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2026 Korea Public Holidays: The Ultimate Guide from January to June

ByEditor Y

Hello, travelers!

Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Before you book those flights, you need to look at the 2026 Korea Public Holidays calendar very carefully. While holidays sound like fun, in Korea, they can actually be a “traveler’s nightmare” if you aren’t prepared.

Imagine arriving in Seoul only to find every famous restaurant closed, or finding out that every single KTX train ticket is sold out for the next three days. The 2026 Korea Public Holidays can seriously disrupt your itinerary. In this guide, I’ll tell you which dates you should probably avoid and how to survive if your trip overlaps with these major holidays.

🗓️ January – March

2026 Korea Public Holidays 1Q

🌅 January 1: New Year’s Day

While not as massive as the Lunar New Year, it’s a day for fresh starts.

🏮February 16 – February 18: Seollal (Lunar New Year)

The biggest traditional holiday marking the lunar calendar’s beginning.

  • Holiday Schedule
    Combined with the weekend, it’s a long holiday period from Feb 14 to Feb 18.
  • Customs & Food
    A time for ancestral rites and sharing Tteokguk (rice cake soup).
  • Special Events & Traditional Games
    • The Five Grand Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, etc.) usually offer free entry.
    • You can experience folk games like Yutnori at various cultural sites.

🇰🇷 March 1: Independence Movement Day

A day of profound national pride, commemorating the 1919 peaceful protests against colonial rule.

🗓️ April – June

🌸Late March – Early April: Cherry Blossom Season

Not a public holiday, but the unofficial “National Flower Viewing Week.” Be prepared for massive crowds in Yeouido.

🎈May 5: Children’s Day

A day dedicated to celebrating the happiness and dignity of children.

  • Family Outings
    Amusement parks like Everland and LOTTE WORLD Adventure, as well as public parks and museums, are packed with families.
  • Free Events
    Many cities host special festivals, performances, and hands-on experience booths for kids.
  • Gift Giving
    It’s a major day for children to receive gifts from their parents and grandparents, much like a second Christmas.

✨May 24: Buddha’s Birthday (Seokga Tansinil)

A significant religious and cultural holiday commemorating the birth of Siddhartha Gautama.

  • Holiday Schedule
    In 2026, Buddha’s Birthday falls on Sunday, May 24. Monday, May 25, is designated as a substitute holiday, creating a perfect 3-day break.
  • Temple Experiences
    Many Buddhist temples open their doors to the public and offer free temple meals.

🇰🇷 June 6: Memorial Day

A solemn day to honor the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives for the country.

  • Memorial Ceremony
    A national ceremony is held at the Seoul National Cemetery.
  • 1-Minute Silence
    At 10:00 AM, a siren sounds across the country for a minute of silent prayer.
  • Flag Display
    The Korean flag (Taegeukgi) is flown at half-mast to express grief.

💡 Quick Tips for Traveling During 2026 Korean Holidays

  • Book in Advance: Transportation (KTX, express buses) and popular hotels sell out fast during Seollal and long weekends in May.
  • Check Business Hours: While most tourist attractions and large malls stay open, many local restaurants and traditional markets may close on the actual day of Seollal.
  • Embrace the Crowds: If you’re visiting theme parks on May 5th or the East Coast on January 1st, arrive as early as possible!

Planning for the rest of 2026? The first half of the year is just the beginning! Stay tuned for our Part 2 Guide (July–December), where we’ll cover Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), the beautiful autumn foliage season, and year-end festivities.

Enjoy your journey through Korea’s vibrant traditions and seasons!

Looking for the rest of the year’s schedule? Stay tuned for our upcoming guide on July to December 2026 to prepare for Chuseok, autumn festivals, and more at My First Korea Guide!

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