Seoul traditional markets offer up to 30% off Chuseok groceries

Seoul shoppers looking to trim their Chuseok grocery bills can enjoy discounts of up to 30 percent at 61 traditional markets and shopping districts across the city ahead of the holiday.

The participating markets will offer discounts on Chuseok staples, including agricultural, livestock and seafood products.

At 42 locations, shoppers may also receive up to 30 percent of their purchases back in Onnuri gift certificates, a government-issued voucher designed to support traditional markets and small businesses.

Details of the discounts and voucher programs are available on the websites of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

The estimated cost of preparing a traditional Chuseok table for a family of four rose 1.2 percent from a year earlier to 302,500 won ($225) at traditional markets, according to the Korea Price Information Corp.

The estimated cost at large supermarkets increased 1.6 percent to 397,700 won. Despite this year’s increase, the traditional-market estimate remains below the 309,000 won recorded in 2023, after falling to 299,000 won in 2025.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also plans to issue Seoul gift certificates for the holiday. The amount and issuance schedule will be announced once finalized, the city said.

Some markets will host family activities such as yutnori, a traditional board game played with wooden sticks, tuho, an arrow-tossing game, and songpyeon-making programs.

Dogok Market in Gangnam-gu will offer traditional games, while Gobundari Traditional Market in Gangdong-gu will hold a customer talent show. Tongin Market in Jongno-gu will organize a prize drawing for visitors.

Temporary roadside parking will be permitted near 73 traditional markets through Sept. 27. The city is also inspecting electrical systems, fire-safety equipment and other facilities at 254 markets ahead of the holiday.

Chuseok falls on Sept. 25 this year, with the official holiday running from Sept. 24-26. Together with Sunday, Sept. 27, it will give many people a four-day break.

“We organized the events to ease the burden of holiday shopping while boosting spending at traditional markets and neighborhood shopping districts,” a city official said. “We hope residents will find affordable, fresh holiday food and enjoy the festive atmosphere with their families.”