Chuseok

📣 Traveler notes

South Korea, an East Asian nation, combines modern global culture (e.g., K-pop) with strong historical traditions. The country has experienced significant economic development while preserving many historical sites.

• Major family holidays, including Chuseok, follow the lunar calendar, resulting in shifting dates yearly.
• Expect significant travel disruptions and packed transportation due to large-scale movement to hometowns.
• Many shops and government services may close during major holidays, requiring advance planning.
• Chuseok is a significant family time, suggesting general closures and large crowds.
• Lunar New Year (Seollal) is also a multi-day public holiday focused on family gatherings and ancestral services.
• Use provided Korean utensils (sujeo): a spoon for rice and soup, and metal chopsticks. Wait for the eldest person to begin eating, do not leave utensils standing upright in a bowl, and avoid making noise with silverware.