Seasons & Events

Chuseok isn’t the end of Korea’s autumn holidays. Here’s the thing: 3–5 October (Foundation Day plus a substitute) and 9–11 October (Hangeul Day) bring two three-day weekends. Hotel rates peak on holiday eves and Korean families join every queue. But the trough weekdays, 6–8 October, are quiet, cheaper and perfect weather. Seoulog maps October’s flat water.

Banks stop completely from 24 to 27 September and the markets and family restaurants rest. Here’s the thing: convenience stores, chains and the royal palaces keep running—and the palaces customarily open free. “Everything’s shut” and “gloriously empty” are each half right. Seoulog drew the map, starting with the cash deadline.

People who dress wrong for a Seoul autumn haven’t misread the temperature—they’ve packed for one temperature. Here’s the thing: October averages 20.2°C by day and 10.6°C at dawn, a ten-degree swing inside a single date. Late September is short sleeves plus one layer; October is three layers; November swaps in a winter outer. Seoulog built it from the actual numbers. Shoes: broken-in trainers, no exceptions.

Chuseok 2026 falls on Friday 25 September; the holiday runs 24–27. Banks are shut throughout and independents pull the shutters down—but on those same days the four grand palaces and Jongmyo open free. Here’s the thing: know what closes and what opens, and the four days work in your favour.