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| Korean public holidays (공휴일) |
What Are Korean Public Holidays (Red Days)?
Korean public holidays, often called "Red Days" (공휴일), are national holidays officially recognized by the South Korean government. On these days, government offices, schools, and most businesses close, except for essential services like healthcare and public safety.
For employees, these are paid holidays, and if they work on a public holiday, they receive additional compensation according to labor laws.
Foreign residents, including international students and expats living in Korea, also benefit from these official public holidays just like Korean citizens.
List of Korean Public Holidays (Red Days)
Each year, the number of holidays varies slightly depending on whether they fall on weekends. Generally, South Koreans enjoy between 1 to 5 days off, depending on the holiday.
Here’s a comprehensive list of South Korea's official holidays:
| Name of Public Holidays | Date (Solar Calendar) | Date (Lunar Calendar) |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day (신정) | January 1 | — |
| Korean Lunar New Year (설날 – Seollal) | Varies | 1st day of Lunar Year |
| Independence Movement Day (삼일절) | March 1 | — |
| National Assembly Election Day (국회의원 선거일) | Varies | — |
| Children's Day (어린이날) | May 5 | — |
| Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일) | Varies | April 8 (Lunar) |
| Memorial Day (현충일) | June 6 | — |
| National Liberation Day (광복절) | August 15 | — |
| Korean Thanksgiving (추석 – Chuseok) | Varies | August 15 (Lunar) |
| National Foundation Day (개천절) | October 3 | — |
| Hangul Day (한글날) | October 9 | — |
| Christmas Day (크리스마스) | December 25 | — |
Meanings of Korean Public Holidays
1. New Year’s Day (신정) – January 1
Like many other countries, South Korea celebrates New Year's Day as an official public holiday. People take a break from work and school to welcome the new year with family gatherings and celebrations.
👉 Learn about How Koreans celebrate Solar New Year?
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| Watching new year' first sunrise |
2. Korean Lunar New Year (설날 – Seollal) – (Jan 01, Lunar Calendar)
Seollal is one of the biggest holidays in Korea, lasting 3 days (before, during, and after the new year). Families reunite to honor ancestors, eat traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup), and play folk games.
👉 Learn about Korean Lunar New Year customs that You Don't Know!
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| Korean rice cake soup |
3. Independence Movement Day (삼일절) – March 1
This national holiday commemorates the March 1st Movement of 1919, when Koreans protested against Japanese colonial rule. It’s an important day in Korean history, marked by ceremonies and patriotic events.
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| Independence Movement Day (01 Mar) |
4. Children’s Day (어린이날) – May 5
South Korea celebrates Children’s Day as a national holiday, where parents take their children to theme parks, zoos, and amusement centers. It’s a day to honor the happiness and well-being of children.
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| Children’s Day |
5. Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일) – (April 08, Lunar Calendar)
A significant day for Buddhists in South Korea, temples across the country hold lantern festivals and ceremonies to celebrate the birth of Buddha. The famous Yeon Deung Hoe (연등회) Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul is a must-see!
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| Buddha's birthday |
6. Memorial Day (현충일) – June 6
South Korea’s Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. A national ceremony is held at the Seoul National Cemetery with a moment of silence at 10:00 AM.
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| Memorial day |
7. National Liberation Day (광복절) – August 15
This holiday marks South Korea’s independence from Japanese rule in 1945. It’s celebrated with parades, concerts, and patriotic speeches.
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| National Liberation Day |
8. Chuseok (추석) – Korean Thanksgiving (Aug 15, Lunar Calendar)
Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is a 3-day national holiday celebrating the harvest season. Families return to their hometowns, hold ancestral memorial ceremonies (차례 – Charye), and share traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes).
👉 Learn more about Chuseok traditions and cultural customs!
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| Songpyeon: mid-autumn rice cake |
9. National Foundation Day (개천절) – October 3
This holiday celebrates the founding of Korea’s first kingdom, Gojoseon, in 2333 BC. Many people visit historical sites and temples on this day.
👉 Learn more about Korean Story The Myth of Dangun!
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| National Foundation Day |
10. Hangul Day (한글날) – October 9
Hangul Day commemorates the creation of the Korean alphabet (한글) by King Sejong in 1443. There are special exhibitions and educational events to promote Korean language and culture.
👉 Want to learn Korean? Check out Hangul and Korean Alphabet pronunciation!
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| Hangul day |
11. Christmas Day (크리스마스) – December 25
Unlike in Western countries, Christmas in Korea is more of a romantic holiday than a religious one. Couples exchange gifts and celebrate at Christmas markets and light festivals.
👉 Check out Seoul Startfield Library in Christmas!
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| Seoul Starfield library in Christmas |
Other Korean Holidays (Not Public Holidays)
1. Dano (단오) – Korean Dragon Boat Festival (May 05)
Although not an official public holiday, Dano is an important cultural event. People traditionally wash their hair with iris leaves and participate in folk games like wrestling and swinging contests.
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| Dano festival in Gangnam Seoul |
2. Parents’ Day (어버이날) – May 8
Parents’ Day is a special occasion for children to express gratitude to their parents. It is common to give flowers, gifts, or prepare home-cooked meals as a token of appreciation.
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| Parents' day |
3. Teachers’ Day (스승의 날) – May 15
This holiday is dedicated to honoring educators. Students, including international learners, often express their gratitude with gifts and messages of appreciation.
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| Teachers' day |
4. Constitution Day (제헌절) – July 17
This day marks the adoption of South Korea’s Constitution in 1948 following independence from Japan. While once an official public holiday, it is no longer a national day off.
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| Constitution day |
Plan Your Year with Korea’s Official Public Holidays!
Whether you're an expat, traveler, or international student in Korea, knowing these public holidays can help you plan vacations, experience Korean culture, and enjoy traditional festivities.
📌 Bookmark this guide to stay updated on South Korea’s official holiday calendar!
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