A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Public Holidays in Korea

✨ A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Public Holidays in Korea

If you’re traveling in Korea or planning to stay long-term, one of the most helpful things to understand is Korean public holidays.
Many foreigners wonder:
“What holidays are important in Korea?”
“Do businesses close on national holidays?”
“How do Koreans celebrate their traditional holidays?”

Korean holidays are closely connected to culture, history, and family traditions. Once you understand how they work, planning trips—and daily life—becomes much easier.
Here’s a simple, friendly guide to the holidays you’ll encounter in Korea, complete with examples and helpful tips.

🗺️ How Korea’s Public Holidays Work

Two categories you should know

Korean holidays fall into two main types:

Solar calendar holidays (Western calendar)
e.g., New Year’s Day, Independence Movement Day, Children’s Day
Lunar calendar holidays (traditional Korean calendar)
e.g., Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Harvest Festival)

Lunar holidays change dates each year, so it’s good to check the updated calendar annually.

🚶‍♂️ Main Guide: Understanding Korea’s Major Public Holidays

🥇 1. New Year’s Day – January 1

Just like many other countries, Koreans celebrate January 1 as the start of the new year.
Some families relax at home, while others go watch the sunrise at famous coastal spots.

Example: Gangneung Jeongdongjin and Pohang Homigot are classic sunrise locations.
Tip: Most tourist attractions operate normally, but small shops may open late.

🥈 2. Seollal (Lunar New Year) – Korea’s biggest holiday

This is one of Korea’s most important holidays.
The holiday usually spans three days: the day before, the day of, and the day after Seollal.
Families gather in their hometowns, perform ancestral rituals, eat rice cake soup, and enjoy traditional games.

Example: Highways become extremely crowded—travel time can double or triple.
Tip: In big cities, things become quiet. Tourist areas stay open, but many small restaurants close.

🥉 3. Independence Movement Day (March 1)

This holiday commemorates Korea’s 1919 independence movement during Japanese occupation.
You’ll see national flags everywhere and ceremonies held across the country.

Example: Tapgol Park and Seodaemun Prison History Hall in Seoul often host special events.

🏅 4. Children’s Day – May 5

A holiday dedicated to children but also a fun travel day for families and visitors.
Attractions host special events, and theme parks hold big celebrations.

Tip: Everland and Lotte World get crowded—arrive early if you plan to go.

🏅 5. Buddha’s Birthday – Lunar April 8

Buddhist temples across Korea hang colorful lanterns and host exhibitions and performances.

Example: Jogyesa Temple (Seoul) and Beomeosa Temple (Busan) offer stunning lantern displays.
Tip: Best visited in the evening when the lanterns glow beautifully.

🏅 6. Memorial Day – June 6

A day to honor fallen soldiers and national heroes.
It is a calm, solemn day in Korea.
At noon, sirens ring nationwide for one minute of silence.

Tip: If you hear the siren, don’t worry—it's a normal memorial practice.

🏅 7. Liberation Day – August 15

This holiday marks Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945.
Major cities hold ceremonies and cultural events.

🏅 8. Chuseok – Korean Harvest Festival (Lunar August 15)

Alongside Seollal, Chuseok is one of Korea’s biggest holidays.
Families gather, perform rituals, visit ancestral graves, and eat traditional food such as songpyeon (rice cakes).

Example: Some supermarkets and restaurants close, but cafés and tourist areas mostly remain open.
Tip: Travel destinations are quieter, making it a surprisingly good time for sightseeing.

🏅 9. National Foundation Day – October 3

A day that commemorates Korea’s mythological founding.
Most businesses operate normally, but government ceremonies take place in central Seoul.

🏅 10. Hangul Day – October 9

This holiday celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul, by King Sejong.
It’s loved by students, travelers, and locals alike.

Example: The National Hangeul Museum and Gyeongbokgung area offer special exhibitions and performances.
Tip: Sometimes there are free hanbok experiences or outdoor shows nearby.

🔎 Tips for Using Korean Public Holidays

1) Traditional holidays mean quiet cities but busy roads

Big restaurants may close
Tourist spots stay open
Highways get extremely crowded

2) Events are usually free

Lantern festivals, Hangul Day events, and many cultural ceremonies offer free entry.

3) Lunar holidays change every year

Always check the updated calendar for exact dates.

4) Good travel days

Buddha’s Birthday (lantern festivals)
Hangul Day (many cultural events)
Children’s Day (family-friendly activities)

🌆 Conclusion: Understanding Korea’s Public Holidays Helps You Travel Better

Korea’s holidays aren’t just days off—they’re windows into Korean culture.
If you know when major holidays happen and how they’re celebrated, you’ll be able to enjoy festivals, avoid crowds, and plan your trips more smoothly.
From colorful lanterns to peaceful holiday mornings, Korea’s public holidays offer unique experiences for travelers and locals alike.

❓ FAQ

Q1. Do most restaurants close on Korean public holidays?

Only during major holidays like Seollal and Chuseok.
Most cafés, large restaurants, and tourist spots stay open.

Q2. Which holiday is best for cultural experiences?

Buddha’s Birthday (lantern festivals) and Hangul Day (cultural events) offer the most to see.
Traditional holidays like Chuseok provide a unique quiet-city atmosphere for travelers.