2026 Chuseok Highway Toll Exemption: Dates and Conditions at a Glance

Every holiday season, there's one thing we all end up typing into the search bar.

"When exactly is the highway toll exemption for this Chuseok — from when to when?"

I still remember last Chuseok, driving back to my hometown and staring at my Hi-pass device screen the whole way.

So today, I've gathered just the essential info you need on the 2026 Chuseok highway toll exemption dates and conditions.

Key Points- The 2026 Chuseok holiday runs from Thursday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27 — 4 days total.- The toll exemption applies during the same period, from midnight on September 24 to midnight (end of day) on September 27.- No separate application needed — both Hi-pass and regular lanes are exempted automatically.

When exactly is the 2026 Chuseok holiday?

Chuseok Day itself in 2026 falls on Friday, September 25.

The official 3-day holiday runs from the day before, Thursday September 24, through the day after, Saturday September 26.

This extends into the weekend on Sunday, September 27, making it a four-day holiday in practice.

Worth noting: this year the Chuseok holiday doesn't overlap with a Sunday in a way that triggers a substitute holiday, so there's no additional day added on.

That said, there's a substitute holiday for National Foundation Day (October 5) and Hangeul Day (October 9) in early October, so if you use your annual leave wisely, you could stretch out a long break from late September into early October.

Highway Toll Exemption Period and Time Standards

The government confirmed the highway toll exemption period as part of its 'Chuseok Livelihood Stabilization Measures' announced at the Cabinet meeting on September 1.

The exemption period runs for four days, from midnight on Thursday, September 24 to midnight (end of day) on Sunday, September 27.

During this period, all vehicles using highways nationwide can drive without worrying about tolls.

Don't miss this: it applies to all vehicle types regardless of category — passenger cars, vans, and trucks alike.

The roads covered include not only highways managed by the Korea Expressway Corporation, but also most privately funded expressways.

That said, some toll roads or tunnels operated by local governments may differ depending on local policy, so it's a good idea to double-check via navigation before you set off.

Do Hi-pass and Regular Lanes Work Differently?

To cut to the chase — the process is exactly the same as usual.

There's absolutely no need to apply separately or submit any documents.

As you can see from the table, there's really just one key point.

If you just use the highway as usual, the system automatically processes the exemption for you.

At first, I too wondered, "Do I need to apply through some app separately?" — but it turned out all you need is to have your Hi-pass device powered on.

Entry/Exit Time Rules — As Seen in the 2026 Lunar New Year Case

One part that's easy to get confused about is whether it's the entry time or the exit time that matters.

The same rule applied during the 2026 Lunar New Year, when the exemption period ran from midnight on Sunday, February 15 to midnight (end of day) on Wednesday, February 18.

At that time, if you entered the highway on the night of February 14 and exited after midnight on the 15th, the toll was fully waived.

Conversely, if you entered on the night of the 18th and exited in the early hours of the 19th, that was also exempted.

In other words, if either your entry or your exit falls within the exemption period, the entire toll is waived.

Applying this same rule to the 2026 Chuseok period, you could enter at 11 PM on September 23 and exit at 1 AM on September 24 and still be exempted — or enter on the night of September 27 and exit the next day and still qualify for the exemption.

Chuseok Toll Exemption — Don't Get These Mixed Up

As the table shows, there are really just two things that matter most.

Remembering the exact dates, and checking beforehand that your Hi-pass device is working properly.

My tip for you: the night before you set off, check your device's balance and battery.

Even during the exemption period, if your device is powered off, it could get flagged as an unpaid toll.

Other Benefits Worth Grabbing Besides the Toll Exemption

Beyond the toll exemption, this year's Chuseok Livelihood Stabilization Measures include several other benefits worth knowing about.

Following the KTX-SRT integration, fares have dropped by an average of 10% starting this month.

From September 23 to 27, some trains — including reverse-commute routes — offer discounts of 30-50%.

Also, from September 16 to 20, the purchase limit for digital Onnuri gift certificates increases by 200,000 won, with a 10% discount applied to the additional amount.

There are also 80,000 accommodation discount coupons being released for non-metropolitan areas — since supplies are limited, if you've already got your travel plans set, it's best to book quickly.

If you're planning a trip home or a short family getaway, combining these benefits can add up to significant savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I need to apply in advance to get the toll exemption?A. No, there's no separate application needed. Whether you're using Hi-pass or a regular lane, just use the highway as usual and the exemption will be applied automatically.

Q2. Are privately funded expressways included in the exemption?A. Yes, most privately funded expressways are included. However, some toll roads operated by local governments may be excluded, so it's safer to check via navigation before you leave.

Q3. What happens if I enter before the exemption period but exit during it?A. If either your entry or your exit falls within the exemption period, the entire toll is waived. So there's no need to rush to time it exactly at midnight.

Wrapping Up

All you really need to remember is that the 2026 Chuseok highway toll exemption runs from September 24 to 27, and it's applied automatically with no application needed.

Whether you're heading home or heading back, please leave plenty of time for your trip, and don't forget to check your Hi-pass device beforehand — here's hoping you have a relaxed Chuseok this year.

References

• Onnuri gift certificate purchase limit raised by 200,000 won with 10% discount for Chuseok... four days of free highway tolls
• Chuseok holiday: four days of free highways, 10% off KTX — full summary
• 2026 Chuseok Holiday: Full Summary of Substitute Holiday Application
• 2026 Lunar New Year Highway Toll Exemption Hours and Hi-pass Precautions
• Highway Toll Exemption 2026: Full Summary of Holiday Exemption Periods