Korean Public Holidays
Check official Korean national holiday dates by month. Includes Chuseok, Seollal, and every other public holiday, with live data from the Korean government.
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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 17 regular public holiday days (공휴일) a year, counting Seollal and Chuseok as three days each. Labor Day (May 1) and Constitution Day (July 17) both joined the list in 2026. On top of that come substitute holidays (대체공휴일) when certain holidays land on a weekend, and election days in election years.
When is Chuseok (추석) in 2026 and 2027?
Chuseok in 2026 falls on September 25, with the holiday period running September 24–26. In 2027 it falls on September 15 (holiday September 14–16). 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 and 2027?
Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) in 2026 falls on February 17, with the holiday period running February 16–18. In 2027 it falls on Sunday, February 7 (holiday February 6–8, plus a substitute day off on Tuesday, February 9). 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 Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute so the dates are always accurate.
Your age in Korea may be different from your international age: check it with our Korean Age Calculator. And since convenience stores are among the few places open on the big holidays, our Convenience Store Guide is worth a read.