Seollal 2026 in Korea: Book Trains + Hotels Early (Muslim Traveler Tips Included)

Quick Answer (Save This)

Seollal (설날) in 2026 is Feb 16 (Mon) to Feb 18 (Wed), and Feb 17 (Tue) is the main day. Even though the holiday is three days, the real travel disruption often spreads wider because many people travel on the weekend before and take extra leave days.

Practical travel window most visitors should plan for:

• High crowd risk (common): Feb 14(Sat) – 18(Wed)

• Possible extended impact: Feb 13(Fri) – 22(Sun)

What to do right now (booking priority):

1. Book intercity transportation first (KTX/trains, then backups like buses/flights)

2. Book hotels immediately after (especially family rooms + prime areas)

3. Avoid moving cities during peak days (or prepare a strong backup plan)

4. Pre-plan halal-friendly food + prayer stops so crowds don’t derail your day

If you’re visiting Korea in February 2026, Seollal causes crowds and sell-outs beyond the official dates. Plan as if Feb 13 to 22 can be busy, book trains and hotels early, and keep your itinerary flexible—especially if you’re traveling as a Muslim visitor.

Why Seollal Affects More Than the “Official” Dates

Seollal is one of Korea’s biggest travel holidays. Millions of people move around the country at the same time—so transport capacity gets tight, hotels fill up, and popular areas feel like peak season.

This gets amplified in 2026 because the holiday sits right next to a weekend, and many people extend trips by taking leave days.

What this means for you:

• The weekend before (Feb 14–15) is often packed

• Intercity travel can sell out quickly

• Airports and domestic flights can feel unexpectedly crowded

• Some businesses change hours or close for at least one day (especially outside tourist zones)

Seollal 2026 Dates Travelers Must Know

• Official Seollal holidays: Feb 16–18, 2026

• Highest crowd risk (common): Feb 14–18, 2026

• Possible extended crowd impact: Feb 13–22, 2026

Most important planning rule:
If your trip includes multiple cities, try to avoid intercity moves during Feb 14–18, and seriously consider treating Feb 13–22 as “busy season” if your dates overlap.

What Sells Out First (And What Gets Expensive Fast)

KTX / Trains (Intercity Rail)

Train seats are usually the first thing to become painful during Seollal week—especially on major routes like:

• Seoul ↔ Busan

• Seoul ↔ Gangneung

• Seoul ↔ popular weekend destinations

Korea operates a specific pre-sale system for Seollal train tickets. Unfortunately for international visitors, foreigners cannot book these tickets before Korean nationals.

There are designated pre-sale windows for vulnerable groups (elderly, disabled) and general domestic members before tickets open widely. By the time the general reservation window closes, most prime seats are sold out.

The Bottom Line: Traveling to different regions via KTX during this period will be extremely difficult.

Express Buses + Domestic Flights

When trains fill up, demand shifts fast:

• Buses can fill quickly too

• Flights can spike (especially routes connected to island travel)

If you must travel, understanding the flow of traffic is crucial. The majority of Koreans travel from the capital (Seoul) to their hometowns (Provinces) at the start of the holiday, and return at the end.

🔴 The "Impossible" Routes (High Traffic)

Avoid these unless you have a confirmed ticket:

• January 13 - 16: Seoul → Provinces (Busan, Gwangju, Daegu, etc.)

• January 16 - 18: Provinces → Seoul

🟢 The "Smart" Routes (Relative Calm)

If you want to travel comfortably, go in the reverse direction of the crowds:

• January 13 - 16: Provinces → Seoul

• January 16 - 18: Seoul → Provinces

Pro Tip: Seoul is surprisingly quiet and pleasant during Seollal. It might be the best time to enjoy the city without the usual crowds!

Hotels (Especially Family Rooms)

Hotels tighten quickly in popular areas and near transportation hubs. The most at-risk room types:

• Family rooms (3–4 people)

• Connecting rooms

• Hotels near major stations and “easy transit” neighborhoods

Muslim traveler note:
Because you may prioritize areas with halal-friendly dining and easier prayer access, you’ll want to book earlier than a typical traveler to avoid being pushed into inconvenient locations.

Airports

Airports in Korea will be more crowded than usual due to Korean travelers who want to travel abroad during the Seollal period.

As the airport gets crowded, boarding and other processes will take longer, so make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight time.

Seollal Booking Strategy (Step-by-Step Checklist)

Step 1: Lock Transportation First

If you’re moving between cities, transportation is your #1 risk.

