Chuseok (추석) in Korea: Travel Chaos or Hidden Opportunity?

If you're living in Korea or just visiting—there’s one holiday that can seriously mess with your plans if you’re not ready: Chuseok (추석).

It’s kind of like Korean Thanksgiving. Families reunite, cities empty out, and... transportation? Total chaos. Train tickets sell out in minutes. Highways turn into parking lots. And half the places you might want to go are closed.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, if you know what to expect and plan smart, Chuseok can actually be one of the best times to explore Korea in a different way.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• what really happens during Chuseok (from a foreigner's point of view),

• why everyone seems to be rushing somewhere,

• how to avoid the worst of the travel madness,

• and a few ideas to make the most of the long weekend—whether you decide to stay or go.

Let’s break it down, one traffic jam at a time.

Why Chuseok (추석) Is a Big Deal in Korea

Chuseok (추석) is one of the biggest holidays in Korea. Some people compare it to Thanksgiving or even Christmas, but it’s really its own thing. It usually lasts three days, and it’s all about family, food, and paying respects to ancestors.

For Koreans, it’s not just a holiday—it’s a nationwide migration. Millions of people leave the cities to visit their hometowns, often traveling across the country. That’s why traffic gets crazy, and tickets for trains and buses disappear fast.

As a foreigner, you might not celebrate Chuseok yourself, but it will definitely affect your daily life during that week—especially if you’re planning to travel, eat out, or even just do some shopping.

What Happens During Chuseok: What to Expect as a Foreigner

So what’s it really like?

If you stay in Seoul or another big city, things can feel... weirdly quiet. Locals call it a "ghost town" vibe. Streets are empty, lots of shops are closed, and even popular restaurants might take a break.

But once you hit a highway or try to book a train—totally different story. Highways get jammed with cars heading in and out of cities. KTX and express bus tickets often sell out weeks in advance. And if you didn’t book early? You’ll either pay a lot more or be out of luck.

Even things like delivery apps might slow down or show limited options. It’s not a total shutdown, but it’s definitely a different rhythm than usual.

Transportation Chaos: Trains, Buses, Highways

Let’s be honest—transportation during Chuseok (추석) is probably the #1 headache.

Train Tickets (KTX)

Express Buses (고속버스)

Buses are your alternative, but they face a similar rush.

• Key Apps: Use the official apps like Kobuss (코버스) or Easy Ticket (이지티켓). Bus companies often add extra routes, giving you a slightly better chance than with KTX.

• Terminal Crowds: Expect massive crowds and long waits at major spots like the Express Bus Terminal (고속버스터미널). Arrive early, even with a ticket.

Highways

• The worst traffic is usually the day before Chuseok (people leaving the cities) and the day after (everyone coming back).

• A 2-hour drive can easily turn into 6 hours.

• Use apps like Naver Map or Tmap for live traffic updates and alternate routes.

Flights

• Domestic flights are an option too, especially for places like Jeju. But again, book early.

• Prices can spike quickly, and seats fill up fast.

If you’re not a fan of crowds or long travel times, it might be better to stay local—or at least travel during off-peak hours.

Best & Worst Times to Travel During Chuseok

If you're planning to travel during Chuseok (추석), timing is everything.

Historically, the worst traffic happens:

• The day before Chuseok: everyone is leaving the cities at once.

• The last day of the holiday: everyone comes back at the same time.

In 2025, Chuseok falls on October 6 (Monday), with public holidays from October 5 (Sunday) to October 7 (Tuesday). So the worst traffic is expected on Saturday, October 4 and Tuesday evening, October 7.

If you can:

• Leave early in the morning (before 7am), or

• Travel late at night (after 9pm),

you’ll have a better chance of avoiding the peak congestion. Better yet, plan your trip a few days before or after the holiday if you’re flexible.

Also, consider shorter trips closer to your home base—less stress, fewer crowds.

Smart Tips for Surviving Chuseok in Korea

A little planning goes a long way. Here are a few tips that might save your holiday:

• Book everything early. Train tickets, buses, flights, even hotels. The earlier the better.

• Use Korail Pass if you’re eligible. Some foreigners can still get it and it includes unlimited train rides—but check blackout dates around Chuseok.

• Set alerts on apps like Korail Talk, Bustago, or KakaoT to monitor availability.

• Avoid highway rest stops during peak hours. They get crowded fast.

