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In Korean, “national holiday” is translated as “국경일” (gukgyeongil). South Korea observes several national holidays throughout the year. These holidays are observed nationwide, and many businesses and government offices close on these days to allow people to celebrate and spend time with their families. Constitution Day in South Korea is no longer a public holiday; however, it is still a national holiday for commemoration. Holidays, like 설날 (Seollal), 부처님 오신 날 (Bucheonim Osin Nal), and 추석 (Chuseok), are based on the lunar calendar and thus vary in date each year.
Here’s a list of the national holidays in South Korea:
- New Year’s Day (신정, Sinjeong) – January 1 Solar Calendar
- Lunar New Year (설날, Seollal) – Varies on Solar Calendar, usually in February (January 1 Lunar Calendar)
- Independence Movement Day (삼일절, Samiljeol) – March 1
- Children’s Day (어린이날, Eorininal) – May 5
- Buddha’s Birthday (부처님 오신 날, Bucheonim Osin Nal) – Varies on Solar Calendar, usually in May (April 8th Lunar Calendar)
- Memorial Day (현충일, Hyeonchung-il) – June 6
- Constitution Day (제헌절, Jeheonjeol) – July 17
- Liberation Day (광복절, Gwangbokjeol) – August 15
- Chuseok (추석) – Varies on Solar Calendar, usually in September or October (August 15th Lunar Calendar)
- National Foundation Day (개천절, Gaecheonjeol) – October 3
- Hangeul Day (한글날, Hangeullal) – October 9
- Christmas Day (성탄절, Seongtanjeol or 크리스마스, Keuriseumaseu) – December 25
| Holiday | Korean Name | Revised Romanization | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 신정 | Sinjeong | January 1 |
| Lunar New Year | 설날 | Seollal | February Solar Calendar (January 1 Lunar Calendar) |
| Independence Movement Day | 삼일절 | Samiljeol | March 1 |
| Children’s Day | 어린이날 | Eorininal | May 5 |
| Buddha’s Birthday | 부처님 오신 날 | Bucheonim Osin Nal | May Solar Calendar (April 8th Lunar Calendar) |
| Memorial Day | 현충일 | Hyeonchung-il | June 6 |
| Constitution Day | 제헌절 | Jeheonjeol | July 17 |
| Liberation Day | 광복절 | Gwangbokjeol | August 15 |
| Chuseok | 추석 | Chuseok | September or October Solar Calendar (August 15th Lunar Calendar) |
| National Foundation Day | 개천절 | Gaecheonjeol | October 3 |
| Hangeul Day | 한글날 | Hangeullal | October 9 |
| Christmas Day | 성탄절 or 크리스마스 | Seongtanjeol or Keuriseumaseu | December 25 |
