While many shops and local businesses close down during the Chuseok (추석) holiday break, Seoul becomes an incredible wonderland of cultural celebrations, free admission offers, and traditional folk festivals.

Because Chuseok is deeply rooted in heritage, South Korea’s cultural institutions open their doors wide to both locals and foreign visitors. From royal palaces echoing with traditional court music to vibrant folk villages offering hands-on traditional games, staying in Seoul over the holiday is an unmatched opportunity to experience authentic Korean traditions firsthand.

If you are looking to make the most of your holiday break, here are the top 4 places to visit in Seoul during Chuseok for free entry, cultural events, and breathtaking full-moon night views!

1. The Four Royal Palaces & Jongmyo Shrine: Royal Splendor & Free Admission

• Location: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, & Jongmyo Shrine
• Highlights: Free entrance, traditional Hanbok cultural dress, and royal architecture.

Why Visit During Chuseok?

During the official Chuseok holiday period, the Cultural Heritage Administration opens Seoul’s Four Main Royal Palaces (경복궁, 창덕궁, 창경궁, 덕수궁) and Jongmyo Shrine to the public with FREE ADMISSION for all visitors (both Korean citizens and foreign residents/tourists)!

What to Do:

• Wear Hanbok for Photo Ops: Renting a Hanbok (한복 – traditional Korean dress) from local rental shops near Gyeongbokgung or Anguk Station allows you to stroll through ancient throne halls and secret pine gardens feeling like Korean royalty.
• Explore Secret Gardens: Changdeokgung’s rear garden (Huwon) offers stunning early-autumn tree foliage.
• Deoksugung Night Strolls: Deoksugung Palace remains open late into the evening, offering romantic night walks along the famous stonewall walkway (Doldam-gil).

💡 Note: While general admission to palaces is free during the holiday, special guided tour bookings (such as night view tickets) may require advance online reservation.

2. Namsangol Hanok Village & National Folk Museum: Hands-On Folk Culture

• Location: Namsangol Hanok Village (Chungmuro Station) & National Folk Museum of Korea (Inside Gyeongbokgung grounds)
• Highlights: Traditional games, live folk performances, and Songpyeon tasting.

Why Visit During Chuseok?

If you want to experience how Koreans historically celebrated the autumn harvest, head straight to Namsangol Hanok Village or the National Folk Museum. Both venues host lively annual Chuseok Folk Festivals (Chuseok Han-madang) designed specifically for families and international visitors.

Traditional Folk Activities to Try:

• Yut-nori (윷놀이): A traditional board game played by tossing four wooden sticks in the air.
• Jegi-chagi (제기차기): A hacky-sack style game where players kick a weighted tassel shuttlecock to keep it off the ground.
• Paeng-i-chi-gi (팽이치기): Traditional wooden top spinning.
• Samulnori & Pungmul (사물놀이 & 풍물): High-energy, rhythmic traditional percussion music performances featuring brass gongs and drums.

3. Full-Moon Viewing Hotspots: ‘Dal-ma-ji’ (달맞이) in Seoul

• Concept: Dal-ma-ji (Moon-watching) is an ancient Chuseok tradition where people gaze up at the bright harvest full moon to make heartfelt wishes for health, prosperity, and luck.
• Best Locations: Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul Moon (Seoul Dal), & Achasan Mountain.

Top Spots to Gaze at the Harvest Full Moon:

1) Namsan Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

Perched atop Namsan Mountain in the center of the city, Namsan Tower provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul illuminated under the glow of the giant harvest moon.

2) Seoul Moon / Seoul Dal (서울달 – Yeouido Park)

A newly launched, tethered gas balloon attraction in Yeouido Park that lifts passengers 150 meters into the night sky! Floating silently above the Han River under the Chuseok full moon offers a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

3) Achasan Mountain Sunrise Point (아차산 해맞이광장)

For nature lovers, a gentle 30-minute evening hike up Achasan on the eastern side of Seoul rewards you with unobstructed night views of the Han River, Lotte World Tower, and the rising full moon.

4. Han River Parks (Hangang Park): Festive Picnics & Night Views

• Location: Yeouido Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, or Mangwon Hangang Park
• Highlights: Open-air picnics, night markets, and Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Fountain.

Why Visit During Chuseok?

Cool autumn breezes and clear evening skies make Chuseok the absolute best season for a Han River picnic. With city crowds thinned out, riverbank parks offer plenty of room to lay down a picnic mat.

What to Do:

• Enjoy Outdoor Convenience Store Ramyeon: Cook instant cup/bowl noodles (Hangang Ramyeon) using the automated induction cooking stations at park convenience stores.
• Banpo Rainbow Fountain: Watch the world’s longest bridge fountain show at Banpo Bridge, illuminated with colorful LED lights synchronized to music.
• Chuseok Stargazing: Rent an e-bike or stroll along the riverside paths under the bright moonlight.

Summary: Recommended Itinerary for Chuseok Day

Plaintext

[Morning]
09:30 AM ➔ Dress in Hanbok & Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace (Free Entry)
11:30 AM ➔ Visit the National Folk Museum inside the palace to play Yut-nori games

[Afternoon]
02:00 PM ➔ Head to Namsangol Hanok Village for live Samulnori drum performances
05:00 PM ➔ Grab dinner or coffee near Myeongdong / Chungmuro

[Evening]
07:30 PM ➔ Head up Namsan Seoul Tower or Yeouido Hangang Park for Full-Moon Watching (Dal-ma-ji)

Final Thoughts: Embrace Seoul’s Heritage

Chuseok is the rare time when modern, fast-paced Seoul pauses to honor its timeless history. By visiting palaces, playing traditional games, and wishing upon the harvest full moon, you will build unforgettable memories of authentic Korean culture!

🔗 Next Article

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### 📚 Explore More Seoul Holiday & Cultural Guides!

* 🌕 **Part 1 (Real Korean):** [Essential Chuseok Korean: Meaning, Etiquette, and How to Greet Like a Native](https://seoulscript.com/essential-chuseok-korean-greetings-and-etiquette)
* 🏙️ **Part 2 (Seoul Life):** [Surviving Chuseok in Seoul: What's Open, What's Closed, and Public Transport Tips](https://seoulscript.com/surviving-chuseok-in-seoul-guide)
* 🏯 **Part 3 (Seoul Life):** [Top Places to Visit in Seoul During Chuseok Holiday (Free Entrance & Cultural Events)](https://seoulscript.com/top-places-to-visit-in-seoul-during-chuseok)

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