Chuseok Holiday Guide: Recommendations for Best Places to Visit
Chuseok is just around the corner! Do you have any plans yet? If you haven’t decided what to do during the Chuseok holidays, here are some recommendations for the best places to visit. I’ve gathered information on special Chuseok events happening nationwide. During this special holiday, numerous venues across the country are opening their doors to the public for free, making it the perfect time to explore and create lasting memories with your loved ones. If you’ve ever been curious about Korean culture and history, now is the ideal moment to dive in and experience it firsthand.
1. Seoul
From September 28th to October 3rd, Seoul’s most iconic historical sites, including the four major palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace), Jongmyo Shrine, Joseon Royal Tombs, and Sejong Historic Site, will be accessible to the public free of charge. Jongmyo Shrine, which typically requires reservations, will be open without any time constraints during the holidays. Don’t miss the captivating Gyeongbokgung Palace Guard Changing Ceremony at Heungnyemun Square, taking place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. throughout the holiday season.
– Gyeongbokgung Palace: is Seoul’s grandest royal palace, stands as a symbol of Korea’s royal heritage, boasting stunning architecture and captivating historical significance.
– Changgyeonggung Palace: is nestled amidst lush gardens and offers a serene escape with its tranquil ambiance and exquisite traditional structures.
– Changdeokgung Palace: is renowned for its harmonious integration with nature. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Sitate known for its beautiful Secret Garden.
– Deoksugung Palace: is a fusion of Korean and Western architectural styles, providing a glimpse into Korea’s modernization during the late Joseon Dynasty.
– Jongmyo Shrine: Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of deep reverence, housing the ancestral tablets of Korean kings and queens from the Joseon Dynasty.
– Joseon Royal Tombs: are a collection of sacred burial sites where generations of Joseon Dynasty royalty rest in peace, reflecting Korean architectural elegance.
– Sejong Historic Site: pays tribute to King Sejong the Great, showcasing his contributions to Korean culture and language, including the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
Also, the entire National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul, Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju Centers) is available for free for three days from September 28th to 30th. If you are interested in art, this is the place to be during your Chuseok holidays!
* Seoul Center is closed on the 29th.
2. Damyang
On September 29th, Chuseok Day, Damyang’s four signature tourist attractions—Juknokwon, Metaland, Soswaewon, and Gamagol Ecological Park—will welcome visitors free of charge. It’s a wonderful opportunity for returning locals and tourists alike to make cherished memories surrounded by the beauty of Damyang.
– Juknokwon: is a tranquil bamboo forest in Damyang, South Korea, known for its serene walking paths amidst towering bamboo groves, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
– Metaland: is a multifaceted destination featuring the enchanting Metasequoia Road, Children’s Provence, the Honam Climate Change Experience Center, and the Frog Ecological Park—an all-encompassing experience blending nature, art, and education.
– Soswaewon: is a historic garden in Damyang, celebrated for its exquisite natural beauty, traditional pavilions, and serene water features, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation.
– Gamagol Ecological Park: is a pristine natural reserve with lush forests, winding trails, and crystal-clear streams, providing an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
3. Jeonju
National Intangible Heritage Center
In Jeonju, the National Intangible Heritage Center will host the ‘Intangible Heritage Folk Playground’ on September 30th, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Here, you can partake in various traditional games like archery, tuho, and ttakji. If you book your spot by September 27th, you can even create traditional fans and saucers alongside those skilled in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The best part? Participation fees, including material costs, are entirely waived. Please note that in case of rain, the event location might change or be canceled.
4. Hapcheon
Hapcheon Video Theme Park and Tripitaka Koreana Theme Park will be open to all visitors for free on September 29th. During the Chuseok holiday period, these parks will offer a plethora of attractions and participation events, including karaoke, Golden Bell, and various games, designed to evoke the Newtro sensibility of the 2000s.
– Hapcheon Video Theme Park: Hapcheon Video Theme Park is a nostalgic destination that pays tribute to the pop culture of the 2000s. It offers various attractions, participation events, and programs like karaoke, Golden Bell, and retro games, creating a fun and reminiscent atmosphere for visitors.
– Tripitaka Koreana Theme Park: This theme park celebrates the Tripitaka Koreana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of Korea through exhibitions and interactive experiences, making it an educational and enjoyable destination.
5. Sejong
The National Sejong Arboretum, Korea’s first urban arboretum, will be open free of charge from September 28th to October 9th during the Chuseok holiday. This arboretum offers a wide range of events and experiential activities, including traditional games, the special exhibition <Peter Rabbit’s Secret Garden>, and a plant repotting experience, and many more.
So here are the best places that I recommend to go during the Chuseok Holidays. You can take a day trip viewing the four major palaces in Seoul, or go to Damyang to enjoy the nature. Take your pick according to your preferences, and have a great Chuseok holiday! 🙂
* A summarized event details are down below. Feel free to comment if you have any questions regarding any of the venues. I will be updating this post if there is any new or changed information.
Event Details
| Area | Venue | Contact | Date of Free Admission |
| Seoul | Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 42-481-4737 | September 28th – 30th |
| Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 42-481-4737 | September 28th – 30th | |
| Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 42-481-4737 | September 28th – 30th | |
| Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 42-481-4737 | September 28th – 30th | |
| Jongmyo Shrine (종묘), Joseon Royal Tombs (조선왕릉) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 42-481-4737 | September 28th – 30th | |
| Sejong Historic Site (세종유적) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 031-885-3212~4 | September 28th – 30th | |
| National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (국립현대미술관) | September 28th – 30th * Seoul Center is closed on 29th | ||
| Damyang | Juknokwon (죽녹원) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 061-380-2680/2690 | September 29th |
| Metaland (메타랜드) | September 29th | ||
| Soswaewon (소쇄원) | Tel: (+82) 061-381-0115 | September 29th | |
| Gamagol Ecological Park (가마골생태공원) | Tel: (+82) 061-380-2794 | September 29th | |
| Jeonju | National Intangible Heritage Center (전주 국립무형유산원) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 063-280-1400 | September 30th, 11AM – 4PM |
| Hapcheon | Hapcheon Video Theme Park (합천 영상테마파크) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 055-931-9303 | September 29th |
| Tripitaka Koreana Theme Park (대장경 테마파크) | Tel: (+82) 055-930-4801 | September 29th | |
| Sejong | National Sejong Arboretum (국립세종수목원) | Homepage Tel: (+82) 044-251-0001 | September 28th – October 9th * Closed on September 29th and October 4th |
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