Seollal (Lunar New Year)
One of Korea's two biggest holidays, typically falling in late January or February depending on the lunar calendar. Many small businesses and some attractions close for a few days, and domestic travel surges as people return to hometowns — meaning transit out of Seoul gets busy, while the city itself can feel quieter than usual.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Korea's other major holiday, a harvest festival typically falling in September or October depending on the lunar calendar, with a similar effect to Seollal — closures, a quieter city as residents travel to family hometowns, and a very different atmosphere from a normal week.
Buddha's Birthday
Marked with elaborate lantern displays and festivals at temples across the city (see our temples guide) — a genuinely spectacular time to visit if your trip aligns with it, with dates shifting yearly on the lunar calendar.
What this means for planning
- Check whether your travel dates overlap a major holiday — some palaces and museums offer free or discounted entry on national holidays, while others close entirely, so it cuts both ways.
- Book domestic transport (if doing a day trip) further ahead if traveling near Seollal or Chuseok.
- Expect some restaurants, especially small family-run ones, to close for a few days around these holidays.