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    Public Holidays in South Korea 2026 – National, Cultural & Public Days

    ByUzair ul haq
    Public Holidays in South Korea

    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)

    DateDayHolidayNotes / Observance
    January 1ThursdayNew Year’s DayGregorian New Year
    February 16 – 18Monday – WednesdaySeollal (Lunar New Year)Traditional Lunar New Year holiday period
    March 1SundayIndependence Movement DayNational independence movement commemoration
    March 2MondaySubstitute HolidayObserved because March 1 falls on Sunday
    May 5TuesdayChildren’s DayCelebrates children’s welfare
    May 24SundayBuddha’s BirthdayMajor Buddhist celebration
    May 25MondaySubstitute HolidayObserved for Buddha’s Birthday
    June 6SaturdayMemorial DayHonors fallen service members
    August 15SaturdayLiberation Day (Gwangbokjeol)End of Japanese colonial rule (1945)
    August 17MondaySubstitute HolidayObserved for Liberation Day
    September 24 – 26Thursday – SaturdayChuseok (Harvest Festival)Traditional harvest / thanksgiving holiday
    September 28MondaySubstitute HolidayObserved for Chuseok weekend overlap
    October 3SaturdayNational Foundation DayFounding of ancient Gojoseon
    October 5MondaySubstitute HolidayObserved for National Foundation Day
    October 9FridayHangeul DayCelebrates the Korean alphabet
    December 25FridayChristmas DayNationally 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)

    DateDayHolidayNotes / Observance
    January 1WednesdayNew Year’s DayGregorian New Year
    January 27MondayTemporary Public HolidayOne-time holiday designated in 2025
    January 28 – 30Tuesday – ThursdaySeollal (Lunar New Year)Traditional Lunar New Year holiday period
    March 1SaturdayIndependence Movement DayCommemorates March 1st Movement for independence from Japan
    March 3MondaySubstitute Holiday for March 1Observed because March 1 falls on weekend
    May 5MondayChildren’s Day / Buddha’s BirthdayBoth observed on same day in 2025
    May 6TuesdayTemporary Public HolidaySubstitute holiday following Children’s Day / Buddha’s Birthday
    June 3TuesdayPresidential Election DayDeclared public holiday in 2025
    June 6FridayMemorial DaySiren & moment of silence at 10:00 AM
    August 15FridayLiberation Day (Gwangbokjeol)End of Japanese colonial rule
    October 3FridayNational Foundation DayFounding of ancient Gojoseon
    October 5 – 7Sunday – TuesdayChuseokHarvest festival period
    October 8WednesdayTemporary Public HolidaySubstitute holiday for Chuseok
    October 9ThursdayHangeul DayCelebrates Korean alphabet
    December 25ThursdayChristmas DayChristian 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

    Uzair ul haq

    CEO Visaboards & IT Consultant

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