Korean Public Holidays
Check official Korean national holiday dates by month. Includes Chuseok, Seollal, and all 16 public holidays — live data from the Korean government.
No public holidays in June 2026.
Planning a trip to Korea?
Avoid traveling during Chuseok and Seollal if you can — these are Korea's biggest holiday seasons. Trains and buses sell out weeks in advance, hotels spike in price, and many local restaurants close for 3–5 days. If you do visit during holidays, book everything months ahead and plan for crowds at major attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Korea have?
Korea has 16 official public holidays (공휴일) per year, including national holidays, traditional holidays, and special days. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday (대체공휴일).
When is Chuseok (추석) in 2026?
Chuseok in 2026 falls on September 25, with the holiday period running September 24–26. The exact date changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar (15th day of the 8th lunar month).
When is Seollal (설날) in 2026?
Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) in 2026 falls on February 17, with the holiday period running February 16–18. Like Chuseok, the date shifts each year based on the lunar calendar.
Do Korean public holidays affect tourist activities?
Yes — most government offices and banks close. However, shopping malls, convenience stores, and many restaurants stay open. Major tourist attractions usually remain open but can get very crowded, especially during Chuseok and Seollal when domestic travel peaks.
What is 대체공휴일 (substitute holiday)?
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday (or Saturday for certain holidays), Korea observes a substitute holiday (대체공휴일) on the following Monday. This was expanded in 2021 to cover more holidays, meaning Koreans now get a guaranteed day off even when holidays overlap with weekends.
Are Korean holidays the same every year?
Some are fixed: Liberation Day is always August 15, Christmas is always December 25. Others move: Seollal, Chuseok, and Buddha's Birthday (석가탄신일) follow the lunar calendar and shift by 1–2 weeks each year. This tool pulls live data from the Korean Astronomical Research Institute so the dates are always accurate.
* Korean Age Calculator — your age in Korea may be different from your international age. Also see our Convenience Store Guide — one of the few places open during Korean holidays.