Published & Edited by Seoul Tourism Organization
This newsletter, issued by Seoul Tourism Organization, is intended for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies and related organizations around the world.
Issued on the second Wednesday of every month, the newsletter introduces some of Seoul's best hidden charms and newest attractions.
We look forward to your continued interest and support as we bring you a variety of content in the future!
2026/09/09 |
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T O P I C β
π Your Wish Is One Full Moon Away β Chuseok in Seoul πͺ |
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In September, as a full moon rises, Chuseok β one of Korea's biggest traditional holidays β arrives! π
During Chuseok, families gather together, give thanks for a bountiful harvest, share songpyeon (Chuseok rice cakes), and make a wish to the full moon. It's a special time for visitors to experience Korean tradition and culture up close. π
And if you visit Seoul this season, there's even more to enjoy. You can walk around the palace grounds, soak up the holiday atmosphere with Ssireum (Korean wrestling) and other traditional games, and take a relaxing break at a hanok or a tranquil temple at the foot of Bukhansan. After sunset, you can enjoy dalmaji, the Korean tradition of viewing the full moon, along with Seoulβs night views.
This Chuseok, discover a Seoul that's a little different from usual. π·
Let us introduce you to a Seoul trip that's even more special during Chuseok! π
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Contentsπ
β The Four Royal Palaces & Jongmyo Shrine
β‘ The National Folk Museum of Korea & Namsangol Hanok Village
β’ Eunpyeong Hanok Village & Jinkwansa Temple
β£ Chuseok Dalmaji & Seoul Night View
β€ Seoul Chuseok Trip Guide
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The Four Royal Palaces & Jongmyo Shrine |
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#RoyalPalace #Jongmyo #FreeAdmissionOnHolidays #AutumnPalaceNightTour #SeoulPalaceTour
π How about travelling to the palaces this Chuseok?
During the Chuseok holiday season, palaces in Seoul become a little more special! β¨
During the holiday, the four royal palaces β Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Deoksugung β along with Jongmyo Shrine offer free admission, so you can enjoy a palace outing at no cost. πΆβ
If you're not sure where to go, choose based on what you'd like to see! π
Gyeongbokgung Palace β to feel the grandeur of Joseon's principal royal palace.
Changdeokgung Palace β a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful harmony with nature.
Changgyeonggung Palace, once the royal family's living quarters β home to tranquil palace halls and the Grand Greenhouse.
Deoksugung Palace β a unique scene where traditional architecture blends with the Western-style Seokjojeon Hall. π
Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that enshrines the spirit tablets of Joseon's kings and queens. Walking along the long Jeongjeon Hall, you can experience the ancestral rite culture of the Joseon royal court. π«
πΈ
Want to fully enjoy the Chuseok vibe? Wear hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, and take a walk around the palace grounds! Even on regular days, visitors wearing hanbok that meets the official guidelines can enter the four palaces and Jongmyo Shrine for free. Moreover, at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. . π
However, Jongmyo Shrine normally operates on a timed, docent-guided tour basis, so please check the viewing schedule on the website before your visit! π
Even after sunset, the palace journey continues. Programs like Gyeongbokgung Palace's Night Opening and Starlight Tour, Changdeokgung Palace's Moonlight Tour, and Deoksugung Palace's Seokjojeon at Night will make autumn nights even more special. Enjoy a different side of the palaces from what you'll see during the day. π
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π£ Must-Know Tips!
