Chuseok Holiday Traditions: What Foreigners Should Know

The first time I saw Seoul three days before Chuseok, I panicked.

Every convenience store was packed with gift boxes. Half of my Korean coworkers had disappeared, and someone told me, “Everything shuts down during Chuseok.”

Wait… does the entire country really close for a holiday?

After spending several Chuseoks in Korea, I learned that the reality is a little different. Some businesses close, millions of people travel to see their families, and traditional food takes center stage. But Korea does not simply stop functioning.

If you are a foreign resident or planning to visit Korea during Chuseok, understanding these Chuseok holiday traditions will help you avoid confusion and experience the holiday more comfortably.

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What Is Chuseok? Understanding Korea’s Biggest Family Holiday

Chuseok (추석) is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar and is closely associated with the autumn harvest, family gatherings, and honoring ancestors.

Chuseok is sometimes called “Korean Thanksgiving” because both holidays involve family, food, and gratitude. However, Chuseok has its own history, customs, and cultural meaning.

In 2026, Chuseok falls on September 25, and the official three-day holiday period runs from September 24 to 26. September 27 is Sunday, so many people will have a four-day break.

The exact schedule may vary depending on a person’s workplace and annual leave arrangements.

The Main Chuseok Holiday Traditions

There is more to Chuseok than eating rice cakes and taking a few days off. These are some of the customs you may hear about in Korea.

1. Charye: Honoring Family Ancestors

Charye (차례) is a traditional ancestral rite in which a family prepares food and pays respects to deceased relatives.

A typical ceremonial table may include rice, fruit, fish, meat, and other specially prepared dishes. In some families, people perform jeol, a formal bow used to show respect.

However, not every Korean family performs charye today. Some families have simplified the ceremony, while others do not hold it at all.

This is an important point: there is no single way every Korean family celebrates Chuseok.

2. Songpyeon: The Rice Cake You Should Try

Songpyeon (송편) is a traditional Korean rice cake made from rice flour dough. It is usually shaped like a half-moon and filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, beans, chestnuts, or sweetened fillings.

The dough is steamed, traditionally over pine needles, which can add a distinctive aroma.

In some families, making songpyeon together is part of the holiday preparation. Children and adults may sit around the table, shape the rice cakes, and chat while working.

I remember how fascinating it was to see how much care goes into something that looks like a small, simple rice cake. It is not just food; it is also a family activity.

3. Beolcho and Seongmyo: Remembering Those Who Came Before

Before or during Chuseok, some families visit ancestral graves.

• Beolcho (벌초): Removing weeds and tidying the area around a grave.
• Seongmyo (성묘): Visiting the grave and paying respects.

For families who maintain ancestral burial sites, this can be an important part of their holiday plans. It is also one reason why many people travel outside Seoul during the Chuseok period.

Not every family follows these customs, especially as family structures and lifestyles change.

4. Ganggangsullae: A Traditional Harvest Dance

Ganggangsullae (강강술래) is a traditional Korean circle dance in which people hold hands and move together while singing.

It is particularly associated with women’s folk traditions and celebrations under the full moon. Today, you are more likely to encounter it at cultural festivals, performances, or heritage events than at an ordinary family gathering.

Still, it offers a glimpse into the communal spirit historically connected to harvest celebrations.

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Does Korea Really Shut Down During Chuseok?

Question: Is everything closed in Korea during Chuseok?

Answer: No. Some businesses and public services close for the holiday, but many stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions continue operating.

Why? Chuseok is a major public holiday, so government offices, banks, and some small businesses generally close. At the same time, convenience stores, many chain restaurants, major shopping centers, and some tourist attractions may remain open. Opening hours can vary, so checking in advance is essential.

What to Expect During Chuseok

One thing I quickly learned was that the busiest part of Chuseok is often not the holiday itself—it is the journey to and from family homes.

Should You Avoid Traveling During Chuseok?

If you are planning to travel between major Korean cities, book transportation as early as possible.

Chuseok is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Trains and intercity buses can sell out quickly, and highways may become heavily congested.

For foreign residents, this means a trip that normally takes two hours could take much longer by car.

