Major tourism and cultural sites across South Korea will open free of charge during the Chuseok holiday, from the royal tomb where King Sejong is buried to an arboretum where visitors can see Siberian tigers. Art museums and forest recreation areas will also open their gates, alongside performances and hands-on programs celebrating the holiday.
The Korea Tourism Organization on the 23rd introduced holiday destinations and cultural programs through its domestic travel website, "Korea Nooks and Crannies."
For a history outing, there are two tombs called Yeongneung in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province — one the burial site of King Sejong and Queen Soheon, the other of King Hyojong and Queen Inseon. The Korea Heritage Service will open the Joseon Royal Tombs free of charge for four days from the 24th to the 27th. Jongmyo Shrine, normally accessible only by reservation, can also be visited without booking during the same period.
Those worried about the weather can head to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art's Cheongju branch, which will keep regular hours from the 24th to the 27th with free admission. Visitors can also see "Open Storage: MMCA Collection," which opened on the 22nd. The fifth-floor special exhibition, normally 2,000 won, is free as well. Even for free admission, visitors must book online or collect a ticket on site.
For a walk through cool autumn woods, the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province, will open free of charge on the 24th and from the 26th to the 27th. It will be closed on the 25th, the day of Chuseok. On the 26th, the Tiger Forest will host a behavioral enrichment program and an ecology talk featuring Siberian tigers.
The holiday mood extends into the city center. Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul will hold "Namsan Moonlight Yard" from the 25th to the 27th, featuring the World Pansori Festival, traditional tightrope walking, hanbok and traditional grooming experiences, and programs on holiday customs. Admission is free, though some activities and refreshments are charged.
The Children's Culture Center at the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju will run "Full Moon Asia" from the 24th to the 27th. Offerings include an augmented reality version of the children's game "Mugunghwa Flower Has Blossomed," moon decorating, picture calendar making, puppet theater and circus performances.
