Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Cultural experiences to enjoy during Chuseok holiday
Tourists visit Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, Sept. 18, 2024, the final day of the Chuseok holiday. The palace is open to the public free of charge during the holiday period. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok
By Baek Byung-yeul
Explore vibrant festivals, events that redefine autumn holiday
The upcoming Chuseok holiday, with an extended break running through Hangeul Day on Thursday, promises to be a cultural feast, with major historical sites and performance venues opening their doors for free. Numerous attractions across the country will offer free admission on the day of Chuseok, and some throughout the extended holiday period.
A key highlight is free entry to some of the nation's key heritage sites. Four of the major royal palaces — Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace and Changgyeong Palace — will be free to visit. Major institutions such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and the Suwon Museum of Art, are also participating in the free-admission program.
Seoul heritage, artistic celebrations
Seoul is set to host a spectacular range of events, seamlessly blending traditional heritage with contemporary artistry during the holiday.
The National Museum of Korea (NMK) will be the epicenter for traditional performances. NMK and the Foundation for Korea Traditional Performing Arts will host "The Art Spot Series," a free creative performance festival, on Sunday and then again from Tuesday to Thursday.
The series, "A Meeting of Tangible and Intangible Heritage," will feature both traditional and modern creative performances.
On Sunday, traditional musician Seo Eui-chul’s ensemble will present a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Korean ritual gut. Tuesday will bring a contemporary reinterpretation of samulnori (traditional Korean percussion music) and traditional dance.
Wednesday will feature a thrilling tightrope walk performance, while the finale on Thursday will be a performance of "Yangju Byeolsandae Nori," a mask dance drama which uses satire to comment on social realities. All NMK performances are free and available for walk-in viewing without prior reservation.
The city's vibrant festival scene is also taking center stage. The Seoul Autumn Festa, a new performing arts festival, will kick off on Saturday at Seoul Plaza, featuring 116 events over 40 days at locations across the city, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and the Cheonggye Stream.
People watch a tightrope performance at Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul on Chuseok, Oct. 10, 2022. Yonhap
The 23-year-old Seoul Street Art Festival will run from Monday to Wednesday around Seoul Plaza and the Cheonggye Stream area. A major highlight is the new "Artrekking" program, which combines art and trekking along the 5.2-kilometer-Cheonggye Stream waterway.
For a deeply traditional experience, visitors can head to Namsangol Hanok Village for the 2025 Namsangol Chuseok Festival from Sunday to Tuesday, featuring folk games and activities.
Regional attractions and nighttime fun
Regional cities are offering distinct events, often focusing on local cultural themes.
The Busan Museum announced its special Chuseok cultural event, "Full Moon Hunters," designed to offer a unique holiday experience that blends traditional culture with modern content for all ages and nationalities. Key programs include a "Full Moon Hunting" challenge, trying on traditional clothing, outdoor folk games and photo zones featuring a giant full moon.
Other institutions in Busan are adding to the festive atmosphere. The National Maritime Museum of Korea will host a variety of performances, including popera, magic shows and puppet shows, along with traditional folk games. On Monday, a diver dressed in traditional Korean hanbok will greet visitors underwater during the aquarium's feeding show.
For a more modern evening, the Starry Sea Busan Night Festa is underway at various sites in the southern port city. At Hwamyeong Ecological Park, visitors can purchase a package to enjoy traditional Korean liquors while taking in the night view, or participate in hands-on programs like making green onion pancakes or traditional rice cakes.
People enjoy an outdoor concert during the Starry Sea Busan Night Festa in Busan in August 2024. Courtesy of Busan Metropolitan City
On Jeju Island, the Sinsan Docheabi Light Festival is running until Oct. 12 at Sinsan Park in Jeju City. Marking its ninth year, the festival is a popular nighttime attraction inspired by the local mythical creature, the dochebi. The event features performances, hands-on activities, a flea market and special events for children.
The city of Gangneung in Gangwon Province is hosting a variety of cultural events throughout the city and along the beaches during the holiday. Concerts will be held at Wolhwa Street, a popular downtown spot, and on Chuseok, there will be performances at Gyeongpo Beach under the full moon.
On Saturday and Sunday, special night tours will be held at several cultural sites, including the historical Gangneung Doadobu Government Office, Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park and Gyeongpo Beach. Visitors can enjoy traditional games, ritual foods, bubble performances, traditional Korean music and busking performances.