Public Holidays in South Korea in 2024
South Korea, a vibrant and dynamic country in East Asia, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays hold cultural, historical, and religious significance for the Korean people, providing opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community bonding. From traditional festivals to modern commemorations, public holidays in South Korea showcase the country’s rich heritage and diverse cultural landscape. Below is a detailed list and description of public holidays in South Korea for the year 2024.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1st
New Year’s Day, also known as Seollal in Korean, is one of the most significant holidays in South Korea. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated with family gatherings, ancestral rites, and traditional customs. Koreans pay respects to their ancestors, exchange gifts, and enjoy special holiday foods such as tteokguk (rice cake soup). Seollal is a time for renewal, reflection, and bonding with loved ones.
Independence Movement Day – March 1st
Independence Movement Day, also known as Samiljeol, commemorates the March 1st Movement of 1919, when Koreans nationwide rose up against Japanese colonial rule and demanded independence. It is a national holiday that honors the courage and spirit of the Korean independence activists. On this day, commemorative events, parades, and ceremonies are held across the country to remember the sacrifices made for freedom and sovereignty.
Buddha’s Birthday – Date Varies
Buddha’s Birthday, known as Seokga Tansinil in Korean, is a major Buddhist holiday celebrated in South Korea. It falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month and commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Buddhists mark the occasion with temple visits, lantern festivals, and acts of charity. Colorful lanterns adorn temples and streets, symbolizing enlightenment and compassion.
Memorial Day – June 6th
Memorial Day in South Korea is a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country. It commemorates the soldiers and civilians who died defending South Korea during various wars and conflicts. On Memorial Day, solemn ceremonies, memorial services, and wreath-laying ceremonies are held at national cemeteries and war memorials to pay tribute to the fallen heroes.
Liberation Day – August 15th
Liberation Day, known as Gwangbokjeol in Korean, celebrates the end of Japanese colonial rule in Korea on August 15th, 1945, following Japan’s surrender in World War II. It is a national holiday that marks the beginning of Korea’s independence and sovereignty. South Koreans celebrate Liberation Day with patriotic events, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances to commemorate their freedom and national identity.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) – Date Varies
Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month and is a time for families to gather, pay respects to their ancestors, and give thanks for the harvest. Chuseok is marked by traditional customs such as ancestral rites, preparing special foods like songpyeon (rice cakes), and visiting ancestral graves.
National Foundation Day – October 3rd
National Foundation Day, known as Gaecheonjeol in Korean, commemorates the legendary founding of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, in 2333 BCE. While the historical accuracy of this event is debated, National Foundation Day is celebrated as a symbol of Korean unity and cultural heritage. On this day, cultural performances, traditional rituals, and historical reenactments take place to honor Korea’s founding mythology.
Christmas Day – December 25th
Christmas Day is celebrated by Christians in South Korea as the birth of Jesus Christ. Although it is not a public holiday, Christmas is widely observed with decorations, festive lights, and gift-giving. Many South Koreans enjoy Christmas concerts, church services, and holiday meals with family and friends. In recent years, Christmas has become increasingly commercialized, with shopping malls and streets adorned with Christmas decorations.
Conclusion
South Korea observes a diverse array of public holidays that reflect the country’s history, culture, and religious traditions. From celebrating the Korean New Year and honoring independence heroes to commemorating Buddha’s Birthday and giving thanks during Chuseok, these holidays provide opportunities for Koreans to connect with their heritage, strengthen family ties, and celebrate their national identity. They also serve as occasions for reflection, gratitude, and community bonding.
| Public Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Celebrating |
| New Year’s Day (Seollal) | January 1 | 1 | All |
| Independence Movement Day | March 1 | 1 | All |
| Buddha’s Birthday | Date varies | 1 | Buddhists |
| Memorial Day | June 6 | 1 | All |
| Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) | August 15 | 1 | All |
| Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) | Date varies | 3 | All |
| National Foundation Day | October 3 | 1 | All |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | – | Christians |