Chuseok Cash Deadline in Seoul — 23 September, Then the Empty City

From 24 to 27 September 2026, Korea enters Chuseok — its biggest holiday of the year. Two opposite rumors circulate about visiting Seoul that week: “everything is shut, there is nothing to do,” and “the city is gloriously empty, it is the best time to come.” Both are exactly half right.

What separates a great Chuseok trip from a frustrating one is a simple map of what closes and what does not. The short version: banks stop completely for four days, family-run shops and traditional markets rest, while convenience stores, chains and the royal palaces keep running — and the palaces customarily open for free.

This guide turns Chuseok week (23–28 September) into that map. It starts with the one deadline that matters most.

1. The deadline first: change money by Tuesday… no — Wednesday 23 September

Banks and official exchange counters close completely from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September. ATMs keep working, but over-the-counter exchange stops. If your itinerary needs cash, Wednesday 23 September is the last banking day. Some private exchange booths in Myeongdong stay open through the holiday, but hours turn unpredictable.

2. What closes: markets, family restaurants, and department stores on the day

What rests is everything family-run. Traditional markets (Gwangjang, Namdaemun) and independent restaurants largely close on the core holiday days. Department stores customarily shut entirely on Chuseok day itself (25 September) and run shortened hours around it. Push market food and shopping to either side of the holiday.

The trap that catches travelers is medical: neighborhood clinics close. But duty pharmacies and emergency rooms always operate somewhere — find them in real time at e-gen.or.kr, or call 129 (health line) or 120 (Seoul’s line, with foreign-language support).

3. What opens — and what becomes free

Convenience stores never blink — 24 hours, all week. Chain cafes, fast food, cinemas and hotels run normally. And the biggest gift to travelers: Seoul’s royal palaces have customarily opened free through the holiday, with traditional performances and events. Gyeongbokgung, normally ₩3,000, becomes free for everyone — hanbok or not (confirm 2026 details in the official notice closer to the date).

The jjimjilbang stays open and the delivery apps keep riding. On the night the markets rest, dinner has a very Korean plan B: fried chicken to your hotel room.

4. Walking the emptied city

Millions leave Seoul for their hometowns, so the city center on the core days is emptier than normal. Trains run on holiday schedules, the palaces and river parks breathe, and the only crowds are at the train stations and on the outbound expressways. A traveler who stays in Seoul stands entirely outside the traffic.

So the blueprint writes itself: finish money-changing and market eating by the 23rd, run the holiday on free palaces + the Han River + a jjimjilbang + delivery dinners, and return to normal Seoul on the 28th. Treat Chuseok not as the city that closed, but as the city that went quiet — and it becomes a lucky week to be here.

Frequently asked questions

Do trains and buses run during Chuseok?

Yes — on holiday schedules. City transport is fully normal; the crush is on intercity rail and expressways.

Will all restaurants be closed?

No. Independent places largely rest, but chains, hotel restaurants and fast food stay open, and delivery apps run as usual.

Are the palaces really free?

It has been the custom for years: free entry through the holiday, with traditional performances. Confirm the 2026 schedule in the official notice before you go.

I forgot to change money — now what?

Global ATMs next to convenience stores run through the holiday. The machine fee is flat per withdrawal, so take out one larger amount.

What if I get sick?

Emergency rooms run 24/7. For minor issues, find a duty pharmacy at e-gen.or.kr or call 129 (health) or 120 (Seoul, foreign-language support).