- π During Chuseok, free entry to the four royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. β» Changdeokgung Palace's Secret Garden is not included.- π Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Opening: Sep 2 β Oct 2 / Starlight Tour: Sep 2 β Oct 24 (Oct 21β24: for foreign visitors) / Changdeokgung Palace's Moonlight Tour: Sep 10 β Oct 17 (Sep 20, Sep 27, Oct 4, Oct 11: for foreign visitors) / Deoksugung Palace's Seokjojeon at Night: Sep 9 β Oct 18- π£οΈ Multilingual guide service is available at each palace (e.g., English, Japanese, Chinese).- π΅ Each night program has a different booking method, such as advance reservation or lottery draw β please check before visiting.- β° Each palace's opening hours, booking information, and docent schedule are available on the official website of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center.- π Free Admission Guidelines for Hanbok Wearers https://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/contents/E701000000.do- π Royal Palaces and Tombs Center
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Chuseok Events at the National Folk Museum of Korea & Namsangol Hanok Village |
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#FolkMuseum #HanokVillage #ChuseokEvent #TraditionalGames #KHoliday
π―From Yut Nori to Ssireum! Enjoy a Real K-Holiday in Seoul
The best way to truly enjoy Chuseok is to experience it for yourself! π
Around every Chuseok, Seoul holds various holiday events where visitors can enjoy traditional games, performances, and seasonal customs. Popular venues include the National Folk Museum of Korea and Namsangol Hanok Village. πͺ
Want a livelier holiday atmosphere? Head to the National Folk Museum of Korea! At last year's Chuseok event, a variety of programs took place, from the Hangawi Ssireum competition to traditional games like Jegichagi (a shuttlecock-kicking game) and Paengichigi (a spinning-top game), as well as traditional performances. π€Ό
Prefer to soak up the holiday mood in a serene hanok setting? Namsangol Hanok Village is the perfect choice. Every Chuseok, the entire village transforms into an exciting Chuseok playground! Last year's <Chuseok Playground> event added to the festive mood, offering visitors a variety of traditional games and hands-on experiences β from bak teoteurigi (a traditional game of breaking open a suspended paper gourd) to Jultagi (tightrope walking), traditional dance performances, and hanji paper craft and mother-of-pearl inlay workshops. ποΈπ―
The National Folk Museum of Korea is directly connected to Gyeongbokgung Palace, making it easy to plan a half-day course: Gwanghwamun β Gyeongbokgung Palace β the National Folk Museum of Korea. Namsangol Hanok Village is conveniently located near Chungmuro Station (Lines 3 and 4), and from there you can naturally continue on to Myeongdong and N Seoul Tower, one of Seoul's most popular sightseeing routes! π
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π£ Must-Know Tips!
<National Folk Museum of Korea>- π 37, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82 2-3704-3114- β° Mar β Oct: 09:00β18:00 (closes at 8 PM every Wednesday) / Nov β Feb: 09:00β17:00- π Closed: Jan 1, Seollal (Feb 17, 2026), temporarily closed on Jul 7, 2026, and Chuseok (Sep 25, 2026)- π΅ Free admission / π£οΈ Multilingual docent tour & information available (English, Chinese, Japanese)- π https://www.nfm.go.kr/english/index.do- π @tnfmk
<Namsangol Hanok Village>- π 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / +82 2-6358-5533- β° Summer season (Apr. - Oct.) 09:00-21:00, Winter season (Nov. - Mar.) 09:00-20:00 / Closed on Mondays- π΅ Free admission / π£οΈ Multilingual traditional culture docent tours available (English, Chinese, Japanese) - π https://www.hanokmaeul.co.kr/en-guide- π @namsangol_official |
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Eunpyeong Hanok Village & Jinkwansa Temple |
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#HanokWalk #Jinkwansa #BukhansanView #PhotoSpot #TraditionalSeoulTrip
β°οΈ A Relaxed Seoul Trip Among Hanok Houses and Temples at the Foot of Bukhansan
If you want to experience a more relaxed side of Seoul, away from the bustling holiday events, head to Eunpyeong Hanok Village at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain! π£
Eunpyeong Hanok Village has a different vibe from Bukchon Hanok Village. Here, hanok houses are clustered together with Bukhansan as a backdrop, revealing a side of Seoul's scenery rarely seen in the city center. π‘
As you slowly walk around the village, you'll come across the Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum, which introduces the history and culture of hanok, along with cultural spaces housed in hanok buildings β perfect for a leisurely stroll. Above all, the harmony between Bukhansan and the hanok houses, glimpsed through the alleys, is the village's greatest charm. πΈ
Walk a little further into the village, and you'll find Jinkwansa Temple, a thousand-year-old temple. π
Jinkwansa Temple, nestled along the lush forest and valley at the foot of Bukhansan, has such a peaceful atmosphere that you might momentarily forget you're in Seoul. After exploring the temple grounds, enjoy a cup of tea at a traditional tea house, or experience Korean Buddhist culture β such as Templestay and Temple Food β by making a reservation in advance. π΅
If you have time, walk along Bukhansan Dullegil, the trail that circles the mountain near Jinkwansa Temple. It completes a half-day Seoul course where you can experience hanok, temples, and nature all in one trip. πΏ
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π£ Must-Know Tips!
