As the Chuseok holiday approaches, various attractions in Seoul, from art museums to palaces and nature recreation areas across the country, will open their doors for free. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, whether on a date, with family, or exploring exhibitions alone.
The National Museum of Modern Art will offer free admission during the holiday. The Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju branches will be open for free from September 24 to 27. The Seoul branch will be closed on Chuseok day, September 25, but will be open for free on September 24 and from September 26 to 27.
For couples planning a day in downtown Seoul, a visit to Deoksugung Palace and the National Museum of Modern Art's Deoksugung branch is a great option. Deoksugung Palace will be open for free from September 24 to 27.
If you are visiting with children, the Seoul Museum of History will host a Chuseok event. The event, titled 'Hangawi Hanmadang - Colorful Chuseok,' will take place on September 26 from noon to 4 p.m.
Activities include traditional games such as 'gilssimnori' at noon and at 1 and 2 p.m., as well as fusion Korean music busking at 1:30 and 3 p.m. Visitors can also participate in traditional games like 'neolttwigi,' 'tuho,' 'jegichagi,' and 'janggi,' along with hands-on experiences using traditional tools like 'jige' and 'jeolgu.'
Experience programs such as folk painting, making full moon wish lanterns, and creating knot coasters will also be available. Some programs will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may end early if materials run out.
If you want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere with your parents, Namsangol Hanok Village is worth considering. The village will host 'Namsan Moonlight Square' from September 25 to 27, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Basic admission is free.
On September 25, a program will explore the significance of traditional rituals and holiday customs through a Chuseok ritual table. The 4th World Pansori Festival will take place over two days, from September 25 to 26, followed by traditional tightrope walking and performance shows on September 27.
If you prefer to escape the city and spend time in the woods, the National Nature Recreation Areas are also an option. The government will waive entrance fees for 48 national nature recreation areas from September 24 to 26.
Four national arboretums will also have waived entrance fees during the Chuseok holiday, but their actual opening days vary. The National Sejong Arboretum, National Baekdu-daegan Arboretum, and National Korean Native Plant Arboretum will be open on September 24 and 26 to 27, while the National Arboretum in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, will be closed from September 24 to 26 and will open on September 27.
This year's Chuseok holiday spans from September 24 to 27. There are many options for enjoying exhibitions and traditional culture in downtown Seoul or heading to nearby forests without spending money. However, since the free admission dates, closure days, and reservation requirements vary by facility, it is advisable to check the official websites of each institution for operational information before visiting.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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