As with any country, South Korea has different periods when it’s the best and the worst times to travel there. Certain holidays and peak periods can mean extremely crowded sites, limited accommodations, closed attractions, and sky-high booking prices!

Here’s my guide to Korean holidays you should definitely consider avoiding to ensure a smoother travel experience.

Lunar New Year (Seollal)

When: Varies (typically late January to early February)

Why to Avoid: Lunar New Year, or Seollal, is one of Korea’s most significant holidays. Many Koreans travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with family, creating a massive exodus from major cities.

During this period, transportation—especially KTX trains, buses, and flights—becomes heavily booked, with ticket prices often rising significantly. You’ll often not even be able to book a ticket.

Many attractions, restaurants, and smaller shops will also be closed. Tourist sites in Seoul may remain open, but be warned that it’ll be extremely crowded!

Tip: If you do visit, expect delays in transport and plan around popular sites to avoid congestion.

Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)

When: Varies (around mid-September to early October)

Why to Avoid: Known as Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok is another major holiday focused on family gatherings and ancestral worship.

As with Seollal, locals travel to be with their families, causing transportation bottlenecks and limited accommodation availability.

Many businesses will close for up to three days, especially outside of Seoul. However, some tourist sites and larger museums stay open to cater to visitors.

Tip: If you plan to be in Seoul during Chuseok, you may still enjoy popular spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. However, roads and public transport will be heavily congested.

Buddha’s Birthday

When: Typically in May (date varies with the lunar calendar)

Why to Avoid: While Buddha’s Birthday isn’t as crowded as Seollal or Chuseok, temples become bustling centers of activity as locals celebrate with colourful lantern festivals and ceremonies.

Famous temples like Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju and Taejongsa Temple in Busan can become very crowded. Certain mountains like Bukhansan will also face heavy traffic as some devotees make their way up to the temples there, making it harder to experience the tranquil ambiance these sites typically offer.

Tip: Visiting temples during this period can be rewarding for those interested in Korean Buddhism, but expect crowds at popular sites. Booking accommodation early is advised.

Other Korean Public Holidays (Hwangjeolgi or “Golden Holidays”)

When: Various dates throughout the year, with Labour Day, Children’s Day (May 5), and National Liberation Day (August 15) being the busiest.

Why to Avoid: Many Koreans take advantage of public holidays for short vacations, leading to busy travel conditions on long weekends.

Family-oriented holidays like Children’s Day and Labour Day see crowded parks, amusement centers, and popular tourist destinations, as locals take day trips or short breaks.

Be prepared for some serious crowds in areas like Seoul Forest, Alpaca World, Lotte World, and Everland.

Tip: Check for national holiday dates before your trip to avoid higher prices and busier attractions.

Summer Vacation Period (July to August)

Why to Avoid: July and August mark Korea’s peak summer vacation period when locals travel to coastal areas and mountains to escape the city heat.

As a result, beaches like Haeundae in Busan and Jeju Island are filled with both locals and tourists. Hotel rates will be at an all-time high at popular resorts, and outdoor destinations can become congested.

Tip: If you’re visiting during this period, consider exploring off-the-beaten-path locations or cities like Daegu and Gyeongju to avoid the main vacation crowds.

Winter Holiday Season (December to February)

Why to Avoid: While Korea’s winter season brings opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, the period around Christmas and New Year means terribly crowded shopping districts, especially in Seoul’s Myeongdong and Gangnam areas.

Many locals and tourists also flock to popular winter festivals and ski resorts, resulting in higher accommodation prices and crowded slopes.

Tip: If winter sports are your goal, book well in advance and consider weekday visits to ski resorts to avoid weekend crowds.

Related Posts:

• Korea Travel Guide
• Driving in Jeju: A complete guide, review & tips!
• Avoid these tourist traps in Myeongdong!

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