Traveling on public holidays

Korea's two biggest holidays are Seollal (Lunar New Year, the first day of the first lunar month) and Chuseok (the 15th day of the eighth lunar month). Because they follow the lunar calendar, the dates change every year, and the holiday usually lasts about three days. Check the calendar before booking.

Yes, but trains, buses and highways are extremely busy before and after the holiday as people travel to their hometowns. Central Seoul, on the other hand, can feel quieter than usual during the break. If you need to travel between cities, book tickets as early as possible.

Many independent restaurants and traditional markets close on the main holiday days. Large malls, convenience stores and chain outlets near tourist areas often stay open, though hours may change. Check holiday hours in a map app or on official websites before heading out.

Many palaces and national museums stay open during the holidays and sometimes host traditional events. Closing days or hours can change, though, so check official notices before you go. The holidays are a lovely time to visit, with many people strolling around in hanbok.

Holiday train tickets go on sale on specific dates a few weeks before the break, and popular times sell out fast. Foreign visitors can book through the rail operator's app or website, but the schedule is announced each year, so watch for it. If trains are full, look at express buses or domestic flights.

Fixed holidays include New Year's Day (Jan 1), Independence Movement Day (Mar 1), Children's Day (May 5), Memorial Day (Jun 6), Liberation Day (Aug 15), National Foundation Day (Oct 3), Hangeul Day (Oct 9) and Christmas (Dec 25). Seollal, Chuseok and Buddha's Birthday follow the lunar calendar. Regular election days are also holidays, and the government can designate temporary holidays.

When certain public holidays overlap with a weekend or another holiday, the next weekday becomes a day off. It does not apply to every holiday: election days and temporary holidays designated by the government are excluded, and the conditions differ by holiday type. If one lands during your trip, expect busier attractions and transport and plan accordingly.

Yes. Palaces, folk villages and museums often host traditional games, performances and hands-on activities during the holidays. You might get to try yunnori (a board game), jegichagi (a kicking game) or making songpyeon rice cakes. Programs change every year, so check each venue's official announcements.

Many families eat songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes), pan-fried jeon, seasoned vegetables and fresh fruit from the new harvest. Families gather for ancestral rites and visit graves. Travelers can try songpyeon from markets or rice cake shops, though some close on the holiday itself.

Families gather for ancestral rites, eat tteokguk (rice cake soup) and perform sebae, a deep New Year's bow to elders, who often give money in return. Some wear hanbok and play traditional games like yunnori. Tourist sites sometimes hold special New Year programs for visitors as well.

Very. On May 5, amusement parks, zoos and parks fill with families. Early May sometimes links with other holidays into a long break, so accommodation can get pricier and harder to book. Reserve tickets for popular attractions in advance if you are traveling around then.

Temples across the country hang colorful lanterns, and Seoul hosts the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) with a lantern parade. The festival is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Dates and parade routes are announced each year, so check official information before you go.

Christmas is a public holiday, and streets and malls are decorated brightly; many people go out with partners or friends. On New Year's Eve, events such as the bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak in Seoul draw large crowds. Expect road closures and packed transport near event areas.

Subways and city buses keep running during the holidays, though holiday timetables may apply. Extra trains and express buses are often added, but tickets sell out quickly. Highways get heavily congested, so intercity bus journeys can take much longer than usual; build in extra time.

For Seollal, say 'Saehae bok mani badeuseyo' (may you receive many blessings in the new year). For Chuseok, try 'Jeulgeoun Chuseok bonaeseyo' (have a happy Chuseok). A simple 'Myeongjeol jal bonaeseyo' (enjoy the holiday) also works, and shop staff or hosts will usually appreciate it.

On March 1 and August 15, the government holds official ceremonies, local events take place and the national flag is displayed widely. Many people visit museums and memorials related to the independence movement. Some areas may have road closures for ceremonies.

Accommodation in popular regional destinations and Jeju can fill up fast and prices may rise during long holidays. Business hotels in central Seoul sometimes have more availability. If your trip overlaps a holiday, book your lodging and transport together and early.

Banks generally close on public holidays, including Seollal and Chuseok. Airport exchange counters usually operate, while private exchange shops in tourist areas vary. Get the cash you need before the holiday starts or locate ATMs that accept foreign cards. Plan ahead so you are not caught short.

Hangeul Day, on October 9, is a public holiday celebrating the proclamation of the Korean alphabet created under King Sejong. Exhibitions and hands-on events about Hangeul take place around this time. In Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square has a statue of King Sejong with a related exhibition space nearby.

Add Korean holidays to your phone calendar or check official government announcements. Lunar holidays and substitute holidays move every year, so confirm them early. Temporary holidays are sometimes announced only a short time beforehand, so double-check again just before you leave.