May Holiday Travel Tips for Korea — A Complete Guide to Crowds, Reservations, and Closures

May is one of the most anticipated months of the year, even for locals, but for travelers, it is also the month where 'risk management' is most critical. This is because tens of millions of locals travel during the 'Golden Week' formed around Children's Day (May 5th) and Buddha's Birthday (May 24th/25th in 2026).

If you step into this period unprepared, you might be crushed by crowds, fail to get restaurant reservations, and get hit with sky-high accommodation prices. But don't worry. If you check a few things in advance, you can actually enjoy the most vibrant and beautiful side of Korea. Here are practical survival tips for travelers during the May holidays.

What you will learn in this article:

Strategies for booking accommodation and restaurants during May holidays
How to check public holiday closures and tips for using public transport
Hidden gems and events to enjoy away from the holiday crowds
How to handle emergencies (hospitals, pharmacies)

Is it impossible to book accommodation during the early May 'Golden Week'?

It is not impossible, but you may need to compromise on price and location.

Booking Timing: For early May (1st–5th) and the Buddha's Birthday holiday (23rd–25th), booking at least 3 months in advance is the standard. If you start 1 month before, budget hotels in central Seoul (Myeong-dong, Hongdae) are likely already sold out.
Alternative: Target areas near subway stations a bit further from downtown Seoul (Yeongdeungpo, Mapo, Wangsimni, etc.). They are cheaper and you can reach major tourist spots in 20–30 minutes.

Are there any national museums or art galleries that close on public holidays?

Surprisingly, national and public facilities are more active during public holidays.

Closure Policy: Many museums, art galleries, and palaces in Korea stay open on public holidays and close the following day (a weekday) instead.
Exception: If a Monday is a public holiday (including substitute holidays), they operate normally and will almost certainly be closed on Tuesday. Always check the 'Monthly Operation Calendar' on the official website before visiting.

How to use 'Passes' to reduce waiting times at theme parks on Children's Day (May 5th)

Going to Everland or Lotte World on Children's Day is like entering a war zone.

Lotte World 'Magic Pass': This is a paid pass that allows you to ride attractions without waiting. Since it sells out instantly during holidays, be sure to select it as an option when purchasing your entry ticket.
Everland 'Smart Queue': A system where you stand in line in advance via the app. Reservations for major rides (T-Express, Safari) often close immediately after the park opens at 10 AM, so you must open the app the moment you enter.

Time slots to avoid highway congestion and choosing transportation during holidays

The Korean craze for 'visiting hometowns/returning' occurs not just during traditional holidays, but also during May holidays.

Mode of Transport: If you plan to leave Seoul, definitely choose KTX/SRT. The roads turn into parking lots.
Timing: If you must use a rental car, the only way to avoid wasting time is to leave before 5 AM or travel late at night after 10 PM.

How to find hospitals or pharmacies open on public holidays (Emergency Preparedness)

There is nothing more miserable than being sick during a trip.

E-Gen (Emergency Medical Portal): You can search for 'on-duty hospitals' and 'on-duty pharmacies' operating near your current location in real-time via the website or app.
Convenience Store Medications: Basic fever reducers, digestive medicine, and pain-relief patches can be easily purchased at 24-hour convenience stores.

Hot spots in Seoul with special events during May public holidays

There are many free events hosted by local governments on public holidays.

Hangang Moonlight Night Market: A food truck festival held at Banpo or Yeouido Hangang Park. Visit in the evening during the holidays to fully enjoy the romance of the Han River.
Night Opening of Royal Palaces: Sometimes, night viewings of Gyeongbokgung or Changgyeonggung Palace are permitted during the May holidays. Tickets are hard to get, but definitely worth trying.

Where do Koreans usually travel during public holidays? (Local Trends)

If you know the local flow, you can move in the opposite direction to find some breathing room.

Popular Destinations: Gangwon-do (Sokcho, Gangneung), Jeju Island, and Gyeongju are the most preferred spots for locals. These places are extremely crowded during holidays.
Alternative: In fact, the Seoul downtown business districts (Jongno, Gwanghwamun) can be relatively pleasant during the holidays as office workers leave. (However, check if there are any scheduled demonstrations).

Is it essential to book dining (using apps like CatchTable) during holidays?

Famous restaurants will have a 1–2 hour wait minimum without a reservation during the holidays.

Reservation Apps: Install 'Catch Table' or 'Tabling'. It is becoming increasingly common to be able to sign up with a foreign phone number.
Tip: For popular cafes or restaurants, do an 'open run' 30 minutes before they open, or avoid the peak meal hours (12–1 PM, 6–7 PM).

Do shopping malls (Starfield, The Hyundai) remain open on public holidays?

Yes, large complex shopping malls see the holidays as their peak season.

Operating Hours: Starfield, Times Square, The Hyundai Seoul, etc., operate normally on public holidays. They even host pop-up stores or special exhibitions in line with the holidays.
Note: Department stores (Hyundai, Lotte, Shinsegae) often close once a month on a weekday (Monday), so check ahead.

Recommended stays to rest quietly in the suburbs of Seoul away from the busy holidays

If you dislike crowds, look to the outskirts of Seoul.

Paju: Quiet book stays or guesthouses near the Book City or Heyri Art Village let you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Yangpyeong/Gapyeong: You can fully feel the nature of May at private pensions or campsites located along the Bukhangang River.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if I can't get a KTX ticket during the May holidays?
A: Try for a 'Standing + Seat' ticket, or check the app frequently 1–2 days before the train departure, when cancelled tickets are released. If that doesn't work, use a Premium Express Bus, but budget at least double the usual travel time.

Q2: Do prices get more expensive during the holidays?
A: Official prices remain the same, but accommodation rates are often adjusted to 'Peak season pricing,' making them 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than usual. Food and transportation costs remain the same.

💡 Traveler Tip

The Buddha's Birthday (May 24th) holiday in 2026 is a 3-day weekend connected to Sunday and Monday (substitute holiday). Train tickets to local provinces are highly likely to be sold out by late April, so check the booking site as soon as your schedule is set.