Seoul to keep 6,000 clinics, pharmacies open during Chuseok

During the annual Chuseok holiday, when millions of families travel across Korea to gather and celebrate the autumn harvest, finding an open doctor’s office can turn an ordinary illness into a logistical nightmare. In response to potential medical shortages during the four-day break from Thursday to Sunday, Seoul city officials said Tuesday that more than 6,000 medical clinics and pharmacies will remain open, supported by a 24-hour emergency response system. The initiative aims to prevent overburdening hospital emergency rooms with noncritical cases while ensuring that both light ailments and life-threatening conditions are managed smoothly. On average, roughly 1,547 medical institutions — comprising 642 clinics and 905 pharmacies — will operate daily across the capital. For residents experiencing minor illnesses like cold symptoms or indigestion, the city encourages visiting neighborhood clinics rather than rushing to hospital emergency rooms. Basic over-the-counter remedies, including fever reducers and pain relievers, will also remain continuously accessible across 6,926 design