Unlock the secrets of traveling in South Korea with our 2024 Public Holidays Guide. Plan your visit around major holidays for an unforgettable experience.
When considering a trip to Korea, it’s important to note that specific periods can increase domestic tourism, which may lead to traffic congestion and extended waiting times at well-known sites. This is especially true during biggest holidays in Korea: Seollal (the Korean Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (the Korean harvest festival or Korean thanksgiving). During those times, many Koreans return to their ancestral homes for family gatherings, resulting in a spike in travel activity.
In South Korea, there are 16 official public holidays annually, besides the other exciting festivals. To navigate these holidays smoothly, staying updated on the current conditions and thoughtfully planning your bookings and travel arrangements is recommended.
South Korea Public Holidays Guide
In South Korea, public holidays are regulated by a set of laws including the Labor Standards Act, the Act on Establishment of Labor Day, and the Government Decree on Closure Days for Public Offices.
Before 2013, if a public holiday fell on a weekend, it wasn’t moved to the next weekday. However, changes were made with the introduction of the Government Decree on Closure Days for Public Offices, allowing certain holidays to be observed on another day if they coincide with weekends or other public holidays. This adjustment applies to Lunar New Year (Seollal) Day, Korean Thanksgiving Day (Chuseok), and Children’s Day, specifically when these holidays fall on a Sunday or coincide with other public holidays.
Interestingly, May 1, known as Labor Day or Workers’ Day, isn’t officially a public holiday. Despite this, the Labor Day Act permits employers to declare May 1 a holiday within their company policies. As a result, many businesses, including banks and commercial enterprises, usually remain closed on this day.
Public Holidays in Korea 2024
South Korea’s new visa for “workcation” travelers is a game-changer for those looking to blend work with the pleasure of exploring a new destination. This innovative visa scheme allows individuals to enjoy extended stays in the country while working remotely, offering a unique opportunity to immerse in Korean culture and experience its vibrant lifestyle firsthand.
However, planning a workcation in South Korea requires careful consideration of the country’s public holiday calendar, as outlined in this South Korea Public Holiday Guide.
This guide helps travelers understand when domestic tourism peaks due to national holidays, which could impact travel plans due to increased traffic and longer wait times at popular destinations.
1. January | New Year’s Day
2024.01.01 (Monday): Marks the beginning of the new year.
Read All About New Year’s Day in South Korea.
2. February | Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal)
2024.02.09 (Friday) – 2024.02.12 (Monday): Celebrates the Lunar New Year, a prominent traditional holiday where families gather to enjoy traditional foods and exchange good wishes.
Find out the festivities of Seollal in South Korea.
3. March | Independence Movement Day
2024.03.01 (Friday): Commemorates Korea’s fight for independence with nationwide events and ceremonies.
4. April | 22nd National Assembly Election
2024.04.10 (Wednesday): Marks a regular election for National Assembly members.
5. May | Children’s Day Substitute Holiday, Buddha’s Birthday
2024.05.06 (Monday), 2024.05.15 (Wednesday): Celebrates Children’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday with various events, leading to crowded conditions.
6. June | Memorial Day
2024.06.06 (Thursday): Honors those who sacrificed their lives in war.
7. August | Liberation Day
2024.08.15 (Thursday): Marks Korea’s independence from Japanese colonization.
8. September | Chuseok
2024.09.16 (Monday) – 2024.09.18 (Wednesday): Involves family reunions and ancestral rituals for Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival.
Find out all about Korean thanksgiving celebration.
9. October | National Foundation Day, Hangeul Proclamation Day
2024.10.03 (Thursday), 2024.10.09 (Wednesday): Celebrates the founding of Korea and commemorates the creation of the Korean writing system.
10. December | Christmas
2024.12.25 (Wednesday): Widely celebrated in Korea with festive decorations and events.
Find the guide to celebrate your Christmas in South Korea.
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