Traveling During Korean Holidays: Planning Around Chuseok and Lunar New Year Traffic

Korea's biggest holidays, Chuseok and Lunar New Year (Seollal), bring some of the year's heaviest road traffic as millions travel to their hometowns, so visitors should expect longer drive times, book cars early, and plan intercity trips outside the peak departure and return days. At the same time, central Seoul can feel quieter during the holidays, and some shops and restaurants close. Knowing how holidays affect travel helps you avoid surprises.

How holidays affect travel

Factor	What to expect
Highways out of Seoul	Heavy traffic before the holiday
Highways into Seoul	Heavy traffic at the end
Central Seoul	Often quieter during the holiday
Shops and restaurants	Some close for family time
Airports	Busy with outbound travelers

Holiday dates follow the lunar calendar, so they change every year. Check the dates before booking your trip.

Book transport early

Chauffeur services, trains, and flights fill up quickly around the holidays. If you need an airport transfer or a long-distance drive, reserve well in advance. Ask whether holiday surcharges apply.

Avoid peak travel days

If you must travel between cities, avoid the days right before and at the end of the holiday. Traveling on the holiday itself or a few days afterward is often much smoother. Your driver can suggest the best departure times based on traffic patterns.

What stays open

Major hotels, large shopping malls, and many tourist attractions remain open, though some palaces and museums may have adjusted hours. Smaller family-run restaurants often close. Check opening hours before you go.

Business travel during holidays

Many Korean companies close for several days around these holidays, so business meetings are hard to schedule. Plan business trips for other weeks if possible. More chauffeur planning advice is available in our other guides.

Frequently asked questions

When is Chuseok?

It falls in late summer or early autumn and changes yearly.

Are taxis available during holidays?

Yes, but demand is high and waits can be longer.

Is the airport crowded?

Yes, many Koreans travel abroad during long holidays.