chungmuro, or Euljiro for food. If you want Korean BBQ after the event, Mongvely is nearby in Myeongdong.
2. Explore Myeongdong During Chuseok
Myeongdong is one of the most useful areas during Chuseok because it is central and practical. Even when some smaller businesses close, the area usually remains one of the easier places to find shopping, cafes, food, hotels, and transport.
Myeongdong is good for skincare shopping, cosmetics, fashion, street browsing, snacks, cafes, currency exchange, and dinner. It also connects well to Namsan, Myeongdong Cathedral, Euljiro, Lotte Department Store, City Hall, and Cheonggyecheon.
During Chuseok, Myeongdong can be especially useful for visitors who do not want to travel too far across Seoul. You can keep the day simple: shop, walk, take cafe breaks, visit a nearby cultural event, and eat in the same general area.
If your Chuseok plan feels uncertain, Myeongdong is a smart base because it gives you many backup options in a compact area.
3. Walk Around Namsan and N Seoul Tower
Late September is a good time for Namsan because the weather is usually more comfortable than peak summer. Full autumn foliage may not be at its peak yet, but the cooler air makes walking more enjoyable.
Namsan is especially convenient from Myeongdong, making it a strong Chuseok day plan. You can shop or have coffee in Myeongdong, walk toward Namsan, enjoy the city view, visit N Seoul Tower if you want, then return to Myeongdong for dinner.
This plan is useful because it does not depend too heavily on holiday opening hours. Even if some smaller shops or restaurants are closed, outdoor walks and city views can still make the day worthwhile.
After Namsan, a warm Korean BBQ meal at Mongvely can be a good way to end the evening.
4. Visit Palaces and Traditional Areas
Palace areas are a strong choice during Chuseok because they connect well with Korean history and tradition. Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Insadong, Bukchon, Samcheong-dong, and Gwanghwamun all work well for a cultural Seoul route.
During Korean holidays, some cultural sites may offer special programs or adjusted admission, but schedules can change. Check the official website before visiting.
The palace area is especially good if you want a slower Chuseok day. You can walk, take photos, visit cafes, explore traditional streets, and continue toward Cheonggyecheon, Euljiro, or Myeongdong afterward.
For travelers staying near Myeongdong, this is one of the easiest cultural routes because the distance is manageable and the dinner options in central Seoul are stronger than in more remote areas.
5. Visit Seoul Baekje Museum or Seoul Urban Life Museum
For Chuseok 2026, Seoul’s cultural event calendar lists Chuseok programs at Seoul Baekje Museum and Seoul Urban Life Museum. These are good options for visitors who want an indoor cultural plan, especially if the weather is rainy or if outdoor areas feel too crowded.
Museum programs can be useful during Chuseok because they provide structure. Instead of wandering and hoping places are open, you can visit a scheduled event, performance, hands-on activity, or exhibition.
This is especially helpful for families or travelers who want a calmer holiday plan. If your group includes children, older family members, or people who prefer indoor activities, museums can be more comfortable than spending the entire day outside.
After the museum, return to a central area like Myeongdong or Euljiro for dinner.
6. Spend Time Around Cheonggyecheon and Euljiro
Cheonggyecheon is a good Chuseok walking route because it is central, easy, and flexible. You do not need to walk the entire stream. Even a short section can be enough, especially in the evening.
Euljiro is also useful during Chuseok because it connects central Seoul with Myeongdong, City Hall, Jongno, and Cheonggyecheon. It has a different feeling from Myeongdong: slightly more local, more downtown, and less obviously shopping-focused.
A simple Chuseok evening plan could be:
Gwanghwamun or City Hall
Cheonggyecheon walk
Euljiro 1-ga
Dinner at Mongvely Branch 2
This route keeps the day central and avoids unnecessary long-distance movement during a holiday period.
7. Use Department Stores and Malls as Backup Plans
During Chuseok, the weather and opening hours can both affect your day. This is why it is smart to keep indoor backup plans.
Department stores, major shopping malls, and large commercial facilities may operate during parts of the holiday period, but schedules can vary. Check each location’s Chuseok hours before going.
