South Korea has 16 public holidays in 2025, offering ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. The holidays range from national celebrations to traditional festivals. Let’s dive into the list!
2025 Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
The first day of the year is celebrated nationwide as a time for reflection and renewal. - Lunar New Year (Seollal): Tuesday, January 28 – Thursday, January 30
One of Korea’s most important holidays, Seollal marks the start of the lunar calendar. Families gather to honor ancestors, share traditional meals, and enjoy time together. - Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol): Saturday, March 1 (Substitute holiday on Monday, March 3)
Commemorates the March 1st Movement for independence from Japanese colonial rule. - Children’s Day: Monday, May 5
A beloved holiday for families, Children’s Day is all about celebrating and spending quality time with kids. - Buddha’s Birthday: Monday, May 5 (Substitute holiday on Tuesday, May 6)
A day to honor the birth of Buddha, often marked by temple visits and cultural festivities. - Memorial Day: Friday, June 6
A day to honor those who sacrificed their lives in military service. - Liberation Day: Friday, August 15
Celebrates Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. - National Foundation Day: Friday, October 3
Marks the legendary founding of Korea by Dangun Wanggeom. - Chuseok (Harvest Festival): Sunday, October 5 – Wednesday, October 8 (Substitute holiday on October 8)
A major holiday similar to Thanksgiving, Chuseok is a time for families to gather, give thanks, and honor ancestors. - Hangul Day: Thursday, October 9
Celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong in 1443. - Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
A global holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike in Korea.
Things to Note
- Substitute Holidays: In Korea, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute holiday is often designated for the following weekday. This is the case for some holidays in 2025, such as Independence Movement Day and Chuseok.
- Extended Holidays in October: Early October is expected to be a long holiday period, with most workers likely to be out of the office from October 3 to October 12.
- Plan Ahead: These holidays often coincide with busy travel periods, so make sure to book transportation and accommodations early if you’re planning a getaway.
