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How to Use T-money Card in Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're planning a trip to Korea, the T-money card is one of the most useful things you'll buy. One small rechargeable card lets you tap onto every subway, bus, most taxis, and even pay at convenience stores across the country. I live in Korea, and I still see visitors at subway stations struggling with single-ride ticket machines while everyone else just taps and walks through. So in this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how the T-money card works in 2026 — where to buy it, how to top it up, how to use it, and how to get your leftover balance back before you fly home. ⚠️ Prices below were accurate at the time of writing. Fares and card prices can change, so please double-check on the official T-money site (t-money.co.kr) before your trip. What Is a T-money Card? T-money is Korea's national rechargeable transit card. It's a contactless smart card — you tap it on a reader and the fare is deducted from your stored balance. It works almost everywhere...
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Korea Travel Guide: What Opens and Closes During Seollal & Chuseok?

 

Korea Travel Guide: What Opens and Closes During Seollal & Chuseok?

For first-time visitors to South Korea, the traditional holiday seasons of Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) can be the most confusing times to plan a trip. The atmosphere shifts completely. You might hear rumors that "everything shuts down," or conversely, that "all tourist spots are fully open."

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), while public offices and banks close, many palaces, museums, department stores, and theme parks remain operational—often with special events! A holiday trip to Korea is not a "paused" vacation; it is simply a unique travel period that requires a slight shift in your itinerary.

Here is everything you need to understand about traveling in Korea during its two biggest holidays.

1. Why Are Seollal and Chuseok So Special?

Seollal falls on January 1st of the lunar calendar, and Chuseok is on August 15th of the lunar calendar. These are the most important family-oriented holidays in Korea.

During these times, the country experiences a massive domestic migration as millions of people travel back to their hometowns. For a traveler, this means two things: some parts of major cities like Seoul might feel surprisingly peaceful and empty, while highways, train stations, and bus terminals will experience extreme congestion.

2. What Usually Closes?

Before you panic, let's clarify what actually shuts down:

  • Banks and Public Offices: These are strictly closed. Be sure to handle any currency exchange or administrative needs before the holiday begins.

  • Small Shops and Independent Restaurants: Family-owned businesses often close to spend time with relatives. If you have a specific local cafe or indie restaurant on your bucket list, you must check their Instagram or Google Maps page for holiday closure notices.

  • Certain Cultural Facilities: Do not assume every museum is open. For example, official English guidelines for the National Palace Museum of Korea state that it is closed exactly on the day of Seollal and Chuseok.

3. What Stays Open? (The Good News!)

Foreign travelers, rejoice! The holidays are actually an incredible time to explore Korea’s cultural heritage, as many major tourist infrastructures remain open.

  • Royal Palaces and Historical Sites: According to the 2026 official announcements, all four major palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung), Jongmyo Shrine, and 40 Royal Tombs will offer free admission during the Seollal holiday!

  • Large Commercial Venues: Department stores, massive shopping malls, and theme parks (like Lotte World or Everland) generally stay open, though they might adjust their operating hours slightly on the actual day of the holiday.

(Note: While Seollal has confirmed free entry rules for 2026, Chuseok announcements can vary year by year, so always double-check the KTO website before your autumn trip.)

4. Where Are the Best Places to Go?

If you are visiting during these holidays, lean into the traditional culture rather than focusing on modern shopping. The best places to visit are the Royal Palaces, traditional Hanok villages (like Bukchon or Jeonju), and the Korean Folk Village. These venues beautifully match the holiday spirit. You can rent a Hanok, take stunning photos without the usual heavy crowds, and even participate in traditional folk games and holiday events hosted especially for the season.

5. Essential Survival Tips for Foreign Travelers

To ensure your holiday trip goes smoothly, keep these three rules in mind:

  • Check for "Day-Of" Closures: Many places do not close for the entire 3-to-4-day holiday weekend. They might only close on the exact day of Seollal or Chuseok. Always distinguish between the "holiday period" and the "holiday day."

  • Book Transport Months in Advance: Because of the massive local migration, KTX (bullet train) and express bus tickets sell out almost immediately. If you plan to travel between cities (e.g., Seoul to Busan), you must secure your tickets well in advance.

  • Have a Backup Food Plan: Since mom-and-pop restaurants might be closed, especially on the main holiday day, map out a few large franchise restaurants or hotel dining options near your accommodation.

The Bottom Line: Should You Visit During the Holidays?

Absolutely. You just need to manage your expectations. Instead of expecting a standard, fast-paced shopping trip, embrace the unique opportunity to experience Korea's deep-rooted traditions. While a few local diners might be closed, stepping into a grand, quiet palace for free on Lunar New Year's Day is an unforgettable experience that makes holiday travel totally worth it!

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