Useful indoor areas include Myeongdong department stores, The Hyundai Seoul, IFC Mall, COEX, Lotte World Mall, and major shopping complexes. These places are especially helpful if it rains, if your original restaurant is closed, or if you want a simpler day without too much subway travel.
During Chuseok, backup plans are not optional. They are part of good travel planning.
8. Eat Korean BBQ in Myeongdong
Food is one of the biggest questions during Chuseok in Seoul. Since some restaurants may close, it is useful to know a reliable place to eat in advance.
Mongvely is open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, including holidays. This makes us a convenient option for Korean BBQ in Myeongdong during Chuseok.
At Mongvely, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with beef, pork, banchan, sauces, vegetables, lettuce wraps, and table grilling. Depending on the selected course, rice, ramen, cold noodles, soybean stew, soft drinks, and beef intestine options may also be available.
Korean BBQ works well during Chuseok because it is a warm, shared meal. After cultural events, shopping, palace walks, or a long day outside, sitting around a grill with beef, pork, rice, banchan, and sauces feels satisfying.
If you are staying near Myeongdong Station, Mongvely’s main branch is convenient. If you are closer to Euljiro 1-ga, Lotte Department Store, City Hall, or Cheonggyecheon, Mongvely Branch 2 may be easier.
Why Myeongdong Is a Smart Area During Chuseok
Myeongdong is not only a shopping area. During Chuseok, it becomes useful because it offers flexibility.
When some places close, Myeongdong still gives you a better chance of finding food, cafes, shopping, hotels, convenience stores, subway access, and indoor options nearby. It also reduces the need to cross Seoul multiple times during a holiday period.
Myeongdong is especially good for visitors who want to avoid complicated routes. You can base your day around central Seoul and still have many options:
Myeongdong shopping
Myeongdong Cathedral
Namsan
Namsangol Hanok Village
Euljiro
Cheonggyecheon
City Hall
Deoksugung
Gwanghwamun
Korean BBQ dinner
This kind of route makes sense during Chuseok because it keeps everything close enough to adjust if one plan changes.
Chuseok Travel Tips for Seoul 2026
The first tip is to check opening hours before leaving your hotel. During Chuseok, regular schedules may not apply.
The second tip is to avoid unnecessary intercity travel if you have not booked early. Trains and buses can be busy because many Koreans travel to hometowns.
The third tip is to plan by area. Do not create an itinerary that jumps from Myeongdong to Jamsil to Hongdae to Gangnam in one day. Choose one main area and one nearby secondary area.
The fourth tip is to keep food plans flexible. Save several restaurant options, especially in central areas.
The fifth tip is to use cultural events. Chuseok is a good opportunity to experience traditional games, hanok spaces, museums, and performances.
The sixth tip is to carry a light layer. Late September can still be warm during the day, but evenings may feel cooler.
The seventh tip is to make dinner easy. After a holiday event day, a nearby restaurant open late is more useful than a place that requires another long subway ride.
Sample Chuseok in Seoul 2026 Itinerary
Day 1: September 24 — Arrival, Myeongdong, and Easy Dinner
If you arrive in Seoul on the first day of the Chuseok holiday period, keep your plan simple. Check into your hotel, walk around Myeongdong, buy anything you need, and have dinner nearby.
Do not plan too much on arrival day. Holiday transport, luggage, and changed opening hours can make the day more tiring than expected.
A simple route:
Hotel check-in
Myeongdong shopping
Myeongdong Cathedral or cafe
Dinner at Mongvely
Short evening walk
This gives you a strong first Chuseok night without unnecessary stress.
Day 2: September 25 — Chuseok Cultural Day
September 25 is the main Chuseok day in 2026. This is a good day to focus on cultural experiences.
A strong route:
Namsangol Hanok Village Chuseok Festival
Namsan or Chungmuro walk\
Myeongdong cafe or shopping
Korean BBQ dinner at Mongvely
This route keeps you in central Seoul and gives the day a clear Chuseok theme.
Day 3: September 26 — Museum, Palace, or Central Seoul Walk
The final day of the official Chuseok public holiday period is a good time for museums, palaces, or central Seoul walks.
