South Korea Public Holidays 2025
South Korea has 11 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 29 Jan | Wed | Korean New Year | public |
| 1 Mar | Sat | Independence Movement Day | public |
| 5 May | Mon | Buddha's Birthday | public |
| 5 May | Mon | Children's Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Memorial Day | public |
| 17 Jul | Thu | Constitution Day | observance |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Liberation Day | public |
| 3 Oct | Fri | National Foundation Day | public |
| 6 Oct | Mon | Korean Thanksgiving | public |
| 9 Oct | Thu | Hangul Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About South Korea's Holidays
South Korea mixes modern national holidays with old cultural festivals. Important days include New Year and the Lunar New Year, both marked by family gatherings, gifts, and traditional food. Many holidays follow the lunar calendar so dates change each year.
Chuseok is the big autumn harvest festival similar to Thanksgiving. Families visit ancestral graves, share food, and perform rituals. Other notable public holidays are National Foundation Day, Liberation Day, and Memorial Day, which honor history and veterans. Children's Day is a cheerful holiday for kids, and Christmas is also widely observed. Banks and some businesses may close on major holidays.
Holiday Traditions
In South Korea holidays often mean family time and quiet rituals. People travel to hometowns to visit parents and grandparents. Families perform simple ancestral rites and show respect by bowing and sharing memories together.
Food plays a big role. Homes cook special dishes like rice cakes and hearty soups. Everyone eats together at a low table and shares bowls. Children may wear bright traditional clothes and receive small gifts or money in envelopes.
Public life mixes with private customs. Cities hold festivals, parades, and temple ceremonies. Parks and palaces fill with visitors. Shops and transport get very busy while people celebrate, rest, and connect with community and tradition.
Travel Tips
Holiday season in South Korea means many businesses close or have reduced hours. Banks and some government offices shut on public holidays. Malls and tourist areas often stay open, but small shops and clinics may be closed, so plan essentials ahead.
Trains, buses, and flights get very crowded before and after holidays. Long distance tickets sell out fast. Cities see heavy traffic and packed subways during peak times. Reserve transport and accommodation early and allow extra travel time for delays.
Useful tips: carry some cash and a T money card for transit. Check official holiday schedules and business hours online. Keep a translation app and printed addresses. Expect friendly crowds and festive events while planning for closures and busy travel.