If you’ve ever wondered what South Korea looks like when tradition meets celebration, Chuseok 2025 is the moment to find out. Often called Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok in Korea is a three-day Chuseok holiday that celebrates the autumn harvest and family togetherness. It’s a time when cities quiet down, hometowns come alive, and every home fills with the sweet aroma of Chuseok food like songpyeon rice cakes. Families honour their ancestors through rituals such as Charye (ancestral rites) and Seongmyo (grave visits), expressing gratitude for the year’s blessings. To greet someone, say “Chuseok jal bonaeseyo!”— it means Have a happy Chuseok! And if you’re visiting Korea, this is the season when the country feels most alive — especially in five incredible places you don’t want to miss.
1. Korean Folk Village, Yongin
If you’re curious about what is Chuseok, the Korean Folk Village is like stepping straight into its living history. During Chuseok in Korea, the village buzzes with families dressed in hanbok, stalls serving steaming Chuseok food, and performances that bring Chuseok history to life. You’ll see traditional wrestling (Ssireum), folk music, and the famous Ganggangsullae circle dance under the crisp autumn sky. The energy here feels timeless — like the stories of ancestors still linger between the tiled rooftops. For a traveller, it’s not just about watching; it’s about feeling what this Chuseok festival truly means to Korean families — gratitude, laughter, and connection.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
Nothing captures the royal essence of Chuseok in Korea like a stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace. During Chuseok 2025, the palace opens its gates for free, especially welcoming visitors dressed in hanbok. As you wander through its courtyards, you might hear traditional court music or see performances that reflect Chuseok history and heritage. The golden gingko trees around the palace shimmer under the autumn sun, while families take photos and exchange Chuseok greetings. Here, history isn’t distant — it’s alive, breathing through every column and courtyard. For anyone visiting during the Chuseok holiday, it’s one of the most beautiful ways to experience both the royal past and the communal spirit of the Chuseok Korean festival.
3. Namsangol Hanok Village, Seoul
Tucked between the modern skyline of Seoul, Namsangol Hanok Village turns into a festive wonderland during Chuseok festival. Locals and tourists gather to make songpyeon, try calligraphy, and join in friendly rounds of yut-nori, a traditional board game played during the Chuseok holiday. You’ll hear laughter, see children running in hanbok, and smell the delicious Chuseok food simmering nearby. The village recreates the warmth of a traditional Korean home, offering visitors a glimpse into how families once celebrated this harvest season. It’s not a performance — it feels personal, almost like being invited into someone’s home during Chuseok in Korea.
4. Seoraksan National Park
If you prefer mountains over crowds, Seoraksan National Park is where Chuseok 2025 turns poetic. During the Chuseok holiday, the park bursts into autumn colours — deep reds, fiery oranges, and gold. Families come here to picnic, share Chuseok food, and give thanks for the harvest surrounded by nature. You’ll find small temple ceremonies and local festivals blending faith, gratitude, and community — the same values that shape Chuseok Korean festival traditions. Breathing in the cool mountain air, you’ll understand why Chuseok in Korea is as much about reflection as it is about celebration.
5. Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan
Down south, Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan paints Chuseok festival in colour. Its winding alleys and pastel-painted homes turn lively with lanterns, street art, and markets selling local snacks. It’s a modern twist on an ancient tradition — where young artists and families mix the old and new. During Chuseok in Korea, you might find local music echoing through the alleys, handmade crafts inspired by Chuseok history, and the scent of sweet rice cakes drifting through the sea breeze. It’s joyful, creative, and deeply human — the kind of place that makes you feel part of something bigger.
Celebrate Chuseok 2025 like a local — explore these five places and immerse yourself in Korea’s unique Chuseok festival traditions, food, and greetings!
