Public Holidays in South Korea 2026 – National, Cultural & Public 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 calendar combines traditional holidays (Seollal / Lunar New Year, Chuseok), national and civic days (Independence Movement Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, Hangeul Day), and cultural or memorial observances (Buddha’s Birthday, Memorial Day). When major holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute holiday is often granted on the next weekday.
List of Public Holidays in South Korea (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Gregorian New Year |
| February 16 – 18 | Monday – Wednesday | Seollal (Lunar New Year) | Traditional Lunar New Year holiday period |
| March 1 | Sunday | Independence Movement Day | National independence movement commemoration |
| March 2 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | Observed because March 1 falls on Sunday |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Children’s Day | Celebrates children’s welfare |
| May 24 | Sunday | Buddha’s Birthday | Major Buddhist celebration |
| May 25 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | Observed for Buddha’s Birthday |
| June 6 | Saturday | Memorial Day | Honors fallen service members |
| August 15 | Saturday | Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) | End of Japanese colonial rule (1945) |
| August 17 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | Observed for Liberation Day |
| September 24 – 26 | Thursday – Saturday | Chuseok (Harvest Festival) | Traditional harvest / thanksgiving holiday |
| September 28 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | Observed for Chuseok weekend overlap |
| October 3 | Saturday | National Foundation Day | Founding of ancient Gojoseon |
| October 5 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | Observed for National Foundation Day |
| October 9 | Friday | Hangeul Day | Celebrates the Korean alphabet |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Nationally observed Christian holiday |
Extended holiday periods such as Seollal and Chuseok are popular times to explore places to visit in South Korea or book stays at top-rated hotels across South Korea.
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 |
| June 3 | Tuesday | Presidential Election Day | Declared public holiday in 2025 |
| June 6 | Friday | Memorial Day | Siren & moment of silence at 10:00 AM |
| August 15 | Friday | Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) | End of Japanese colonial rule |
| October 3 | Friday | National Foundation Day | Founding of ancient Gojoseon |
| October 5 – 7 | Sunday – Tuesday | Chuseok | Harvest festival period |
| October 8 | Wednesday | Temporary Public Holiday | Substitute holiday for Chuseok |
| October 9 | Thursday | Hangeul Day | Celebrates Korean alphabet |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
Observations & Rules
• If Seollal or Chuseok overlaps a weekend, a substitute holiday is granted.
• Major civic holidays are also subject to substitute holiday rules.
• Certain holidays may be designated temporarily by government decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does South Korea have in 2026?
South Korea observes around 15 to 16 public holidays in 2026, including substitute holidays.
What are Seollal and Chuseok?
Seollal is the Korean Lunar New Year, while Chuseok is the traditional harvest festival and thanksgiving period.
What is a substitute holiday?
If a major public holiday falls on a weekend, South Korea often grants a substitute holiday on the next weekday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in South Korea reflect a balance of ancient tradition, national identity, and modern civic life. From Seollal and Chuseok to independence, language, and memorial observances, these holidays define the country’s cultural rhythm throughout the year.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in North Korea
