As the Chuseok holiday approaches, various benefits will be available, including free highway tolls, public parking, and palace admissions. These measures aim to alleviate transportation costs for long-distance travelers while providing families with opportunities to enjoy cultural activities.
According to the government and related agencies, highway tolls will be waived nationwide from September 24 to 27 during the Chuseok holiday. This includes tolls on private highways. Vehicles that use the highways at any time from midnight on the 24th to midnight on the 27th will qualify for the exemption.
Vehicles entering the highway on the 23rd and exiting on the 24th, or entering on the 27th and exiting on the 28th, will also be exempt. Users of the Hi-Pass system will have their tolls processed as '0 won' if they pass with their devices activated. Those using regular lanes should obtain a toll ticket upon entry and present it at the exit toll booth.
Fuel prices will also decrease at 226 highway gas stations. The Korea Expressway Corporation announced that the holiday period prices at state-managed gas stations will be reduced by 100 won per liter compared to prices on September 17. However, gas stations on private highways are excluded from this reduction.
Public parking will be available for free as well. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has announced that approximately 9,000 public parking lots operated by government agencies, administrative bodies, and schools will be open for free during the holiday. The opening days, operating hours, and nighttime access may vary by location, so users should check in advance.
Starting from the afternoon of the 23rd, information can be found on platforms like Share Nuri, Naver Maps, KakaoMap, and T Map. By searching for 'Chuseok free parking' or 'holiday free parking' in map apps, users can locate nearby free parking options.
There are also free cultural benefits available. According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, the four major palaces—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine and the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will be open for free from September 24 to 27. Jongmyo Shrine, which usually requires reservations, will allow free access during this period. However, the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung will remain a paid attraction.
Traditional cultural experiences and performances will be held at the palaces and museums. Gyeongbokgung will feature the changing of the guard ceremony and a guard ceremony, while the National Folk Museum will offer various programs, including wrestling experiences, traditional games, and farmer's music.
In the telecommunications sector, KT will provide free video calls for customers from September 24 to 27. This benefit will be automatically applied without a separate application, but it excludes mobile data-based video calls and prepaid mobile services. Additionally, KT will offer a 5,000 won coupon for each movie purchased on Genie TV and discounts on performances, exhibitions, shopping, and dining, with some events offering up to 50% off.
For those traveling during the Chuseok holiday, checking the exemptions for tolls, parking fees, and fuel costs, as well as the free admissions to palaces and museums, can help reduce expenses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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