<Eunpyeong Hanok Village>- π Around Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul- ποΈ Recommended: enjoy a course that includes cultural facilities such as the Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum.- πΈ Hanok scenery set against the backdrop of Bukhansan is the village's most iconic sight.- π For group tours, please get off the bus at the designated area near the village entrance and continue on foot.- π https://eptour.kr/
<Jinkwansa Temple>- π 73, Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul +82 2-388-7999- πΏ Advance booking is required for temple programs, including Templestay and Temple Food experiences.- β Recommended: take a break with traditional tea, available within or near the temple grounds. - π Jinkwansa templestay http://jinkwansa.templestay.com/
β» Some cultural facilities in Eunpyeong Hanok Village may be closed on Chuseok Day, so please check operating information in advance.
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Chuseok Dalmaji & Seoul Night Views |
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#Dalmaji #NSeoulTower #FortressWallNightView #AutumnSunset #SeoulNightViewSpot
π Make a wish this Chuseok!
On Chuseok night, a round full moon rises. π
Since ancient times, Koreans have enjoyed Dalmaji, gazing at the Chuseok full moon and wishing for their family's health and happiness. This year, why not make your wish while taking in Seoul's night view for something a little extra special? π
If you want to take in all of Seoul in one glance, N Seoul Tower is the answer! The dazzling city night view from the summit of Namsan is a classic Seoul experience. Even without going up to the observatory, you can enjoy Seoul's night scenery at Palgakjeong (Octagonal Pavilion) and its outdoor space. πΌ
Want a more romantic stroll? Head to Naksan Park! Walking along Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, softly lit at night, you'll see the city lights of Seoul spreading out beyond the fortress wall. It also makes a great evening stroll after catching a show or grabbing coffee at Daehangno. π
For a wide-open autumn view, Haneul Park (Sky Park) is a must. With hardly any tall buildings around, the view stretches wide open, and in autumn, silver grass adds even more to the seasonal mood. Visit around sunset and slowly take in everything from the evening glow to Seoul's night lights. πΎ
Even if the full moon is briefly hidden behind the clouds, don't worry β Seoul's autumn night is beautiful enough on its own! β¨
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π£ Must-Know Tips!
- πΌ N Seoul Tower: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul / Best combined with Myeongdong and Namsangol Hanok Village as one course
- 𧱠Naksan Park: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul / Best combined with Daehangno and the Hanyangdoseong course
- πΎ Haneul Park: 95 Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul / Best combined with World Cup Park and the Han River area
- πΆ If visiting at night, please check operating hours and return transportation in advance.
- π Whether you can actually see the full moon depends on the weather and the moon's position on the day. |
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#SeoulChuseokTrip #SeoulTravelTips #ChuseokHolidays #SeoulTourism #ForeignVisitorsInSeoul
𧳠Is it a good idea to visit Seoul during the Chuseok holidays?
