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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does South Korea have in 2026?
# South Korea has 15 official public holidays in 2026, including substitutes.
South Korea has 15 official public holidays (공휴일) in 2026, including substitute holidays. The core national holidays are set by the Government of the Republic of Korea under the 「관공서的 공휴일에 관한 규정」 (Public Holidays Act). When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday (as of 2026).
Do Korean public holidays apply to all workers, including foreigners?
# Yes, all legally employed workers are entitled to paid public holidays.
Yes — all legally employed workers in Korea, regardless of nationality, are entitled to paid public holidays. Under Korea's Labor Standards Act (근로기준법 제55조), employers must grant employees paid leave on official public holidays. Foreign workers on E, F, D, or H visas who are regular employees have the same statutory holiday rights as Korean nationals (as of 2026, per MOEL).
What is a "substitute holiday" (대체공휴일) in Korea?
# It is a compensatory day off given when a holiday overlaps with a weekend.
A substitute holiday is a compensatory day off granted when a public holiday overlaps with a weekend. Korea expanded the substitute holiday system in 2021 and again in 2023 to cover all major national holidays. In 2026, any holiday falling on Saturday or Sunday automatically shifts the next business day to a public holiday, per the Ministry of Government Legislation ruling (as of 2026).
Are stores and pharmacies open on Korean public holidays?
# Large stores are open, but small pharmacies and clinics typically close.
Most small businesses and pharmacies close on major public holidays, especially Chuseok and Lunar New Year. Large supermarkets (E-Mart, Homeplus) and convenience stores (CU, GS25) typically remain open. Emergency pharmacies (당번약국) operate on holidays — search "당번약국" on Naver Maps or call 1339 (24/7 medical hotline) to find the nearest open pharmacy.
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