Looking for Chuseok 2026 events to add to your Korea itinerary? This year’s holiday offers several ways to join the celebrations, from traditional activities at Seoul’s National Folk Museum of Korea to a drone and laser show above Busan’s Gwangalli Beach. Palace visits offer another option for travelers who want to spend part of the holiday exploring Korea’s historic sites.

The key is choosing the right date. These experiences follow different schedules, and a holiday opening at one attraction does not mean everything nearby will be open. Here are three ideas to help you plan.

When Is Chuseok in 2026?

Chuseok falls on Friday, September 25, 2026. For this guide, the relevant holiday travel period runs from September 24 through Sunday, September 27. The main celebration day and individual event dates are worth saving separately in your calendar. 

If this is your first Chuseok trip, build your plans around confirmed activities rather than assuming that every attraction follows the same holiday schedule. A little preparation leaves more time to enjoy the places you came to see.

1. Join the Hangawi Celebration at the National Folk Museum

©Instagram @tnfmk

For a daytime cultural outing in Seoul, head to the National Folk Museum of Korea’s “모두 함께 한가위” celebration. The main museum’s event runs on September 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Chuseok day itself.

The announced program includes:

• Ssireum activities: demonstrations and opportunities to try Korean wrestling.

• Traditional games: relay activities featuring games such as tuho and spinning tops.

• Seasonal crafts: songpyeon-shaped soap, moon-themed accessories, and straw crafts.

• Harvest experiences: activities introducing traditional agricultural tools and practices.

One detail to note: the songpyeon activity listed in the program involves making soap shaped like the rice cakes, rather than preparing food. Individual activities have their own times and participation limits, so check the program before arriving. The museum also lists a separate Paju program; make sure you are reading the schedule for the Seoul main museum.

TrendyPicker tip: Choose one activity you especially want to try, then leave the rest of your visit flexible. That makes it easier to enjoy the grounds and exhibitions without rushing between every scheduled session.

2. Watch Gwangalli’s Chuseok Drone and Laser Show

©Instagram @gwangallidroneshow.official

If your holiday plans take you to Busan, save Saturday, September 26, at 8 p.m. for Gwangalli Beach.

The special performance, titled “한가위 달밤의 연회 with 레이저쇼,” combines 3,000 drones with a laser show. Visit Busan specifies that this Chuseok edition takes place once only at 8 p.m., so do not plan around a second performance later that evening.

Weather and communication conditions can affect the event. Rain, strong winds, or other operational issues may lead to a delay or cancellation, including on the day itself. Check the latest announcement before heading to the beach.

TrendyPicker tip: Make the waterfront your evening destination and arrive with time to spare. Keep dinner plans flexible, charge your phone, and agree on a meeting point if you are visiting with friends. Once the show begins, give yourself a moment to watch without looking through a camera.

3. Experience the Andong International Maskdance Festival

©Instagram @andong_maskdance_festival

For a festival filled with movement, music, and expressive masks, add the Andong International Maskdance Festival to your autumn plans. Running from September 24 to October 4, 2026, it overlaps with Chuseok and continues beyond the holiday weekend.

The festival takes place across Central Line 1942 Andong Station, Talchum Park, and downtown Andong in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Its program brings Korean mask dance together with performances from other countries, offering visitors a chance to encounter different traditions in one celebration.

Highlights include:

• Korean mask dance: discover traditional performances through their distinctive masks, costumes, and movement.

• International performances: explore mask dance traditions from around the world.

• Parades and participatory programs: enjoy the festival atmosphere beyond the main stage.

Check the daily schedule and ticket information when choosing your visit, as performances take place across several venues. 

TrendyPicker tip: Build your day around one performance you especially want to see, then leave time for the surrounding festivities. Save the exact venue on your map—the festival’s Central Line 1942 Andong Station venue should not be confused with your train arrival station.

How to Plan Your Chuseok Festival Visits

These Chuseok 2026 events offer different ways to enjoy the season, so start with the experience that interests you most.

For hands-on cultural activities, visit the National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul on September 26 or 27. For an evening spectacle, plan around Gwangalli’s drone and laser show in Busan on September 26 at 8 p.m. For mask dance performances and parades, explore the Andong International Maskdance Festival, running from September 24 to October 4.

Andong’s longer festival period gives you the option to visit after the Chuseok weekend. If you plan to travel between destinations, arrange transport and accommodation before building your itinerary around specific performances.

Before heading out, check:

• The exact venue: confirm the museum branch or festival stage you want to visit.

• The daily program: performance times and activities vary by date.

• Participation and ticket details: check capacity limits, reservations, and admission requirements.

• The latest notices: outdoor events may change depending on weather.

• Your return journey: allow time to leave the venue and reach your transport.

TrendyPicker’s Pick

Choose the museum for traditional games and crafts, Gwangalli for a night of lights by the sea, or Andong for mask dance performances and a lively festival atmosphere.

Our suggestion: make one event the highlight of your day and leave room to explore around it. Trying a new activity, watching an unfamiliar performance, or simply taking in the atmosphere can become the most memorable part of the trip.

Pick the Chuseok 2026 events that suit your interests, save the official schedules, and enjoy the celebrations at your own pace.