South Korea (KR)
South Korea is a high-income East Asian democracy with world-class broadband, dense public transport, export-led technology giants, sophisticated healthcare, a powerful popular culture sector and one of Asia's most convenient urban lifestyles for expats who can adapt to Korean-language administration.
Capital: Seoul
Region: Asia
Language: Korean
Currency: KRW (₩)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 65)
Emergency: 119
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Public Holidays 2026
22 holidays in South Korea. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Sinjeong
Nationwide public holiday.
February 2026
Mon 16
Seollal Holiday Public Holiday
Seollal yeonhyu
First day of Lunar New Year break.
Tue 17
Seollal Public Holiday
Seollal
Lunar New Year family holiday; transport is heavily booked.
Wed 18
Seollal Holiday Public Holiday
Seollal yeonhyu
Final day of Lunar New Year break.
March 2026
Sun 1
Independence Movement Day Public Holiday
Samiljeol
Falls on Sunday in 2026; substitute holiday may apply under national rules.
Mon 2
Substitute Holiday for Independence Movement Day Public Holiday
Daechong hyuil
Observed substitute day.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labor Day Public Holiday
Geunnoja-ui nal
From 2026 this is treated as a public holiday; some essential services vary.
Tue 5
Children's Day Public Holiday
Eorininal
Family attractions and trains are busy.
Sun 24
Buddha's Birthday Public Holiday
Bucheonnim osin nal
Lantern festivals around temples; falls on Sunday in 2026.
Mon 25
Substitute Holiday for Buddha's Birthday Public Holiday
Daechong hyuil
Observed substitute day.
June 2026
Wed 3
Local Election Day Public Holiday
Jibang seongeoil
Election day holiday; schools and public offices may close.
Sat 6
Memorial Day Public Holiday
Hyeonchungil
National remembrance day.
July 2026
Fri 17
Constitution Day Public Holiday
Jeheonjeol
Restored as a public holiday in 2026 after many years as a non-working observance only.
August 2026
Sat 15
Liberation Day Public Holiday
Gwangbokjeol
National liberation from Japanese colonial rule. Falls on Saturday in 2026 — substitute observed Monday Aug 17.
Mon 17
Substitute Holiday for Liberation Day Public Holiday
대체공휴일 (Daechegonghyuil)
Liberation Day (Aug 15) falls on Saturday in 2026 — substitute observed Monday Aug 17 per the expanded substitute holiday law.
September 2026
Thu 24
Chuseok Holiday Public Holiday
Chuseok yeonhyu
First day of harvest festival break.
Fri 25
Chuseok Public Holiday
Chuseok
Major family holiday; book trains and flights early.
Sat 26
Chuseok Holiday Public Holiday
Chuseok yeonhyu
Final day of harvest festival break.
October 2026
Sat 3
National Foundation Day Public Holiday
개천절 (Gaecheonjeol)
Commemorates the legendary founding of Korea. Falls on Saturday in 2026 — substitute observed Monday Oct 5.
Mon 5
Substitute Holiday for National Foundation Day Public Holiday
대체공휴일 (Daechegonghyuil)
National Foundation Day (Oct 3) falls on Saturday in 2026 — substitute observed Monday Oct 5 per the expanded substitute holiday law.
Fri 9
Hangeul Day Public Holiday
Hangeulnal
Celebrates the Korean alphabet.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Seongtanjeol
Public holiday; Korea also treats Christmas as a popular date night.
Note: Some holidays in South Korea apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.