📝 Korea Public Holidays 2026: Dates and What Closes

Public holidays in 2026

New Year’s Day (January 1). Seollal, the Lunar New Year (February 16–18). Independence Movement Day (March 1, observed March 2). Workers’ Day (May 1). Children’s Day (May 5). Buddha’s Birthday (May 24, observed May 25).

Local Election Day (June 3). Memorial Day (June 6). Constitution Day (July 17). Liberation Day (August 15, observed August 17). Chuseok (September 24–26). National Foundation Day (October 3, observed October 5). Hangeul Day (October 9). Christmas Day (December 25).

What changes in 2026

VisitKorea lists 14 public holidays for 2026, including Workers’ Day, which became an official public holiday in 2026, and Constitution Day on July 17.

Seollal and Chuseok

These are the biggest travel periods of the year. Many people travel to their home towns, trains and buses sell out, and some shops and restaurants close for a few days, while palaces and major attractions may remain open. Book transport and rooms early.

Expected dates for 2027

Seollal is expected on February 6–8, 2027, with a substitute day on February 9, and Chuseok on September 14–16, 2027. These come from public calendars rather than an official list we could open, so confirm them nearer the time.

Prices, schedules and entry rules change. The figures below are approximate and reflect information available when this guide was last reviewed; always confirm with the official source before you travel.