Planning your year effectively requires knowing the official national public holidays in South Korea for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing family events, this comprehensive guide covers all confirmed nationwide holidays recognized by the South Korean government. Understanding these dates helps residents and visitors alike maximize their time off and avoid scheduling conflicts during peak holiday periods.
Official Public Holidays in South Korea 2026
South Korea observes 15 official public holidays throughout 2026, with several multi-day celebrations that create extended weekends. The table below provides the complete list of nationwide holidays confirmed by the government, making it easy to plan your schedule months in advance.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| February 16 | Monday | Seollal Holiday (Day 1) |
| February 17 | Tuesday | Seollal (Lunar New Year) |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Seollal Holiday (Day 3) |
| March 1 | Sunday | Independence Movement Day |
| March 2 | Monday | Substitute Holiday (Independence Movement Day) |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Children’s Day |
| May 24 | Sunday | Buddha’s Birthday |
| May 25 | Monday | Substitute Holiday (Buddha’s Birthday) |
| June 6 | Saturday | Memorial Day |
| August 15 | Saturday | Liberation Day |
| August 17 | Monday | Substitute Holiday (Liberation Day) |
| September 24 | Thursday | Chuseok Holiday (Day 1) |
| September 25 | Friday | Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival) |
| September 26 | Saturday | Chuseok Holiday (Day 3) |
| October 3 | Saturday | National Foundation Day |
| October 5 | Monday | Substitute Holiday (National Foundation Day) |
| October 9 | Friday | Hangeul Proclamation Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Understanding South Korea’s Holiday System
South Korea’s public holiday system includes an important feature called substitute holidays. When a major holiday falls on a weekend, the government designates the following Monday as an official day off, ensuring workers don’t lose holiday benefits. This policy applies to specific holidays including Lunar New Year, Korean Thanksgiving, Children’s Day, Independence Movement Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, and Buddha’s Birthday. Consequently, many 2026 holidays create long weekends that are ideal for domestic travel or family gatherings.
The country recognizes two types of holidays: public holidays that apply to all workers and bank holidays that primarily affect financial institutions. Most businesses close during major celebrations like Seollal and Chuseok, when millions of South Koreans travel to their hometowns for family reunions. Meanwhile, smaller shops and restaurants in urban areas often remain open during single-day holidays to serve customers.
Major Holiday Celebrations in 2026
Seollal (Lunar New Year) – February 16-18
Seollal represents one of South Korea’s most significant traditional holidays, creating a three-day celebration from Monday through Wednesday in 2026. Families gather to perform ancestral rites, share traditional meals, and exchange New Year greetings. However, the extended weekend leads to massive migration as people return to their hometowns, resulting in heavy traffic on expressways and fully booked train tickets. Foreign visitors find this an excellent time to explore Seoul, as the capital becomes notably quieter with many residents traveling elsewhere.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) – September 24-26
Chuseok serves as Korea’s harvest festival and ranks alongside Seollal as the nation’s most important holiday. The 2026 celebration spans Thursday through Saturday, giving many workers an extended break when combined with the preceding or following weekend. Traditional activities include making songpyeon (rice cakes), visiting ancestral graves, and sharing freshly harvested foods. On the other hand, transportation networks operate at maximum capacity during this period, so advance booking becomes essential for anyone planning to travel.
Children’s Day – May 5
Children’s Day celebrates South Korea’s youngest citizens with special events, discounted admissions to theme parks, and family-oriented activities nationwide. Falling on a Tuesday in 2026, many families create mini-vacations by taking Monday off as well. Parents typically spend quality time with their children, visiting attractions like Lotte World, Everland, or local museums. Consequently, popular family destinations experience peak crowds and longer wait times throughout the holiday period.
Planning Tips for 2026 Holidays
Smart scheduling around South Korea’s public holidays maximizes your productivity and leisure time. Several holidays in 2026 fall adjacent to weekends, creating natural opportunities for extended breaks without using additional vacation days. For instance, the Seollal holiday from February 16-18 connects with the preceding weekend, offering a potential five-day break for those who plan ahead. Similarly, October features two significant holidays, with National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day creating opportunities for autumn getaways.
Business travelers should note that Korean companies typically operate on reduced schedules during major holidays, particularly Seollal and Chuseok. Many offices close for the full holiday period, making it challenging to conduct business meetings during these times. Therefore, scheduling important negotiations or contract signings around these dates requires extra planning and flexibility from all parties involved.
