2025 Holidays in Korea: Key Dates and Public Holidays
Full list of holidays and public holidays in Korea for 2025
Date | Day of the Week | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Wednesday | New Year's Day |
January 28-30 | Tuesday-Thursday | Lunar New Year (Seollal) |
March 1 | Saturday | March 1st Movement Day |
March 3 | Monday | March 1st Movement Holiday |
May 5 | Monday | Children's Day |
May 5 | Monday | Buddha's Birthday |
June 6 | Friday | Memorial Day |
August 15 | Friday | Liberation Day |
October 3 | Friday | National Foundation Day |
October 5-7 | Sunday-Tuesday | Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) |
October 9 | Thursday | Hangul Day |
December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year: A holiday symbolizing the start of the year. People celebrate it with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. On December 31, there is a unique New Year’s Eve meeting point at the intersection of Jongno Avenue and Ujeongguk-ro.
January 28-30 (Tuesday - Thursday) – Lunar New Year (Seollal): One of the most important holidays in Korea. It is a time for family reunions, traditional games, and ceremonies such as chere (ancestor worship ceremony).
March 1 (Saturday) – Independence Movement Day: A memorial day dedicated to Korea’s fight for independence from Japan in 1919. Commemorative events take place across the country.
March 3 (Monday) – March 1st Day (Holiday): The day after March 1st celebrations, when most people rest and participate in cultural events. A transferred holiday.
May 5 (Monday) – Children's Day: A holiday dedicated to children. Fun activities are organized on this day, and children receive gifts.
May 5 (Monday) – Buddha's Birthday: A day to honor Buddha, with numerous Buddhist festivals and processions across the country.
June 6 (Friday) – Memorial Day: A day when Koreans remember those who gave their lives for the country's independence.
August 15 (Friday) – Liberation Day: A holiday celebrating Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945.
October 3 (Friday) – National Foundation Day: A holiday dedicated to the founding of the Korean state in 2333 BC. Ceremonial events and parades are held across the country.
October 5-7 (Sunday - Tuesday) – Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): One of the most important holidays when Koreans express gratitude to their ancestors by holding family feasts and performing rituals.
October 9 (Thursday) – Hangul Day: A day dedicated to the creation of the Korean writing system, Hangul. The day is marked by various cultural events and festivals.
December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas: Although Christmas is not a traditional Korean holiday, it is widely celebrated.