Holiday Calendar

South Korea Public Holidays 2026

Q: What is the next public holiday in South Korea?

The next public holiday in South Korea is Buddha's Birthday on May 24, 2026.

Q: Is New Year's Day a national holiday in South Korea?

Yes, New Year's Day is listed as an official public holiday in South Korea in 2026.

Official national and public holidays for South Korea in 2026.

South Korea is a country of exhilarating contrasts, where ultramodern cities pulse with technology, K-pop, and world-class cuisine while ancient palaces, mountain temples, and traditional villages endure just a short journey away. Occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, this East Asian nation has undergone one of the most remarkable economic and cultural transformations of the twentieth century, evolving…

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Total Holidays

Next Holiday

Buddha's Birthday

Days Until Next

Year

2026

Upcoming Holiday

Buddha's Birthday

Sunday, May 24, 2026

In 3 days

Date	Local Name	English Name	Type
Jan 1, 2026 Thursday	새해	New Year's Day	Public
Feb 16, 2026 Monday	설날	Lunar New Year	Public
Feb 17, 2026 Tuesday	설날	Lunar New Year	Public
Feb 18, 2026 Wednesday	설날	Lunar New Year	Public
Mar 1, 2026 Sunday	3·1절	Independence Movement Day	Public
May 5, 2026 Tuesday	어린이날	Children's Day	Public
May 24, 2026 Sunday	부처님 오신 날	Buddha's Birthday	Public
Jun 6, 2026 Saturday	현충일	Memorial Day	Public
Aug 15, 2026 Saturday	광복절	Liberation Day	Public
Sep 24, 2026 Thursday	추석	Chuseok	Public
Sep 25, 2026 Friday	추석	Chuseok	Public
Sep 26, 2026 Saturday	추석	Chuseok	Public
Oct 3, 2026 Saturday	개천절	National Foundation Day	Public
Oct 9, 2026 Friday	한글날	Hangul Day	Public
Dec 25, 2026 Friday	크리스마스	Christmas Day	Public

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does South Korea have in 2026?

South Korea has 15 public holidays in 2026.

What is the next public holiday in South Korea?

The next public holiday in South Korea is Buddha's Birthday on May 24, 2026.

Are banks closed on public holidays in South Korea?

Yes, banks and government offices are typically closed on national public holidays in South Korea. ATMs remain accessible.

Do shops open on public holidays in South Korea?

This varies. In major cities, shops may remain open on some holidays, while smaller towns and rural areas often close on national public holidays in South Korea.

Is New Year's Day a national holiday in South Korea?

Yes, New Year's Day is listed as an official public holiday in South Korea in 2026.

Are public holidays paid days off in South Korea?

In South Korea, national public holidays are generally considered paid days off for employees. Specific rules may vary by employment contract and sector.

Are there long weekends in South Korea in 2026?

Long weekends occur when a public holiday falls on a Friday or Monday. Check the holiday calendar above to identify these dates in South Korea for 2026.

Do public holidays in South Korea affect travel and transport?

Yes. On major public holidays in South Korea, public transport may run on reduced schedules and many businesses may be closed or operate reduced hours.