Transportation booking requires advance preparation during peak holiday seasons. KTX train tickets often sell out weeks before Seollal and Chuseok, while domestic flights to popular destinations like Jeju Island reach capacity quickly. Comparing times across different timezones becomes particularly useful when coordinating international travel plans around Korean holidays, ensuring you don’t miss important connections or meetings.
Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create exceptional long weekend opportunities for travel and relaxation. The Independence Movement Day substitute holiday on March 2 extends the weekend, while the Buddha’s Birthday substitute on May 25 does the same. Additionally, August features Liberation Day on Saturday with a substitute holiday on Monday, August 17, creating another three-day weekend perfect for summer travel.
October stands out as particularly favorable for extended breaks. National Foundation Day falls on Saturday, October 3, with a substitute holiday on Monday, October 5. Just four days later, Hangeul Day arrives on Friday, October 9. Strategic use of vacation days between these dates could yield an impressive stretch of time off. Many South Koreans take advantage of these autumn breaks to enjoy the country’s spectacular fall foliage or visit popular tourist destinations before winter arrives.
Planning activities around these extended weekends requires good time management. Using timer tools can help you stay on schedule when booking accommodations, purchasing tickets, or coordinating group travel plans. Setting reminders for booking deadlines ensures you don’t miss out on the best deals for popular holiday periods.
Business and Banking Considerations
South Korean businesses observe different practices regarding holiday closures. Large corporations and government offices typically close for all official public holidays, while many retail establishments remain open during single-day holidays to serve customers. Nevertheless, expect reduced hours or closures at banks, post offices, and government agencies on all official holidays listed in the calendar above.
International business transactions require special attention during Korean holiday periods. Banking services, including international wire transfers and foreign exchange operations, face delays during multi-day holidays like Seollal and Chuseok. Companies conducting business with Korean partners should plan accordingly, allowing extra processing time for financial transactions scheduled around these major celebrations. Furthermore, customer service departments at many companies operate with limited staff during holiday periods, potentially extending response times for urgent inquiries.
Cultural Significance of Korean Holidays
Each public holiday carries unique cultural meaning that reflects South Korea’s rich history and traditions. Independence Movement Day on March 1 commemorates the 1919 peaceful resistance movement against Japanese colonial rule, reminding citizens of their ancestors’ sacrifices for national sovereignty. Meanwhile, Memorial Day on June 6 honors fallen soldiers and patriots, with solemn ceremonies held at the National Cemetery in Seoul.
Liberation Day on August 15 marks Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, celebrating national freedom and sovereignty. National Foundation Day on October 3 recognizes the legendary founding of Korea in 2333 BC by Dangun, the nation’s mythical progenitor. Hangeul Day on October 9 celebrates King Sejong’s creation of the Korean alphabet in 1443, honoring one of history’s most significant linguistic achievements. Understanding these cultural contexts enriches both residents’ and visitors’ appreciation of Korean society and identity.
Practical Information for Visitors
International visitors to South Korea benefit from understanding how public holidays affect daily life. Most tourist attractions remain open during holidays, though popular sites experience significantly larger crowds. Museums and palaces often extend operating hours during major holidays to accommodate increased visitor numbers. However, some smaller museums and cultural centers may close on specific holidays, so checking operating hours in advance prevents disappointment.
Transportation services continue operating during holidays, albeit with modified schedules. Subway systems in major cities maintain regular service, while bus routes may run less frequently on national holidays. Taxis become harder to find during peak holiday periods, particularly near popular tourist areas and transportation hubs. Ride-sharing services offer convenient alternatives, though surge pricing often applies during high-demand periods.
For detailed planning and scheduling assistance, explore comprehensive resources at our guides section, which offers additional tips for managing time across different scenarios. These resources prove particularly valuable when coordinating complex itineraries that span multiple countries or time zones during your Korean holiday travel.
Substitute Holiday Policy Explained
South Korea implemented its substitute holiday policy to ensure workers receive the full benefit of public holidays even when they fall on weekends. This progressive policy applies to major celebrations that hold particular cultural or historical significance. When Independence Movement Day, Children’s Day, Buddha’s Birthday, Liberation Day, or National Foundation Day falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday becomes an official substitute holiday.
The substitute holiday system also applies to Lunar New Year and Chuseok if any day of these multi-day celebrations overlaps with another public holiday or falls on Sunday. This protection ensures workers receive consecutive days off for important family gatherings. Understanding this system helps both employers and employees plan staffing and vacation schedules effectively throughout the year.