"Won't tourist attractions and restaurants all be closed during Chuseok?" π€
Don't worry! In Seoul, major tourist and cultural facilities remain open even during the Chuseok holidays, late-night transportation options are also available, and tour information services for international visitors are available too. π
If you're visiting Seoul during Chuseok, here's some practical information worth knowing β check it out now! βοΈ
ποΈ Museums & Art Galleries β Enjoy Them During Chuseok Too!
If you're planning to visit an exhibition, check each facility's Chuseok closure dates first. Based on last year's schedule, the National Museum of Korea and MMCA Seoul (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul) were closed only on Chuseok Day and remained open on the other holiday days, while the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), Seosomun Main Building, was open throughout the entire holiday. π¨
Especially at the National Museum of Korea, you can enjoy the permanent exhibition and A Room of Quiet Contemplation, while MMCA Seoul offers contemporary art exhibitions β great places to visit regardless of the weather! Both also offer multilingual guide services for international visitors. ποΈ
π Staying Out Until Late at Night? Check the Special Chuseok Traffic Measures!
You can still use Seoul's subway and buses during the Chuseok holidays, but the Special Chuseok Traffic Measures may vary depending on the holiday schedule and travel demand. π
In the past, the last subway and bus services on Chuseok Day and the following day were sometimes extended until 2 a.m., but last year, there was no late-night extension of subway service. If you're planning to explore Seoul until late at night, the most reliable approach is to check that year's Special Chuseok Traffic Measures and the last train and bus times for your route in advance. π
After midnight, it's also useful to check the routes of the Owl Bus (N Bus), Seoul's late-night bus service. ππ
βΉοΈ Need help during your trip?
If you get lost or have trouble finding transportation, try the guide services available for international visitors. π¦
Call the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline for multilingual travel information β from tourist attractions to transportation and accommodation. You can also contact the 120 Dasan Call Center for traffic and everyday living information in Seoul. π
Suddenly feel unwell or need medicine? By calling 119 or 120, you can find the nearest medical facilities and pharmacies that remain open even during the holidays. π
Also, remember that tourist information centers in major areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Dongdaemun are some of the best places to get the information you need during your trip! π
π½οΈ Went to a Popular Restaurant Only to Find It Closed? Checking Holiday Hours Is a Must!
Unlike large tourism facilities, restaurants, cafes, and individual shops all have different closing days during the Chuseok holidays. π³
In particular, some local restaurants and independent cafΓ©s may be closed not only on Chuseok Day but for several days during the holiday period, so it's a good idea to double-check before visiting. Check holiday business hours on map apps like Naver Map or Kakao Map, and if the information isn't there, check the restaurant or cafΓ©'s official social media or call ahead. π±
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π£ Chuseok Seoul Travel CHECK LIST!
- ποΈ Museums & art galleries β Check whether closed on Chuseok Day
- π Late-night travel β Check Special Chuseok Traffic Measures and last train/bus times
- π After-midnight travel β Check Owl Bus (N Bus) routes
- βΉοΈ Travel info & interpretation β 1330 Korea Travel Hotline
- π Hospitals & pharmacies β Call 119 or 120 to check which facilities are open during the holidays
- π½οΈ Restaurants & cafΓ©s β Check opening hours via map apps and official social media
β» Please check the latest information on facility hours and special traffic measures for the 2026 Chuseok holiday.
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π Experience a special Chuseok this year in Seoul!
From autumn skies framed by palace eaves to vibrant traditional games, cozy hanok houses and temples at the foot of Bukhansan, and the full moon that brightens Seoul's night β
In Seoul, even familiar tourist spots take on a slightly different character during Chuseok. π
In particular, the places introduced here naturally connect traditional culture, city sightseeing, nature, and night views, making it easy to create a uniquely Seoul Chuseok itinerary.π
This Chuseok, add Korea's traditional holiday spirit to your everyday Seoul trip. You'll experience a special autumn in Seoul that you'll remember for years to come! π
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π π π Want to know more about Seoul tourismβ π π π |
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