A useful route:
Seoul Baekje Museum or Seoul Urban Life Museum event
Gwanghwamun or Deoksugung
Cheonggyecheon
Euljiro
Mongvely Branch 2
This route works well for people who want culture, walking, and food without relying too much on smaller independent businesses.
Where to Eat in Myeongdong During Chuseok
During Chuseok, choosing where to eat in Myeongdong should be practical. You want somewhere central, open, filling, and easy to understand.
Mongvely is a convenient choice because we are open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, including holidays. We serve all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with beef, pork, banchan, sauces, vegetables, lettuce wraps, and course options that may include rice, ramen, cold noodles, soybean stew, soft drinks, and beef intestine options.
This is useful during Chuseok because Korean BBQ works for different situations:
Dinner after Namsangol Hanok Village
Lunch before Myeongdong shopping
Late-night food after a long Seoul day
Group meals during the holiday
Rainy-day meals indoors
A proper meal after palace walks or Cheonggyecheon
Mongvely’s two branches also make it easier to match your route. Use the main branch if you are closer to Myeongdong Station. Use Branch 2 if you are closer to Euljiro 1-ga Station, Lotte Department Store, City Hall, or Cheonggyecheon.
Why Korean BBQ Fits Chuseok in Seoul
Chuseok is a holiday connected to family, gathering, and food. While visitors may not experience a private Korean family meal, they can still enjoy a shared Korean dining experience in Seoul.
Korean BBQ is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a shared table. Everyone sits around the grill, cooks meat, adds banchan, tries sauces, makes lettuce wraps, eats rice, and shares the meal together.
At Mongvely, the all-you-can-eat format makes the table more flexible. Some people may prefer beef. Others may prefer pork. Some may want ramen, rice, soybean stew, cold noodles, or vegetables. The table can move naturally depending on appetite.
During Chuseok, this kind of meal feels especially appropriate because it is warm, social, and satisfying. After a day of cultural events, walking, or holiday shopping, Korean BBQ gives the day a proper ending.
What to Check Before Going Out During Chuseok
Before leaving your hotel during Chuseok, check three things.
First, check opening hours. Do not assume restaurants, shops, museums, or attractions are operating normally.
Second, check transport. Subway inside Seoul is usually useful, but some routes may be busier than expected. Intercity trains and buses can be difficult during the holiday period if not booked in advance.
Third, check weather. Late September can be comfortable, but rain is possible and evenings may feel cooler.
For restaurants, check the official website, Google Business Profile, Naver Map, or Instagram. For attractions and museums, check official sites. For cultural events, check Seoul’s official event calendar.
A little checking prevents most Chuseok travel problems.
Final Thoughts: Chuseok in Seoul 2026
Chuseok in Seoul 2026 can be a meaningful and enjoyable time to visit Korea if you plan carefully. The holiday period runs from September 24 to September 26, with the main Chuseok day on September 25. During this time, some businesses may close, transportation can be busier, and regular schedules may change.
But Chuseok also gives visitors a chance to experience a more traditional side of Seoul. Namsangol Hanok Village, museums, palace areas, cultural events, and central Seoul walks can make the holiday feel special. Instead of seeing Chuseok only as a travel inconvenience, treat it as a chance to experience Korea’s seasonal culture.
The best Chuseok plan in Seoul is flexible, central, and realistic. Choose areas like Myeongdong, Euljiro, Namsan, Cheonggyecheon, City Hall, Gwanghwamun, and palace neighborhoods. Check opening hours. Keep backup plans. Avoid unnecessary long-distance travel. Make food part of the plan.
If your Chuseok day ends near Myeongdong or Euljiro, Mongvely is a convenient Korean BBQ restaurant open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, including holidays. With all-you-can-eat beef, pork, banchan, sauces, rice, ramen, cold noodles, soybean stew, and a central location, Mongvely is a practical place to enjoy a warm and filling meal during Chuseok in Seoul.
Whether you are visiting Seoul for the first time or spending the holiday in the city, Chuseok can be a good time to slow down, explore Korean culture, enjoy autumn weather, and finish the day with Korean BBQ in Myeongdong.
FAQ: Chuseok in Seoul 2026
When is Chuseok in Seoul 2026?
