Seoul marks Chuseok holiday with late-night reading, folk shows, free museum entry

As Korea prepares for Chuseok, its traditional autumn harvest festival, Seoul is transforming the national holiday into a four-day cultural festival. From Thursday through Sunday, the capital will host traditional folk performances, open museum exhibitions for free and keep public libraries open late, offering foreign visitors a rare look into the country's cultural roots. From Sept. 24-27, traditional cultural sites, museums and art institutions will host family programs ranging from folk games and Korean music to craft workshops and exhibitions, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Unhyeon Palace will hold its Chuseok program from Thursday through Sunday, offering traditional games, craft activities and performances featuring Korean traditional and fusion music and dance. Namsangol Hanok Village will host Namsan Dalbit Madang (Moonlit Courtyard) from Friday through Sunday, with tightrope walking, Arirang performances, seven traditional experiences, quilted craft workshops and hanbok-related activities. Several museums will hold special events Saturday, including traditional p