I wonder if many restaurants in Seoul will be closed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This traditional holiday, known as Chuseok in Korea, is one of the most important family gatherings of the year, comparable to Thanksgiving in other cultures. During this time, millions of people travel to their hometowns to pay respects to ancestors, share meals with relatives, and participate in ancestral memorial rites. As a result, many businesses, including restaurants—especially smaller, locally owned ones—may choose to close for several days to allow staff to spend time with their families.

While large chain restaurants or those located in major tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Gangnam might remain open to accommodate visitors and locals who stay in the city, it's common for neighborhood eateries and family-run establishments to suspend operations from the eve of Chuseok through the following day. Public transportation schedules may also be adjusted, which further influences restaurant accessibility.

If you're planning to dine out in Seoul during this period, it’s advisable to check ahead or make reservations where possible. Alternatively, some families prepare traditional foods at home, such as songpyeon (rice cakes filled with sesame or beans), which are often made together as part of the celebration. Overall, while not all restaurants will close, there will likely be reduced availability, particularly outside central districts.