Understanding Korean Holidays
What Are Red Days?
In Korea, public holidays are called "Red Days" (빨간날). On these days, most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. If a holiday falls on a weekend, it typically moves to the next weekday.
Substitute Holidays
If a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many companies give the adjacent day off, creating "Golden Holidays" (골든위크). This is especially common during Chuseok and Lunar New Year.
💡 Expat Tip
Book travel at least 2-3 weeks in advance for major holidays like Chuseok and Lunar New Year. Trains and buses sell out quickly, and prices surge.
The Major Holidays
- New Year's Day (신정): January 1st. One of Korea's biggest holidays.
- Lunar New Year (설날): Usually late January or February. Families gather for 3 days of celebration.
- March 1st Movement (삼일절): Commemorates the 1919 independence movement.
- Children's Day (어린이날): May 5th. Families celebrate with children.
- Memorial Day (현충일): June 6th. Honors war veterans.
- Liberation Day (광복절): August 15th. Marks Korea's liberation from Japan.
- Chuseok (추석): Mid-September (lunar calendar). Korean Thanksgiving. Biggest travel period.
- National Foundation Day (개천절): October 3rd. Marks the founding of Gojoseon.
- Hangul Day (한글날): October 9th. Celebrates the Korean alphabet.
- Christmas (크리스마스): December 25th. Not a public holiday, but widely celebrated.