Chuseok and October Holidays: Okinawa's Sea Is 2.5 Hours from Korea — Three Long Weekends to Use
Korea gets three long weekends in September–October 2026: Chuseok (Sep 24–27), the National Foundation Day substitute holiday (Oct 3–5), and Hangul Day (Oct 9–11). Okinawa is about two and a half hours from Incheon or Busan with no time difference, and the water is still 26–27°C in October. Here is how to enjoy a sea you can still swim in, even on a short break.
Three Korean long weekends in September–October
Korea has a run of autumn holidays in 2026: ① Chuseok, Thursday September 24 to Sunday September 27 — four days. ② National Foundation Day (Saturday October 3) with its substitute holiday, October 3–5. ③ Hangul Day (Friday October 9), October 9–11. Okinawa is about 2.5 hours from Incheon or Busan by direct flight, with no time difference, so even a three- or four-day break leaves plenty of time in the water. And from late September into October the sea is still around 26–27°C — summer water, at a time when beach season at home is already over.
Oct 9–11 overlaps Japan and Taiwan — book that one early
Of the three, the one to book early is October 9–11. That weekend also lines up with Taiwan's National Day holiday (Oct 9–11) and Japan's long weekend (Oct 10–12), so travellers pour into Okinawa from everywhere. By contrast, Chuseok (Sep 24–27) and Oct 3–5 do not overlap a Japanese long weekend, so they are comparatively easy to book. We welcome same-day and next-day bookings, so do not hesitate to ask even right before Chuseok.
Fully private, so language is not a barrier
"I do not speak Japanese — will that be a problem?" It is the question we hear most from Korean guests. Every Emerald Reef tour is fully private, so you are never lost in a group of strangers trying to follow a Japanese briefing. On the day we explain with photos and gestures, and anyone unsure in the water practises floating with us first. Bookings and questions are open 24/7 via LINE or the contact form, and consultations in Korean via translation are welcome. With free hotel pickup, you do not need a rental car either.
Prices, and which plan to pick
Prices are in yen: snorkeling in Onna is ¥7,000 per person for two, the Blue Cave is ¥8,000 per person for two, Naha sea-turtle snorkeling ¥12,000 per person for two, and for those who want to dive properly there is skin diving (¥16,000 for one, ages 10–59). Everything includes pickup, gear and photo data, with video free for a limited time. Staying in Naha? Choose the sea turtles. Staying in central Okinawa such as Onna or Chatan? The Blue Cave or snorkeling matches the pickup area. Even in October, mornings bring the calmest water. Pick one of the three long weekends and come see Okinawa's autumn sea.