The Best Way to Avoid the Crowds When Traveling to Korea During Obon 2026

To put it simply, if you’re traveling to Korea during Japan’s 2026 Obon holidays, it’s best to plan on the assumption that “they’ll be on holiday too.” Japan’s Obon holiday runs from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16—a four-day weekend. In Korea, since Liberation Day on Saturday, August 15 coincides with the weekend, Monday, August 17 will be a substitute holiday, creating a three-day weekend from August 15 to 17.

In other words, the period when Japanese travelers are concentrated directly overlaps with the period when Koreans are traveling. Crowds in Myeongdong and Hongdae, wait times at popular restaurants, and airfare and hotel prices—all will peak over the same few days.

That said, many people likely can only take time off during Obon. This article organizes the factors to consider when deciding whether to shift your schedule, how to get around if you can’t, and what changes when you shift your trip to after Obon or into September.

Why this year’s Obon holiday period will be “more crowded than usual”

First, on the Japanese side, Mountain Day falls on Tuesday, August 11, so taking paid leave on Wednesday, August 12 creates a six-day holiday from August 11 to 16. If you also take August 10 and 12 off, some people may even have a maximum nine-day holiday from August 8 to 16. You might expect departure dates to become more spread out as holidays get longer, but in reality, demand becomes concentrated on popular routes.

On top of that, Korea’s holiday overlaps with this period. Since Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) on August 15 falls on a Saturday, Monday, August 17 will be a substitute holiday. Incheon Airport and tourist destinations throughout the city are expected to be more crowded than usual. It’s a good idea to allow more time than usual for check-in and immigration procedures.

Airfares also tend to be higher than usual during this period. Some media outlets may cite an estimate of around 1.5 to 2 times the normal price, but actual fares vary significantly depending on the airline and booking timing. Treat these figures as a rough guide and check the latest prices on each airline’s official website for the most reliable information. Shifting your departure by one or two days, or expanding your search to include departures after Obon or on weekdays—even these small changes can affect the cost of a trip to the same destination.

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If you’re going anyway, divide outdoor and indoor activities by time of day

The key to enjoying the peak travel period is to plan your itinerary with three factors in mind: heat, rain, and crowds. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration’s climate normals, Seoul in August has an average temperature of 26.1℃ and precipitation of 348.3mm, making it the hottest and rainiest month of the year. Plan on your schedule being disrupted by intense heat or sudden rain, and explore the city in the morning, then spend the hot midday through evening hours indoors.

Key Indoor Destinations

1️⃣ Everland
A classic theme park near Seoul. During summer, it hosts water-based events such as Summer Splash, allowing you to enjoy the park while taking measures against the heat.

2️⃣ Lotte World
Conveniently located closer to the city center, its indoor theme park is a major advantage, making it easier to stick to your plans even on rainy days.

3️⃣ Department Stores, Large Shopping Malls, Underground Shopping Areas, and Museums
They are air-conditioned and unaffected by the weather. Combining shopping with breaks is a practical option.

Everland and Lotte World are said to be open year-round, but operating hours and the availability of water attractions vary by season and event. Check the latest information on each attraction’s official website before visiting.

For Popular Spots, Choose Between “Reservations” and an “Opening-Time Run”

During consecutive holidays, popular restaurants, cafés, and experiential facilities are more likely to have long lines. Reserve venues that accept bookings as early as possible. For places that do not accept reservations, arriving right after opening is an effective strategy☕

Visit major attractions in the relatively quiet morning hours, then spend the busier afternoon relaxing. Simply following this order can significantly reduce your total waiting time.

August 15: Open Businesses and Closed Facilities

Gwangbokjeol is a public holiday in Korea, but most tourist attractions and shopping facilities operate as usual. Department stores, malls, cafés, and restaurants are generally open, so your shopping and dining plans should not be significantly affected. However, some government offices and public facilities may be closed. In addition, more locals go out during the holiday period, so expect popular areas to be more crowded than usual.

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Why the Period from After Obon Through September Is the “Sweet Spot”

If you want to avoid both the crowds and the heat, the most effective strategy is to shift your travel dates themselves. Even in the same Seoul, crowd levels, weather, and prices can all vary.

Item	August	September
Average temperature	26.1℃	21.7℃
Rainfall	348.3mm	141.6mm
Walking around the city	Requires choosing the right time of day	Comfortable all day
Crowds	Japanese and Korean holiday periods overlap	Quieter

※Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals

Early September still brings lingering summer heat, so you can get by in short sleeves, but by late September, mornings and evenings become cooler, making a light jacket useful. As a general guide, expect highs around 25℃ and lows around 16℃. Walking around the city and exploring cafés is much more comfortable than in August. Autumn in Korea is generally considered to run from September to November, and from late September through October, clear skies and pleasant weather make this one of the best seasons for sightseeing.

Things to Enjoy in September

As the weather cools down, plans that involve plenty of walking outdoors become ideal. Seongsu, where cafés and shops are concentrated; Hongdae, the center of youth culture; and shopping in the classic destination of Myeongdong—all are best enjoyed by immersing yourself in the city itself. However, some days can still be hot during the daytime, so continue to stay hydrated regularly and protect yourself from the sun.

If you're looking for cultural events, keep an eye on the Han River area as well. Festivals offering opportunities to experience traditional culture are scheduled to take place at Han River parks, where you can enjoy trying on hanbok and playing traditional games. Since the month and dates may change, check the latest schedule on the Seoul Metropolitan Government's official monthly cultural calendar according to your travel dates.

Prepare for Typhoons in August and September

Korea is mainly affected by typhoons in August and September. Direct hits are not common, but indirect effects can bring heavy rain and strong winds. Packing a compact umbrella and sneakers treated with waterproofing spray will give you peace of mind. Since the path and impact vary from year to year, a practical precaution is to check the weather forecast frequently in the days leading up to your trip.

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Summary

In 2026, Japan's Obon holiday from August 13–16 overlaps with Korea's August 15–17 holiday period. It's therefore best to plan on the assumption that crowds and higher prices are unavoidable. If you have flexibility, shift your departure by a day or two, or travel after Obon or in September. With an average temperature of 21.7℃ and rainfall of 141.6mm, September is actually better suited to a walking-focused trip.

If you can't adjust your dates, divide your schedule by time of day: plan outdoor activities in the morning and indoor activities from midday onward, and reserve the shops you want to visit or go right when they open. The first thing to do is simple: check the calendar to see whether airfares are available for the one or two days before and after your time off🔖