Public holidays in Korea for the rest of 2026 and in 2027

Korean public holidays are set by law, and lunar holidays move every year. The government publishes the official calendar for each year in the Official Gazette. Two changes in 2026 matter: Labour Day (1 May) became a public holiday, and so did all national days, which brings back Constitution Day (17 July).

Rest of 2026

• Friday 25 December — Christmas Day

2027 (official calendar)

• 1 January (Fri) — New Year's Day
• 6–8 February (Sat–Mon) — Seollal (Lunar New Year), with a substitute holiday on 9 February (Tue)
• 1 March (Mon) — Independence Movement Day
• 1 May (Sat) — Labour Day, substitute holiday 3 May (Mon)
• 5 May (Wed) — Children's Day
• 13 May (Thu) — Buddha's Birthday
• 6 June (Sun) — Memorial Day (no substitute day)
• 17 July (Sat) — Constitution Day, substitute holiday 19 July (Mon)
• 15 August (Sun) — Liberation Day, substitute holiday 16 August (Mon)
• 14–16 September (Tue–Thu) — Chuseok
• 3 October (Sun) — National Foundation Day, substitute holiday 4 October (Mon)
• 9 October (Sat) — Hangeul Day, substitute holiday 11 October (Mon)
• 25 December (Sat) — Christmas Day, substitute holiday 27 December (Mon)

Source: Korea AeroSpace Administration — 2027 official calendar, Official Gazette notice 2026-0078 (Korean)

Source: Regulations on public holidays (Korean)

What to expect around Seollal and Chuseok

The two big lunar holidays are three-day breaks when many people travel to their home towns. Plan transport and accommodation early if your trip overlaps them. The law sets public holidays for government offices and leaves working days in private businesses to employment law, so whether a particular shop or restaurant opens is up to that business — check before you go.