We’re just a week away from the Lunar New Year period in Seoul. One of two biggest holiday seasons in Korea, the Lunar New Year period is a family-centered period which not only means a large number of locals are away in their hometowns but it also means many businesses and establishments are closed- either partly or for all the three-day period.

So what can visitors do in Seoul during this holiday period?

To begin with, you’ll be happy to know that Namsangol Hanok Village, the cluster of traditional Korean homes on Namsan, is open during this period and holds an annual lunar new year celebration. You can taste delicious traditional Korean dishes for this holiday period such as ddeokguk (or rice cake soup) and various rice cakes and also take part in various cultural activities such as spinning tops, jegichagi (a Korean version of hackey sack), and more. There will also be traditional Korean performances and a chance for visitors to write their wishes for the new year.

The Royal Palaces in Seoul are also open during this time and with less crowds, making it perfect for picture takers. And, as a fun fact, did you know the palaces offer free admission to those dressed in traditional Korean attire? Rent an outfit from the shops around and put on your best Korean royal impression within the royal grounds!

Elsewhere amusement parks like Lotte World and Everland are open as well during the new year and, in fact, you’ll likely be able to get on all your favorite rides to your hearts content with the minimal crowds. Major museums such as the National Museum of Korea, the Seoul History Museum, The War Memorial of Korea will operate as normal. Just be sure to verify opening hours and days from their respective homepages.

If you’re looking to do some shopping, most shopping centers including Coex Mall and Yeongdeungpo Time Square will be in business as usual including popular shopping areas such as Dongdaemun. Be sure to keep an eye open for any special discounts and promotions offered during the holiday period which you can check through their homepages as well.

And night owls will be happy to know most bars and nightlife venues in areas such as Itaewon will not only be open but many will be holding events and special discounts as well.

A few tips for those traveling in Seoul within this time. First, note that many restaurants, establishments, and other businesses will see reduced hours of operation during this period, with some even resting for an extensive number of days. The majority of businesses close on the day of lunar new year, which happens to be Monday, February 8 this year, so plan accordingly. The reduced hours of operation during this period also affects most smaller clinics and pharmacies though major hospitals and emergency rooms will remain open. Should there be any emergency, please remember that the numbers “1-1-9” is the emergency number for the fire brigade and ambulance dispatch center.

If you’re traveling to other parts of Korea from Seoul or vise versa it will likely be quite difficult or expensive to secure tickets for long haul buses, trains, and planes as most will have been purchased already. If you’re planning trips to other destinations in Korea, double check on the availability of tickets ahead of time.

And finally, new year holiday period is an especially busy time at transportation hubs such as airports and bus terminals so give yourself extra time before any departures just in case. Those within Seoul will be happy to know that subways and buses will extend operating hour on the day of the lunar new year, February 8 this year, so check the Seoul metro homepage for more information.