Korean Public Holidays

Types of public holidays

Korean public holidays are set by government regulation. They include New Year's Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year, 3 days), Independence Movement Day, Children's Day, Buddha's Birthday, Memorial Day, Liberation Day, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, 3 days), National Foundation Day, Hangeul Day, Christmas, and election days.

Substitute holiday system

When Seollal or Chuseok holidays fall on a Sunday, or when certain holidays such as Children's Day fall on a weekend, the next non-holiday weekday becomes a substitute holiday. This is why the length of holiday breaks changes every year.

Lunar holidays shift every year

Seollal, Chuseok, and Buddha's Birthday follow the lunar calendar, so their dates on the Western calendar change annually. This tool shows the confirmed dates for each year, which is useful for planning trips to Korea — note that many shops close during Seollal and Chuseok, while palaces and museums often offer free entry on holidays.

Tips for travelers

• Avoid intercity travel on the first and last days of Seollal and Chuseok: trains sell out weeks ahead and highways are heavily congested.
• Government offices and banks close on all public holidays, but convenience stores, and most restaurants in tourist areas stay open.