Public Holidays in South Korea 2025 – National & Cultural Days
South Korea observes a number of national public holidays (often called “Red Days”) that include traditional lunar holidays (Seollal, Chuseok), national foundation days, and modern observances. Some holiday dates shift due to the lunar calendar or if they fall on weekends.
Overview of South Korea’s Public Holidays
South Korea’s public holiday list combines traditional holidays (Seollal / Lunar New Year, Chuseok), national / civic days (Independence Movement Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, Hangeul Day), and religious / cultural observances (Buddha’s Birthday, Memorial Day). When certain holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is often observed the following weekday (“substitute holiday”).
List of Public Holidays in South Korea (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Gregorian New Year |
| January 27 | Monday | Temporary Public Holiday | One-time holiday designated in 2025 |
| January 28 – 30 | Tuesday – Thursday | Seollal (Lunar New Year) | Traditional Lunar New Year holiday period |
| March 1 | Saturday | Independence Movement Day | Commemorates March 1st Movement for independence from Japan |
| March 3 | Monday | Substitute Holiday for March 1 | Observed because March 1 falls on weekend |
| May 5 | Monday | Children’s Day / Buddha’s Birthday | Both observed on same day in 2025 |
| May 6 | Tuesday | Temporary Public Holiday | Substitute holiday following Children’s Day / Buddha’s Birthday (if applicable) |
| June 3 | Tuesday | Presidential Election Day | Declared as public holiday in 2025 |
| June 6 | Friday | Memorial Day | Honors those who died in military service; siren & minute of silence at 10:00 AM |
| August 15 | Friday | Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) | Commemorates end of Japanese colonial rule (1945) |
| October 3 | Friday | National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) | Commemorates founding of the ancient state of Gojoseon |
| October 5 – 7 | Sunday – Tuesday | Chuseok / Harvest Festival | Three-day traditional harvest / thanksgiving period |
| October 8 | Wednesday | Temporary Public Holiday | Substitute holiday for Chuseok period |
| October 9 | Thursday | Hangeul Day | Celebrates creation / proclamation of Korean alphabet (Hangul) |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday; nationally observed |
Observations & Rules
• If Seollal or Chuseok overlaps a Sunday, the holiday extension to Monday is observed.
• Major national holidays such as Independence Movement Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, Children’s Day, Buddha’s Birthday, and Hangeul Day are also subject to substitute holidays if they fall on weekends.
• Some holidays (e.g., Election Day 2025) are designated as public holidays by government decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does South Korea have in 2025?
South Korea has about 13 national public holidays in 2025.
What is Seollal and Chuseok?
Seollal is the Korean Lunar New Year, typically a multi-day holiday. Chuseok is the Korean harvest festival / thanksgiving, also a multi-day holiday.
What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?
If a major national holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute holiday is often granted on the next weekday.
Why was June 3, 2025 declared a holiday?
June 3, 2025 was declared a public holiday due to the Presidential Election Day in South Korea.
Conclusion
Public holidays in South Korea combine ancient traditions, national identity, and modern civic observances. From Seollal and Chuseok to liberation, foundation, and alphabet commemorations, these days mark cultural rhythms and national pride throughout the year.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in North Korea
