Seoul Offers Chuseok Discounts at Traditional Markets... "Save 30%"

Discounts and Onnuri Gift Certificate Reimbursements at 61 Traditional Markets

Up to 30% Reimbursement on Purchases of Key Holiday Items and Agricultural, Livestock, and Marine Products

Seoul Sarang Gift Certificate Issuance and Chuseok Events by Market

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on September 8, 2026, that it will host discount events on key holiday items and agricultural, livestock, and marine products at traditional markets and alley-type shopping districts in celebration of Chuseok.

At 42 traditional markets and alley-type shopping streets, consumers can benefit from market-specific discounts of up to 30%, along with reimbursements of up to 30% of the purchase amount in Onnuri gift certificates—resulting in a combined total benefit of up to approximately 60%.

Panoramic view of traditional markets in Seoul city. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

Special Chuseok events that visitors can enjoy while shopping will also be held. Each market will offer programs for families, including traditional games such as tuho (arrow throwing), jegichagi (hacky sack), making Songpyeon (rice cakes), and prize giveaways. At Dogok Market (Gangnam District), there will be folk game experiences like tuho and jegichagi; Gobundari Traditional Market (Gangdong District) will hold a customer talent show; and Hwagok Central Market (Gangseo District) will organize a dumpling-making experience for shoppers.

From September 16 to September 20, 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will host a reimbursement event at 44 seafood markets and 49 agricultural and livestock markets across the city, offering up to 30% of the purchase amount back in Onnuri gift certificates. Additionally, ahead of the Chuseok holidays, the Seoul Sarang Gift Certificate will be issued. Details regarding the issuance schedule, quantity, and purchase methods will be announced later.

The city will also improve transportation convenience for citizens visiting traditional markets. Until September 27, free parking and temporary stopping will be allowed at 73 markets—an increase from 71 during the previous Seollal holiday. As each market operates under different periods and time slots, visitors are advised to check the "News" section on the official Seoul City website for details on eligible markets and permissible hours before visiting.

Park Kyunghwan, Director of Livelihood and Labor Affairs at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "This event was organized to help ease the burden of holiday shopping for citizens ahead of Chuseok and to invigorate consumption at traditional markets and local shopping districts. We hope you will stock up on fresh key holiday goods affordably at a nearby traditional market and enjoy the festive atmosphere with your family."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.