On the other hand, if you are staying in Seoul, you may notice quieter residential streets and a different atmosphere in some areas. Some attractions and shopping districts remain active, but you should never assume that a specific business will be open.

A little planning can save you from standing outside a closed restaurant with an empty stomach. Trust me, that is not the cultural experience you want.

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What to Do If a Korean Family Invites You for Chuseok

Being invited to a Korean family’s Chuseok gathering can be a meaningful experience. It is an opportunity to share a meal, learn about family customs, and see a more personal side of Korean culture.

You do not need to know every tradition perfectly. Showing respect and being willing to learn usually matters more.

1. Bring a Thoughtful Gift

If you are visiting someone’s home, bringing a small gift is a considerate gesture.

Common choices include:

• Fresh fruit or a fruit gift box.
• Quality tea or coffee.
• Chocolates or other packaged treats.
• Toiletries or a useful household gift.

Gift preferences vary from family to family. If you are unsure, ask your host whether there is anything they would like you to bring.

2. Dress Comfortably but Respectfully

There is no universal Chuseok dress code for guests. However, neat and modest clothing is generally a safe choice when visiting an older family member’s home.

You do not need to wear a traditional hanbok unless the host or event specifically suggests it.

3. Offer to Help

If everyone is preparing food, offering to help in the kitchen is a friendly gesture.

You could say:

“Can I help with anything?”

Or, if you want to practice Korean:

“제가 도와드릴까요?”
Jega dowadeurilkkayo? — Can I help?

Let the host guide you. Some families may welcome help, while others may prefer guests to relax.

4. What About Charye?

If the family performs charye, observe what everyone else does.

Foreign guests are not automatically expected to perform every part of the ceremony. You can politely ask whether you should participate, bow, or simply stand quietly.

The most respectful approach is to follow the family’s guidance rather than assume that every household follows the same rules.

5. Be Ready for Personal Questions

There is one cultural surprise that some foreign guests encounter: personal questions.

During a family gathering, someone may ask about your age, relationship status, marriage plans, job, or salary.

Depending on your culture, this may feel surprisingly direct.

In Korea, such questions can sometimes be a way of showing interest or making conversation, although that does not mean you have to answer anything uncomfortable.

A simple smile and “I’m still figuring that out” can be enough.

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Chuseok Travel Tips for Foreign Residents in Korea

If you are spending Chuseok in Korea for the first time, use this checklist before the holiday begins.

• Check the official holiday dates and your workplace schedule.
• Book KTX, SRT, or intercity bus tickets early if you plan to travel.
• Confirm restaurant, supermarket, and attraction opening hours.
• Buy groceries in advance if you live in an area with many independent shops.
• Download or prepare a translation app if you are visiting a Korean family.
• Bring a small gift if you have been invited to someone’s home.
• Check whether a palace, museum, or cultural event has a special Chuseok program.

These small preparations make a big difference. You can enjoy the holiday instead of spending the entire day searching for an open store.

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The Bottom Line: Experience Chuseok, Don’t Just Avoid It

Chuseok is not simply a period when Korea shuts down. It is a time when many Koreans return to their hometowns, spend time with family, enjoy seasonal food, and remember their ancestors.

Some traditions remain strong, while others are changing with modern lifestyles. That variety is part of what makes the holiday interesting.

If you are a foreign resident, take the opportunity to try songpyeon, visit a cultural attraction, or accept an invitation from a Korean friend. You do not have to understand every custom immediately.

And if you are planning a trip during Chuseok, remember the most practical rule: check your transportation and opening hours before you leave.

There is one more thing worth knowing, though. The best way to experience Chuseok as a foreigner is not necessarily to follow every traditional ceremony—it is to understand the small everyday customs surrounding food, greetings, and family gatherings.

For a deeper introduction to Korean food culture, explore these related guides:

Korea Travel Related Articles

• Korean Street Food Guide: Don’t Miss These Market Foods
• Korean Convenience Store Guide: What to Buy and How to Use It
• Seoul Subway Etiquette: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Before you head out for your next Korean food adventure, take a look at those guides. Knowing what to order and how to eat it can make your experience much more enjoyable—especially when you are sharing a meal with Korean friends or family.