Korea officially follows the Gregorian calendar, but traditional holidays are still based on the lunar calendar. During the official holidays, offices and banks are closed but palaces, museums, department stores, and amusement facilities are open. Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) are the most important traditional holidays for Koreans, so millions of people visit their hometown to celebrate with their families.
2024 Official Korean Holidays
January1 2024
New Year's Day (January 1)
As in other countries, the first day of the New Year is celebrated. Many Koreans visit the coast or the mountains to watch the first sunrise of the year.
February9-112024
Seollal (February 9–11, Lunar Calendar January 1) * Observed February 9- 12
Lunar New Year's Day (Seollal) is one of the most important traditional holidays of the year; the holiday is much more significant than January 1st. Most businesses are closed, and people take several days off from work to visit their hometown to be with their family. Feasts are held with specially prepared food such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) and mandu guk (dumpling soup). Korean families enjoy spending time together by playing traditional games such as yunnori (traditional Korean board games), flying kites, or spinning tops.
March12024
Independence Movement Day (March 1)
This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919, while under Japanese colonization.
April102024
The 22nd National Assembly Election Day (April 10)
Korea’s legislative election takes place on the National Assembly Election Day. On this day, regional representatives are elected to serve and represent their district for four years as a member of the National Assembly. Reelection and by-election are also held on the same day.
May52024
Children's Day (May 5) * Observed on May 6
This day celebrates children and the hopes for children to be nurtured with love and care. On this day, special events dedicated to children and family take place at city parks, amusement parks, zoos, movie theaters, and many other places.
May152024
Buddha's Birthday (May 15, Lunar Calendar April 8)
Falling on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, elaborate and solemn rituals are held at many Buddhist temples across the country and lanterns are hung along the streets leading to the temples.
June62024
Memorial Day (June 6)
Memorial Day serves to honor the soldiers and civilians who have given their lives for their country. While memorial services are held nationwide, the largest ceremony takes place at the National Cemetery in Seoul.
August152024
Liberation Day (August 15)
This day commemorates Japan's acceptance of the Allies' terms of surrender in 1945 and the following liberation of Korea.
September16-182024
Chuseok (September 16-18, Lunar Calendar August 15)
Chuseok is one of the year’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. As Chuseok is a day set to celebrate a bountiful harvest, it is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving Day. Family members gather from all over the country for memorial rituals, called charye, at the graves of their ancestors.
October32024
National Foundation Day (October 3)
This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation by the legendary god-king Dangun. A simple ceremony is held at several regions throughout Korea, namely at Chamseongdan Altar on top of Manisan Mountain on Ganghwado Island; Dangunjeon Shrine in Gokseong, Taebaeksan Mountain and Jeungpyeong; and Dangunseongjeon Shrine in Seoul.
October92024
Hangeul Day (October 9)
Hangeul Day is a commemoration held to remember the creation of Hangeul, the country's native alphabet as proclaimed by the publication of Hunminjeongeum (“The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People”) on this day in 1446.
December252024
Christmas (December 25)
Christmas is observed as a national holiday in Korea as in many other countries. To celebrate the festive season, Christmas trees and lights can be seen all over Korea.
This page was last updated on December 14, 2023, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.
