Chuseok - Better to go ? or not?
 

I see that there are many resident specialists here who are kind and knowledgeable. Please let me know whether it is a good idea to visit Seoul during Chuseok (thinking of something like 28 Sept for 4 days or so). Plan on staying at the Park Hyatt and this is not a first visit to Seoul. Plan on eating at a couple of bbq beef restaurants (there are tons I know, and please recommend if you have special favourites), visit a couple of temples/palaces, the Han River, the usual touristy things. I know this time we will be far from Myeongdong (were at Chosun Westin last time) but will probably take a cab/tube to get there if the restaurants are open.

I imagine that some restaurants/shops will be closed and I can understand that. Just do not want to go there with more than half restaurants etc closed.

Your thoughts and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Nice hotel choice.

For Korean BBQ, I've really enjoyed eating at BonGa. Or as they spell it, Bornga.

http://bornga.co.kr/bonga/index.asp

Take a look at the pictures on http://bornga.co.kr/bonga/menu_woo3.asp and tell me if that doesn't get your mouth watering! They even tell you how to eat it. Dip in sauce, place in vegetable wrap and some other sides and enjoy! This is what they are known for.

Also, http://bornga.co.kr/bonga/menu_chadol.asp is the second dish they are known for. The bean stew along with the mixed rice, or bibimbap.

I only know of one location in Shin Nonhyeon area but apparently there are multiple locations through out Seoul. I was told that the one in Shin Nonhyeon area is open 24 hours. First floor has tables but the second floor, you sit on the ground. Be prepared for a wait if you show up during normal dining times. I will try and get you more specific instructions on how to find it. But the front of the restaurant is the one that shows up on the first link I posted above.

http://bornga.co.kr/bonga/store_domestic.asp

This page has the list of locations in Seoul. I apologize I can't assist further in finding the one closest to your hotel or the nicest one to visit. But perhaps someone in this forum can help with it.

I enjoy the thinly slicd version. Some places in Itaewon and Hongdae does thick cuts which I don't like.

I've headed up to Seoul over the Chuseok holidays for the past 2 years (This time I'm getting out to Thailand) and at most I can say it is.....okay.
The city all but empties out and while you will have enough open to probably stay occupied and comfortable, many many things will be closed. The lively vibe of the city will be very much lost and you will wait longer for taxis and buses as they will run more infrequently and taxis will be scarce on the actual Chuseok days. I guess if you want a relaxing time in a big city (talk about a paradoxial situation) you can do it, but it definitely won't have the vibrance of a normal visit.

For extra reference, here is the website of the Korea tourism association that sets out the activities available and running during Chuseok. If any of these strike your fancy, then go for it!
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/...sp?cid=1723192