Comparing 2026 to Other Years
The 2026 holiday calendar offers favorable conditions compared to some recent years, with several holidays falling strategically to create long weekends. The positioning of Seollal early in February provides a welcome break after the New Year rush, while Chuseok’s late September timing coincides with pleasant autumn weather ideal for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Notably, 2026 includes multiple substitute holidays due to several major celebrations falling on weekends. This arrangement effectively increases the total number of non-working days compared to years when holidays fall mid-week. Workers and students benefit from these extended breaks, while businesses must plan accordingly to maintain operations during stretched holiday periods. The pattern of substitute holidays demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving work-life balance for South Korean citizens.
Holiday Travel Trends and Patterns
Understanding South Korean holiday travel patterns helps you navigate the country more smoothly during peak periods. Domestic tourism surges during spring holidays, particularly Children’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday, when families seek outdoor activities and nature experiences. Popular destinations like Jeju Island, Busan’s beaches, and national parks reach maximum capacity during these times, requiring advance reservations for accommodations and activities.
International travel peaks during the Chuseok and Lunar New Year holidays, with many Koreans visiting Southeast Asian countries, Japan, and other nearby destinations. This exodus relieves some pressure on domestic tourist sites while creating opportunities for international visitors to explore Korea with fewer crowds. Conversely, the holiday periods see increased numbers of Korean diaspora returning home for family reunions, filling international flights and creating busy scenes at Incheon International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in South Korea?
All 15 holidays listed in the official calendar above are recognized nationwide across South Korea. These include New Year’s Day, the three-day Seollal celebration, Independence Movement Day with its substitute holiday, Children’s Day, Buddha’s Birthday with substitute holiday, Memorial Day, Liberation Day with substitute holiday, the three-day Chuseok celebration, National Foundation Day with substitute holiday, Hangeul Day, and Christmas Day. Regional holidays and observances are not included in this official list.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays create extended weekends in 2026 through substitute holiday provisions. March 1-2 forms a weekend extension when Independence Movement Day’s substitute holiday falls on Monday. May 24-25 creates another long weekend with Buddha’s Birthday’s substitute. August 15-17 provides a three-day break with Liberation Day falling on Saturday and its substitute on Monday. October features two separate holiday periods with National Foundation Day (October 3-5) and Hangeul Day (October 9) creating opportunities for extended autumn breaks.
Are any holidays subject to change?
The dates listed represent officially confirmed public holidays for 2026 based on government announcements and South Korean law. Lunar calendar holidays like Seollal and Chuseok are calculated years in advance using established astronomical calculations, making changes extremely unlikely. Fixed-date holidays like Independence Movement Day and Christmas never change. However, substitute holiday designations are confirmed closer to the actual dates. Any official changes would be announced by the government well in advance through official channels.
How do substitute holidays work in South Korea?
Substitute holidays ensure workers receive time off even when major holidays fall on weekends. When specific designated holidays (Independence Movement Day, Children’s Day, Buddha’s Birthday, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, plus Lunar New Year and Chuseok if they overlap with other holidays) fall on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday automatically becomes a paid holiday. This policy guarantees that workers don’t lose holiday benefits due to calendar placement, supporting work-life balance across the country.
What businesses remain open during public holidays?
Convenience stores operate 24/7 throughout holiday periods, providing essential services and supplies. Major shopping centers and department stores typically remain open during single-day holidays, though they may adjust operating hours. Restaurants, especially in tourist areas and major cities, generally continue serving customers during all holidays. However, smaller family-run businesses often close during Seollal and Chuseok for the full holiday period. Banks, government offices, and post offices close on all official public holidays. International visitors should plan accordingly, particularly during the major multi-day celebrations.
Conclusion
South Korea’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers numerous opportunities for rest, cultural celebration, and travel throughout the year. Understanding these official nationwide holidays enables better planning for work commitments, family activities, and vacation schedules. The strategic placement of substitute holidays creates several long weekends, rewarding those who plan ahead with extended breaks at no additional cost to their vacation time.
Whether you’re a resident scheduling your year or an international visitor planning a trip, this comprehensive guide provides the authoritative information you need to navigate South Korea’s holiday landscape successfully. For more information about holidays around the world and additional planning resources, visit our main public holidays page. Stay informed about these important dates to make the most of your 2026 schedule in South Korea.