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7 fun things to do in Seoul during your Chuseok – or Mid-Autumn Festival – getaway

Koreans traditionally travel back to their hometown to spend time with their families, eat plentifully, and pay respect to their ancestors over Chuseok, or the Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: Instagram

Chuseok, the Korean equivalent of Mid-Autumn Festival or Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea, which means Seoulites disperse to their hometowns or travel. Seoul this week will be much quieter with most shops and restaurants closed.

Even though the city may feel a bit sleepy during the holiday from September 12-14 and plenty of people are likely to take the time to sleep in and relax, there are mountains to hike, museums to visit and palaces to explore.

A crowded market in Cheongnyangni, eastern Seoul, before Chuseok. Photo: Yonhap

If you’re looking for things to do in Seoul, here are some of the spots that will be open and likely to host special Chuseok events. Make some traditional songpyeon (rice cakes) or take in the sights.

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1. Lotte World Seoul Sky

 

If you haven’t visited South Korea’s tallest building yet, this weekend is the time. Open 365 days a year, this 123-storey skyscraper offers stunning views over the sprawling city. It’s perfect for a holiday adventure. After visiting, walk around Seokchon Lake and enjoy the cooler autumn breeze.

2. Gyeongbok Palace

 

Gyeongbok Palace will open every day this Chuseok and admission will be free. This is the ideal time to try on a hanbok and visit a traditional site in the city. There will be various performances and traditional activities to take part in. If you’ve been to Gyeongbok Palace before, the other palaces will also be open so visit one that you haven't seen.

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3. Trickeye Museum

 

Want to have some fun with 3D art? Trickeye Museum near Hongik University is also open year round and is sure to provide some laughs. Go with friends or family and take fun photos to look at later to remember this holiday break. Make sure to get the selfie latte from the cafe in the admission area, too, because who doesn't want to drink a latte with their own face on it?

4. Namsangol Hanok Village

 

Visit on Friday from 10am to 5pm, and see tightrope performances and taekwondo, and join other traditional activities. Go on Saturday from noon to 9pm and find a jeon festival and market.

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5. National Museum of Korea

 

The ninth-largest art museum in the world is the most visited museum in Korea for good reason. See a magnificent number of artefacts and relics, and learn about Korea’s culture and history. There is much to see and it can all be seen on September 13 from 10am to 7pm.

6. War Memorial of Korea

This massive museum will be open throughout the holiday period. There is also a children’s museum and a great outdoor space with historic planes to see. It’s educational and fun and has something for everyone.

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7. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

 

Head to the Anguk area and visit this gorgeous art museum on Saturday to view the “Kim Soon Ki: Lazy Clouds” exhibition. See the art and walk around the “madang” design of the museum to see how buildings can be integrated into the environment.

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This article was originally written by Hallie Bradley for The Korea Times .
South Korea
  • Lotte World Seoul Sky, Gyeongbok Palace and Trickeye Museum are just some of the cool attractions to pack into your Korea mini-break during the Mid-Autumn Festival – so plan well