Korea's 4-Day Chuseok Break: Grand Palaces Open Free, Small Shops May Close

This year's Chuseok holiday runs for three days, from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26, effectively extending into a four-day break through Sunday, September 27. Chuseok Day itself — the 15th day of the eighth lunar month — falls on Friday, September 25.

At a glance: Chuseok holiday Sep 24 (Thu)–26 (Sat), effectively Sep 24–27 (Sun) · The four grand palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung), Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon royal tombs open free of charge throughout the holiday (excluding Changdeokgung's rear garden) · Inquiries: Korea Heritage Service, Royal Palaces and Tombs Center

The Korea Heritage Service's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced that all four grand palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon royal tombs will be open free of charge during the holiday. Sites that normally charge admission can be entered with just a passport during this period.

Banks, government offices and post offices customarily close for the three-day holiday (ATMs and mobile banking remain available), and many traditional markets and independently run restaurants and shops also close for a day or more. Convenience stores and large franchises generally stay open, but it is safer to check the notice posted at a shop's entrance before visiting.

Plan your itinerary around the confirmed free palace admission, and double-check on the ground whether individual restaurants and shops are open.