Chuseok 2026
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) is South Korea’s biggest autumn holiday. In 2026 the three-day public holiday runs Thursday 24 September through Saturday 26 September. There is no substitute holiday, because none of the days overlaps a Sunday or another public holiday.
Dates in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24 – 26 | Thursday – | Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)The eve, Chuseok itself (Sep 25) and the day after. No substitute, as none falls on a Sunday.Public holiday | Public holiday |
What happens during Chuseok
Families travel to ancestral hometowns, cemeteries fill for charye ancestral rites, and highways see severe congestion on the days before and after the holiday. Many shops and restaurants in Seoul close or shorten hours, while tourist sites can still be busy.
If you are visiting Korea, book KTX and intercity buses early. The long-weekend calendar on our South Korea 2026 page also shows how the following Sunday extends the break for many workers.
Official sources & data
- 관공서의 공휴일에 관한 규정 (Regulations on Holidays of Public Offices), Presidential Decree No. 36290, in force 11 May 2026Visit sourceMinistry of Government Legislation, Republic of Korea (National Law Information Center)
- 올해부터 노동절, 제헌절 공휴일로 (Labour Day and Constitution Day become public holidays this year)Visit sourceMinistry of Personnel Management, Republic of Korea
- 관공서의 공휴일에 관한 규정 — 제정·개정이유 (amendment history and rationale)Visit sourceMinistry of Government Legislation, Republic of Korea (National Law Information Center)
- Extra long weekend in July, as Constitution Day reinstated as public holidayVisit sourceThe Korea Herald
Frequently asked questions
When is Chuseok 2026?+
The public holiday is 24–26 September 2026 (Thursday to Saturday). Chuseok day itself is 25 September.
How long is the Chuseok 2026 holiday?+
Three public holiday days (24–26 Sep). Many people also take the following Sunday off, making a four-day break in practice.
Is there a substitute holiday for Chuseok 2026?+
No. South Korea’s substitute-holiday rule for Chuseok applies only when a day overlaps a Sunday or another holiday — not when it falls on a Saturday alone.
Should I travel to Korea during Chuseok 2026?+
It can be rewarding for cultural events and food, but expect packed transport and closed businesses in cities. Rural areas and family destinations are busiest.
How is Chuseok different from Seollal?+
Both are three-day lunar-calendar family holidays, but Chuseok is autumn (harvest thanksgiving) and Seollal is winter (lunar new year). Chuseok 2026 is 24–26 Sep; Seollal 2026 was 16–18 Feb.
How is Chuseok different from China Mid-Autumn Festival?+
Both fall on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and celebrate the harvest moon, but traditions differ. Chuseok is a three-day holiday centred on ancestral rites (charye) and a family feast with songpyeon rice cakes. China Mid-Autumn is typically one day focused on mooncakes and lanterns. In 2026 both fall around 25 September, but South Korea observes three days while China observes one.
Are shops and restaurants open during Chuseok?+
Many family-run shops and restaurants close during Chuseok, especially on the main day (Sep 25). Department stores, convenience stores and fast-food chains in Seoul usually stay open. Tourist attractions generally operate but with shorter hours. Markets like Namdaemun and Gwangjang may partially close.