Do this:

• Confirm your route (Seoul-only vs multi-city)

• Choose your intercity travel dates

• Plan to book as soon as tickets open

• Keep a backup plan (alternate times/days/modes)

Step 2: Book Accommodation Immediately After

Once transport is confirmed:

• Book early (refundable options help)

• Prioritize location + convenience over perfection

• Consider a base-stay strategy during Feb 14–18 (or the wider Feb 13–22 window if your dates overlap)

Step 3: Reserve “Must-Do” Items

If you have fixed plans (private tours, limited-seat experiences), lock them early—especially for families and small groups.

Step 4: Build Buffers Into Your Itinerary

During Seollal period:

• Add more travel time than normal

• Avoid tight connections

• Don’t stack too many reservations on travel days

If KTX Is Sold Out: Your Backup Plan

If you can’t get the train you want, pivot quickly:

• Shift the time (earlier/later trains may still exist)

• Change the travel day (even +1 day can fix everything)

• Use express buses as an alternative

• Consider private transfer (especially for families/groups)

Why private transfer can feel like “easy mode” during Seollal:

• Less station stress and fewer bottlenecks

• Flexible timing

• Easier to plan prayer and meal stops without rushing

Closures & Reduced Hours During Seollal

Seollal affects more than transport. Expect:

• Many restaurants and shops (especially local/non-tourist areas) may close for at least a day

• Some places run shortened hours

• Certain public facilities typically close

• Some major attractions may close on the main day

Example to plan for:
The National Museum of Korea is closed on Seollal main day (Feb 17, 2026).

How to handle this smoothly:

• Keep your Seollal-day plan flexible

• Choose outdoor/neighborhood activities that don’t rely on strict hours

• Double-check opening hours close to your travel date for “must-visit” spots

Muslim Traveler Tips for Seollal Week (Halal + Prayer Planning)

Crowds change the game because “we’ll figure it out later” becomes stressful—especially on transit days.

Halal-Friendly Food: Save Options Before You Arrive

During peak period:

• Popular places get lines

• Seating can be tight

• Travel days reduce your choices

Do this:

• Save halal-friendly options near your hotel

• Save backups near key sightseeing areas

• Plan “easy meals” on transit days

Prayer Planning: Add Buffers

When stations and streets are crowded, everything takes longer.

Do this:

• Build extra time around prayer windows

• Avoid tight schedules on intercity travel days

• Keep it simple: “Where can I pray near my hotel? Near today’s main attraction?”

Simplest Strategy During the Peak Window

If your dates overlap Feb 14–18 (or wider Feb 13–22):

• Choose one base city for the peak days

• Do day trips only if needed

• Keep meal + prayer planning repeatable

Plan Faster With KoreHalal Trip

KoreHalal Trip is a Muslim-friendly Korea travel platform and travel agency built to help travelers plan smoothly—especially during peak periods like Seollal.

With KoreHalal Trip, you can:

• Find halal-friendly food options

• Locate mosques and prayer rooms

• Get help building realistic itineraries for crowded weeks

• Arrange Muslim-friendly private tours and transfers

You can access KoreHalal Trip on the web and download it on Google Play and the App Store.

Final “Before You Go” Checklist

• ✅ Transportation booked (train/bus/flight)

• ✅ Hotel booked (location prioritized)

• ✅ Backup plan ready (Plan B and Plan C)

• ✅ Halal-friendly food list saved (near hotel + key areas)

• ✅ Prayer spots mapped (hotel + attractions)

• ✅ Extra buffer time added to transit days

• ✅ KoreHalal Trip ready for on-the-go planning

Common Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is Seollal in Korea in 2026?

A: Seollal in 2026 is Feb 16 to Feb 18, with Feb 17 as the main day.

Q: What dates are most affected by Seollal travel in 2026?

A: The official holiday is Feb 16–18, but Feb 14–18 is commonly busy, and Feb 13–22 can also feel affected depending on leave patterns.

Q: Will restaurants and attractions be open during Seollal?

A: Some will—especially in major tourist zones—but many local businesses may close for a day or run shorter hours. Always check hours close to your visit date.

Q: If KTX is sold out, what should I do?

A: Try a different departure time, switch the travel day, use express buses, or consider a private transfer—especially if you’re traveling as a family or group.

Q: Are there other holidays that travelers should know about?

A: Yes, there are many holidays that your travel may be affected by. Here is an article about the list of holidays and major festivals for travelers in Korea.
2026 Korea Travel Guide: Best Dates to Visit & When to Be Cautious (Muslim Tips)