Planning a trip to Korea in 2026?ย
You've picked a great year! As a local, I can tell you that knowing the holiday schedule is the "secret sauce" for a smooth trip. It helps you catch amazing festivals and avoid those "Oops, the train is sold out" moments.
Here is your complete guide to the 2026 Korean Public Holidays based on the official calendar.
1. The "Big Two" Traditional Holidays
If you want to experience traditional Korea, these are the dates to watch. However, keep in mind that these are the busiest travel times of the year!
2. 2026 Long Weekends (Substitute Holidays)
Korea uses a Substitute Holiday system. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is usually a day off. This is perfect for travelers looking for a 3-day city break!
March 2 (Mon): Substitute for March 1st Movement Day.
May 25 (Mon): Substitute for Buddha's Birthday.
August 17 (Mon): Substitute for Liberation Day.
October 5 (Mon): Substitute for National Foundation Day
3. The Full 2026 Holiday Calendar
| Month | Date | Holiday Name | Day of the Week |
| January | 1 | New Year's Day | Thursday |
| February | 16-18 | Seollal (Lunar New Year) | Mon - Wed |
| March | 1 (2) | March 1st Movement Day (Sub) | Sun (Mon) |
| May | 5 | Children's Day | Tuesday |
| May | 24 (25) | Buddha's Birthday (Sub) | Sun (Mon) |
| June | 3 | 9th Local Elections | Wednesday |
| June | 6 | Memorial Day | Saturday |
| July | 17 | Constitution Day | Friday |
| August | 15 (17) | Liberation Day (Sub) | Sat (Mon) |
| September | 24-26 | Chuseok (Thanksgiving) | Thu - Sat |
| October | 3 (5) | National Foundation Day (Sub) | Sat (Mon) |
| October | 9 | Hangeul Day (Alphabet Day) | Friday |
| December | 25 | Christmas Day | Friday |
๐ก Pro-Tips for Travelers
Book Transport Early
ย If your trip overlaps with Seollal (Feb) or Chuseok (Sept), book your KTX (train) tickets or express buses the second they become available! They sell out in minutes.
HOW to BOOK Korea Train or express bus!ย
2. Election Day (June 3): Most tourist sites remain open, but the streets might be a bit louder with campaign trucks. It's a unique sight to see!ย
3. Long Autumn Break: Early October is fantastic. With National Foundation Day (Oct 3-5) and Hangeul Day (Oct 9) falling close together, the weather is cool and the vibes are high.ย
Explore Tours, BOOK NOW!!
Planning a trip to Korea in 2026?ย
You've picked a great year! As a local, I can tell you that knowing the holiday schedule is the "secret sauce" for a smooth trip. It helps you catch amazing festivals and avoid those "Oops, the train is sold out" moments.
Here is your complete guide to the 2026 Korean Public Holidays based on the official calendar.
1. The "Big Two" Traditional Holidays
If you want to experience traditional Korea, these are the dates to watch. However, keep in mind that these are the busiest travel times of the year!
Seollal (Lunar New Year): February 16 (Mon) โ February 18 (Wed)
This creates a long 5-day break if you include the weekend. Expect lots of traditional games at palaces and some family-run shops to close for a day or two.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): September 24 (Thu) โ September 26 (Sat)
Often called the "festival of abundance," this is a beautiful time to be in Korea, though traffic can be heavy as people head to their hometowns.
2. 2026 Long Weekends (Substitute Holidays)
Korea uses a Substitute Holiday system. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is usually a day off. This is perfect for travelers looking for a 3-day city break!
March 2 (Mon): Substitute for March 1st Movement Day.
May 25 (Mon): Substitute for Buddha's Birthday.
August 17 (Mon): Substitute for Liberation Day.
October 5 (Mon): Substitute for National Foundation Day
3. The Full 2026 Holiday Calendar
๐ก Pro-Tips for Travelers
Book Transport Early
ย If your trip overlaps with Seollal (Feb) or Chuseok (Sept), book your KTX (train) tickets or express buses the second they become available! They sell out in minutes.
HOW to BOOK Korea Train or express bus!ย
2. Election Day (June 3): Most tourist sites remain open, but the streets might be a bit louder with campaign trucks. It's a unique sight to see!ย
3. Long Autumn Break: Early October is fantastic. With National Foundation Day (Oct 3-5) and Hangeul Day (Oct 9) falling close together, the weather is cool and the vibes are high.ย
Explore Tours, BOOK NOW!!