Korea’s public holidays are more than days off — they shape travel plans, working schedules, family gatherings, and even how busy (or empty) the city feels. If you’re living in Korea or planning a trip in 2026, knowing the holiday calendar can help you avoid surprises and even enjoy some bonus long weekends.
Below is a simple guide to the major Korean holidays in 2026, along with a few travel tips you’ll want to remember.
1. Lunar New Year (Seollal): February 16–18
Total break with weekend: February 14–18 (5 days)
Even longer if you use vacation on Feb 19–20: February 14–22 (9 days)
Seollal is one of the most important family holidays in Korea. People travel to their hometowns, bow to elders, eat traditional food, and spend time together.
Important for travelers:
On the main holiday day, many restaurants, cafés, and small shops close, especially outside tourist zones. Intercity traffic is also extremely heavy.
If you travel, book trains and buses early — and expect many places to feel quiet.
2. March 1st Movement Day (Sunday → substitute on March 2)
March 1st falls on a Sunday, so March 2nd becomes a substitute holiday.
A quiet, reflective national day — and a convenient extra day off.
3. Children’s Day: May 5 (Tuesday)
With a day of leave on May 4, many families create a four-day weekend. Parks, zoos, theme parks, and museums get busy, and travel sites often run promotions.
Great for family outings — but expect crowds everywhere you go.
4. Buddha’s Birthday: May 24 (Sunday → substitute on May 25)
Temples across Korea light colorful lanterns, creating some of the most beautiful spring scenery of the year. Because the actual holiday falls on Sunday, May 25 becomes the substitute holiday.
If you like cultural experiences, temple visits during this period are unforgettable.
5. Local Election Day: June 3 (Wednesday)
Election Day is an official day off for many workplaces. Some businesses remain open, so daily life doesn’t change much — but it’s good to know why schools and offices may be closed.
6. Liberation Day: August 15 (Saturday → substitute on August 17)
August brings Korea’s Independence Day. Since the holiday falls on a Saturday, August 17 becomes a substitute holiday, creating another summer long weekend.
Expect busy highways and packed beaches.
7. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): September 24–27
Chuseok is the other major family holiday, similar in importance to Seollal.
Travel tip:
On the main Chuseok day, many restaurants, cafés, markets, and even some attractions close — especially outside the big cities. Transportation fills up weeks in advance.
But if you stay in Seoul, the city can feel pleasantly empty.
8. National Foundation Day & Hangeul Day (with substitute holiday)
October brings two meaningful cultural holidays:
- October 3 — National Foundation Day (개천절)
- October 9 — Hangeul Day (한글날)
Because National Foundation Day falls on a Saturday, October 5 becomes a substitute holiday, creating extra long-weekend potential.
9. Months with no holidays
Some months in Korea feel long simply because there are no national holidays:
- April
- July
- November
If you work full-time, these months are usually when vacation requests increase.
10. Holidays still under discussion
As of now, two items remain not fully confirmed for 2026:
- Possible reinstatement of Constitution Day (July 17)
- Whether December 3 (National Sovereignty Day) becomes official
Both are still being discussed rather than finalized.
Travel Advice: Holiday closures foreigners should remember
For visitors, the biggest surprises happen during Seollal and Chuseok.
On the main holiday days:
- Many local restaurants and cafés close
- A lot of family-run shops close for several days
- Transportation becomes extremely busy
If you plan to travel during these periods:
- Book trains and buses early
- Expect fewer dining options outside tourist areas
- Consider staying in big cities — where chains and hotel areas remain open
Planning ahead keeps the holidays stress-free.
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