• Consider flying. Domestic flights to places like Jeju can be faster than driving or taking the train—just book ahead.

• Stay in the city. If you're not into holiday traffic, you’ll enjoy a much quieter Seoul or Busan with fewer people around.

Some foreign residents even say Chuseok is their favorite time to stay local because everything slows down—for once.

Chuseok Travel Do’s and Don’ts for Foreigners

You don’t need to follow all the local customs, but a little awareness helps.

Do:

• Be patient. Delays are common, and everyone’s in the same boat.

• Greet Korean friends or coworkers with a simple “즐거운 추석 보내세요” (Happy Chuseok).

• Try Chuseok food if someone offers—it’s a nice gesture.

Don’t:

• Expect everything to run normally. Check opening hours before you go anywhere.

• Complain too loudly in public about the chaos—it’s a special time for many Koreans.

• Travel without backup plans. Missed connections or sold-out buses aren’t unusual.

Overall, just keep things flexible. Whether you’re exploring or just staying home, a little preparation makes a big difference.

Where to Stay & What to Eat During Chuseok

If you're planning to stay in Korea during Chuseok (추석), especially in major cities, you might notice two things: it's quieter than usual, and some places are closed.

Accommodation:

• Hotels in cities like Seoul or Busan often offer promotions during Chuseok because many locals leave town.

• On the other hand, popular tourist spots like Gyeongju or Jeonju may fill up quickly—so reserve early if you're going.

Food:

• Many local restaurants close for at least one or two days during the holiday.

• Convenience stores stay open, and major supermarket chains usually operate with limited hours.

• Food delivery apps like Baemin still work, but with fewer options or longer wait times.

• If you're adventurous, some traditional markets or local food stalls may still be open and selling Chuseok specialties like 송편 (rice cakes) or 전 (Korean pancakes).

If eating out isn’t an option, it’s a good idea to stock up on groceries a day or two before the holiday begins.

2025 Chuseok Calendar: Key Dates & Holiday Extensions

In 2025, Chuseok falls on Monday, October 6. The official public holidays are:

• Sunday, October 5

• Monday, October 6 (Chuseok)

• Tuesday, October 7 (Post-Chuseok holiday)

This creates a three-day holiday, but if you take Friday, October 3 off, you can enjoy a five-day break—something many locals will try to do.

Expect travel demand to rise not just on the official dates, but also before and after the long weekend. If you're booking transportation or accommodation, consider this extended holiday effect in your planning.

Also, be aware that some government services, banks, and medical clinics will be closed or have limited hours during this period. Plan ahead if you need anything administrative done.

Chuseok (추석) FAQs: Answers

Q1. Is it okay to travel in Korea during Chuseok if I’m a tourist?

Yes, but plan ahead. While some attractions and restaurants may be closed, many cultural sites stay open and are less crowded. Just be aware of limited transport availability and book early.

Q2. Can I buy train or bus tickets last-minute during Chuseok?

No. It is extremely difficult and highly unadvisable. Most KTX tickets sell out minutes after reservations open weeks in advance. While you might find a canceled ticket one or two days before the holiday, your chances are very slim. For buses, your odds are slightly better as companies add extra routes, but expect long waits and inconvenient travel times. Plan to book immediately or use alternative transport.

Q3. Will convenience stores and public transport still be operating?

Yes. Convenience stores like GS25 and CU remain open 24/7. Subways and buses still run, though schedules might be slightly reduced. Taxis and ride-hailing apps may have longer wait times.

Q4. What should I do if I get sick or need a hospital during Chuseok?

Many clinics close during the holidays, but large hospitals and emergency rooms stay open. You can also use the 1339 helpline (English available) for medical assistance and nearby options.

Q5. Are there any local events or festivals during Chuseok that foreigners can join?

Yes, especially in cities like Seoul and Jeonju. Cultural centers, palaces, and museums often host free traditional experiences such as making songpyeon or wearing hanbok. Check city websites or tourist info centers for schedules.

Final Thoughts: Is Chuseok Worth Traveling During?

Chuseok (추석) can be one of the most challenging times to travel in Korea—or one of the most rewarding, depending on how you approach it.

If you plan ahead, avoid peak traffic, and stay flexible, you might discover a quieter side of Korea that’s rarely seen. Whether you're visiting family, exploring the country, or just enjoying an empty city, knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

So don’t let the warnings scare you. With a bit of strategy, you can turn one of Korea’s busiest holidays into one of your best memories.

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