Post: Public Holidays in Korea 2026: Full Calendar with Dates

Planning a trip to Korea in 2026? Knowing the public holiday calendar in advance can make a huge difference — transport books up fast, top restaurants fill instantly, and popular attractions get crowded around major holidays. We've put together the complete official list so you can travel smart.

Korea's Official Public Holidays in 2026

The table below lists every public holiday recognized by the Korean government in 2026, including substitute holidays (대체공휴일) granted when a holiday falls on a weekend.

What Travellers Should Know

Seollal (설날) is Korea's biggest holiday — a three-day Lunar New Year celebration when the entire country travels home to be with family. In 2026 it falls on February 16–18. Expect sold-out trains and buses days in advance, and many small shops closed. That said, major tourist sites, convenience stores, and large restaurants remain open.

Chuseok (추석) — often called Korean Thanksgiving — is equally significant. In 2026 it runs September 24–26. Like Seollal, intercity transport fills up weeks ahead, so book early if your trip overlaps.

Liberation Day (광복절) marks Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. The public holiday in 2026 falls on August 17 (a Monday substitute, since August 15 falls on Saturday).

Hangeul Day (한글날) on October 9 celebrates the invention of the Korean alphabet — a day of genuine national pride. Expect cultural events and exhibitions across the country.

A practical note on substitute holidays: Korean law grants a substitute day off when a public holiday lands on a Sunday or another holiday. That's why you'll see several Mondays in the 2026 calendar — the government shifts the day so workers and travellers don't lose out.

Travel Tips for Holiday Periods

• Book transport 4–6 weeks ahead during Seollal and Chuseok windows. KTX tickets on popular routes sell out within minutes of going on sale.
• Check museum and attraction hours — some national museums offer special holiday programming, while smaller venues may close for 1–3 days.
• Stock up before major holidays. Traditional markets (시장) are often closed on Seollal and Chuseok mornings, but convenience stores (편의점) are always open.
• Enjoy the festive atmosphere. Holiday Korea is beautiful — hanbok (한복) on the streets, special food stalls, and cultural performances at palaces and parks.

We love helping our travellers pick the perfect window. If you want to catch the festive energy of Chuseok without the peak travel crush, aim for the days just before or after the official three-day block — the mood lingers, and prices drop.