Chuseok in 2026 falls from September 24 to September 26. The main Chuseok day is September 25.
What is Chuseok?
Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. It is often called Korean Thanksgiving and is connected to harvest, family gatherings, traditional food, and ancestral rituals.
Is Seoul open during Chuseok?
Yes, parts of Seoul remain open during Chuseok, especially major tourist areas, hotels, department stores, malls, palaces, museums, and popular districts. However, some small businesses and restaurants may close or change hours.
Are restaurants open during Chuseok in Seoul?
Some restaurants are open, while others close for the holiday. Always check the restaurant’s official website, Google Business Profile, Naver Map, Instagram, or contact page before visiting.
Is Mongvely open during Chuseok?
Yes. Mongvely is open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, including holidays.
Where can I eat in Myeongdong during Chuseok?
Mongvely is a convenient all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant in Myeongdong, with one branch near Myeongdong Station and another near Euljiro 1-ga Station.
What does Mongvely serve?
Mongvely serves all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with beef, pork, banchan, sauces, vegetables, lettuce wraps, and course options such as rice, ramen, cold noodles, soybean stew, soft drinks, and beef intestine options depending on the selected menu.
Is Myeongdong good during Chuseok?
Yes. Myeongdong is a practical area during Chuseok because it has hotels, shopping, cafes, restaurants, subway access, department stores, and easy connections to Namsan, Euljiro, Cheonggyecheon, and City Hall.
What should I do in Seoul during Chuseok?
Good Chuseok plans include Namsangol Hanok Village, palace areas, museums, Cheonggyecheon, Myeongdong, Namsan, Gwanghwamun, Euljiro, department stores, and cultural events.
Is Namsangol Hanok Village good during Chuseok?
Yes. Namsangol Hanok Village is one of the best places to experience Chuseok culture in Seoul because it hosts traditional holiday programs and is close to Myeongdong and Namsan.
Are museums open during Chuseok in Seoul?
Many museums may remain open or host special programs, but schedules vary. Check official museum websites before visiting.
Are palaces open during Chuseok?
Palaces often remain open during public holidays, but exact hours and special programs can vary. Check the official palace website before visiting.
Are banks open during Chuseok in Korea?
No. Banks are closed during public holidays, including Chuseok.
Are government offices open during Chuseok?
No. Government offices are closed during Chuseok public holidays.
Is public transportation available during Chuseok in Seoul?
Yes, Seoul public transportation generally operates, but intercity trains and buses can be very busy because many Koreans travel to their hometowns. Book early if you plan to travel outside Seoul.
Should I travel outside Seoul during Chuseok?
Only travel outside Seoul during Chuseok if you have planned transportation in advance. Trains, buses, and highways can be crowded around the holiday.
What should I wear in Seoul during Chuseok?
Chuseok 2026 is in late September, so light layers are useful. Daytime can still feel mild or warm, while evenings may feel cooler.
Is Korean BBQ good during Chuseok?
Yes. Korean BBQ is a good meal during Chuseok because it is warm, shared, filling, and suitable after cultural events, shopping, or long walks.
Is Mongvely near Myeongdong Station?
Yes. Mongvely’s main branch is near Myeongdong Station.
Is Mongvely near Euljiro 1-ga Station?
Yes. Mongvely Branch 2 is near Euljiro 1-ga Station.
Is Mongvely open late during Chuseok?
Yes. Mongvely is open until 2:00 AM daily, including holidays.
Is Mongvely good for groups during Chuseok?
Yes. Mongvely’s all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ format works well for groups. Reservations are accepted for groups of 6 or more depending on branch and timing rules.
Is Mongvely halal?
No. Mongvely is not halal-certified and serves both beef and pork. Cross-contamination may occur.
Why visit Mongvely during Chuseok in Seoul?
Visit Mongvely during Chuseok if you want a reliable Korean BBQ restaurant in Myeongdong that is open daily, serves all-you-can-eat beef and pork, and is convenient after cultural events, shopping, Namsan, Cheonggyecheon, or hotel check-in.
Visit Us Now!
Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Follow us on Instagram: @kbbqmongvely
