South Korea's upcoming Chuseok holiday promises an exceptional cultural experience for both locals and tourists, with an extended break running through Hangeul Day on Thursday. Major historical sites and performance venues across the country are opening their doors for free admission, creating unprecedented opportunities to explore the nation's rich heritage and contemporary arts scene.
Four of South Korea's most significant royal palaces will offer free entry during the holiday period. Visitors can explore Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace, and Changgyeong Palace without admission fees. Major cultural institutions are also participating in this initiative, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and the Suwon Museum of Art, making high-quality cultural experiences accessible to all.
Seoul is positioning itself as the epicenter of cultural celebrations, seamlessly blending traditional heritage with contemporary artistry. The National Museum of Korea (NMK) will serve as the main venue for traditional performances, partnering with the Foundation for Korea Traditional Performing Arts to host "The Art Spot Series," a free creative performance festival running on Sunday and then from Tuesday to Thursday.
This special series, titled "A Meeting of Tangible and Intangible Heritage," will showcase both traditional and modern creative performances throughout the holiday. Sunday's program features traditional musician Seo Eui-chul's ensemble presenting a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Korean ritual gut. Tuesday brings contemporary interpretations of samulnori (traditional Korean percussion music) combined with traditional dance performances.
The cultural festivities continue with Wednesday's thrilling tightrope walk performance, culminating in Thursday's grand finale featuring "Yangju Byeolsandae Nori," a traditional mask dance drama that uses satire to comment on social realities. All performances at the National Museum of Korea are free of charge and available for walk-in viewing without prior reservations, making them easily accessible to spontaneous visitors.
Seoul's vibrant festival scene takes center stage with the launch of the Seoul Autumn Festa, a brand-new performing arts festival beginning Saturday at Seoul Plaza. This ambitious festival will feature 116 events spanning 40 days at various locations throughout the city, including the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and the picturesque Cheonggye Stream area.
The well-established Seoul Street Art Festival, now in its 23rd year, will run from Monday to Wednesday around Seoul Plaza and the Cheonggye Stream area. A major highlight this year is the innovative "Artrekking" program, which combines artistic appreciation with outdoor recreation along the 5.2-kilometer Cheonggye Stream waterway. For visitors seeking a deeply traditional experience, Namsangol Hanok Village will host the 2025 Namsangol Chuseok Festival from Sunday to Tuesday, featuring authentic folk games and cultural activities.
Regional cities across South Korea are offering their own distinct cultural events, often highlighting unique local themes and traditions. The Busan Museum has announced its special Chuseok cultural event called "Full Moon Hunters," specifically designed to provide a unique holiday experience that blends traditional Korean culture with modern interactive content suitable for all ages and nationalities.
Busan's "Full Moon Hunters" program includes an engaging "Full Moon Hunting" challenge, opportunities to try on traditional Korean clothing, outdoor folk games, and specially designed photo zones featuring a giant full moon installation. The National Maritime Museum of Korea in Busan is enhancing the festive atmosphere with a diverse range of performances, including popera shows, magic performances, and puppet theater, alongside traditional folk games. On Monday, visitors will witness a unique spectacle as a diver dressed in traditional Korean hanbok greets visitors underwater during the aquarium's regular feeding show.
For those seeking modern evening entertainment, the ongoing Starry Sea Busan Night Festa offers activities at various locations throughout the southern port city. At Hwamyeong Ecological Park, visitors can purchase special packages to enjoy traditional Korean alcoholic beverages while taking in spectacular night views, or participate in hands-on culinary programs including making green onion pancakes and traditional rice cakes.
Jeju Island contributes to the national celebration with the Sinsan Docheabi Light Festival, running until October 12 at Sinsan Park in Jeju City. Now in its ninth year, this popular nighttime attraction draws inspiration from the dochebi, a creature from local mythology. The festival features live performances, interactive hands-on activities, a bustling flea market, and special programming specifically designed for children.
Gangneung in Gangwon Province is hosting an extensive variety of cultural events throughout the city and along its beautiful beaches during the holiday period. Concerts will take place at Wolhwa Street, a popular downtown destination, while Chuseok day itself will feature special performances at Gyeongpo Beach under the traditional full moon, creating a magical atmosphere for attendees.
The cultural celebrations in Gangneung extend into the weekend with special night tours scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at several significant cultural sites. These include the historical Gangneung Doadobu Government Office, the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, and Gyeongpo Beach. Visitors participating in these night tours can enjoy traditional games, sample ritual foods, watch bubble performances, listen to traditional Korean music, and experience various busking performances, creating a comprehensive cultural immersion experience that celebrates both Korea's historical heritage and contemporary artistic expressions.
