🇰🇷 South Korea's public holidays in 2026 at a glance
South Korea has 22 nationwide public holidays in 2026. That puts South Korea 4th out of the 100 countries we track. The median across those 100 is 13. 16 fall on a weekday and 6 on a Saturday or Sunday. The year opens with New Year's Day on 1 January and closes with Christmas Day on 25 December. May is the busiest month with 4. Nothing at all falls in April or November. This list covers holidays observed across the whole country. Many countries add regional or state holidays on top, and whether a given day is paid depends on your employer, so check locally before you book around it.
South Korea public holidays in January 2026
New Year's Day (신정연휴) on 1 January.
South Korea public holidays in February 2026
The day preceding Korean New Year (설날 전날) on 16 February, Korean New Year (설날) on 17 February and The second day of Korean New Year (설날 다음날) on 18 February.
South Korea public holidays in March 2026
Independence Movement Day (삼일절) on 1 March and Alternative holiday for Independence Movement Day (삼일절 대체 휴일) on 2 March.
South Korea public holidays in April 2026
There are no public holidays in South Korea in April 2026.
South Korea public holidays in May 2026
Labor Day (노동절) on 1 May, Children's Day (어린이날) on 5 May, Buddha's Birthday (부처님오신날) on 24 May and Alternative holiday for Buddha's Birthday (부처님오신날 대체 휴일) on 25 May.
South Korea public holidays in June 2026
Local Election Day (지방선거일) on 3 June and Memorial Day (현충일) on 6 June.
South Korea public holidays in July 2026
Constitution Day (제헌절) on 17 July.
South Korea public holidays in August 2026
Liberation Day (광복절) on 15 August and Alternative holiday for Liberation Day (광복절 대체 휴일) on 17 August.
South Korea public holidays in September 2026
The day preceding Chuseok (추석 전날) on 24 September, Chuseok (추석) on 25 September and The second day of Chuseok (추석 다음날) on 26 September.
South Korea public holidays in October 2026
National Foundation Day (개천절) on 3 October, Alternative holiday for National Foundation Day (개천절 대체 휴일) on 5 October and Hangul Day (한글날) on 9 October.
South Korea public holidays in November 2026
There are no public holidays in South Korea in November 2026.
South Korea public holidays in December 2026
Christmas Day (기독탄신일) on 25 December.
Long weekends and bridge days in South Korea in 2026
On 8 occasions in 2026 a South Korea holiday lands on a Friday or a Monday, which turns the adjoining weekend into a three-day break with no leave used at all. Another 2 fall exactly one day away from the weekend, so a single day of leave buys four days off.
- Independence Movement Day and Alternative holiday for Independence Movement Day (1 March–2 March) — falls on a Monday, so the weekend before it stretches to three days.
- Labor Day (Friday, 1 May) — falls on a Friday, so the weekend that follows is a three-day break with no leave used.
- Buddha's Birthday and Alternative holiday for Buddha's Birthday (24 May–25 May) — falls on a Monday, so the weekend before it stretches to three days.
- Constitution Day (Friday, 17 July) — falls on a Friday, so the weekend that follows is a three-day break with no leave used.
- Alternative holiday for Liberation Day (Monday, 17 August) — falls on a Monday, so the weekend before it stretches to three days.
- Alternative holiday for National Foundation Day (Monday, 5 October) — falls on a Monday, so the weekend before it stretches to three days.
- Hangul Day (Friday, 9 October) — falls on a Friday, so the weekend that follows is a three-day break with no leave used.
- Christmas Day (Friday, 25 December) — falls on a Friday, so the weekend that follows is a three-day break with no leave used.
- New Year's Day (Thursday, 1 January) — book the Friday after it and you get four days in a row for one day of leave.
- Children's Day (Tuesday, 5 May) — book the Monday before it and you get four days in a row for one day of leave.
South Korea public holidays — common questions
How many public holidays does South Korea have in 2026?
South Korea has 22 nationwide public holidays in 2026, 16 of which fall on a weekday. The count covers days observed across the whole country; regional and state holidays are not included, and whether a day is paid depends on the employer.
When is the first public holiday of 2026 in South Korea?
It is New Year's Day on 1 January, a Thursday. The last is Christmas Day on 25 December.
Which South Korea holidays create a long weekend in 2026?
Independence Movement Day and Alternative holiday for Independence Movement Day (1 March–2 March), Labor Day (Friday, 1 May), Buddha's Birthday and Alternative holiday for Buddha's Birthday (24 May–25 May), Constitution Day (Friday, 17 July), Alternative holiday for Liberation Day (Monday, 17 August) and Alternative holiday for National Foundation Day (Monday, 5 October) fall on a Friday or a Monday, so the weekend beside them runs to three days without using any leave.
Do businesses close on public holidays in South Korea?
Banks, government offices and schools generally close on national public holidays in South Korea, while shops, restaurants and transport often run reduced hours rather than shutting entirely. If you are working remotely from South Korea, expect slower replies from local suppliers and government services on these dates.