Chuseok 2026 — Korean Thanksgiving
Chuseok 2026 falls on September 24–26, with the main holiday on September 25 (15th day of the 8th lunar month). One of Korea's two most important holidays, Chuseok is a time for family reunions, ancestral memorial rites (charye), and eating songpyeon rice cakes. Expect transport crowds, business closures, and folk performances nationwide.
Chuseok (추석) is Korea’s version of Thanksgiving — a three-day harvest festival when the entire country comes alive with family gatherings, traditional food, and folk celebrations.
In 2026, Chuseok falls on September 24–26, with the central day on September 25. Families travel across the country, roads and trains fill up, and many businesses close for the long weekend.
What to expect
- Traditional charye (ancestral memorial) ceremonies
- Songpyeon rice cakes shaped like half-moons
- Folk performances and cultural events at palaces and parks
- Widespread business closures — plan ahead
Tip: Book transport and accommodation well in advance. Some tourist spots stay open; many local restaurants do not.
