2026 Korea Public Holidays: The Ultimate Guide from January to June
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.
Quick Reference: 2026 Holidays at a Glance (Jan–Jun)
| Date | Holiday | Substitute Holiday | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 (Thu) | New Year’s Day | None | East Coast sunrise spots (Gangneung) get crowded; shops and restaurants run as usual |
| Feb 14–18 | Seollal (Lunar New Year) — holiday Feb 16–18 | Long weekend Feb 14–18 | Some restaurants/markets close on the holiday itself; trains and buses sell out early, book ahead. Five grand palaces offer free entry |
| Mar 1 (Sun) | Independence Movement Day | Mar 2 (Mon) | Streets filled with flags; most shops and attractions stay open as usual |
| Late Mar–Early Apr | Cherry Blossom Season (not an official holiday) | — | Heavy crowds at viewing spots, especially Yeouido |
| May 5 (Tue) | Children’s Day | None | Theme parks and family attractions are packed, go early |
| May 24 (Sun) | Buddha’s Birthday | May 25 (Mon) | 3-day weekend; temples open to the public with free meals |
| Jun 6 (Sat) | Memorial Day | None | National 1-minute silence at 10 AM; banks and government offices closed, most shops open normally |
January 1: New Year’s Day
While not as massive as the Lunar New Year, it’s a day for fresh starts.
- Sunrise Trips
Thousands of Koreans head to the East Coast (especially Gangneung) to catch the year’s very first sunrise. For locals, this is a spiritual moment to offer quiet prayers for health and success.
🔗 Read more: Why Koreans pray to the first sunrise of the year
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
March 1st isn’t just a public holiday — it’s one of the most emotionally significant days on the Korean calendar.
On this day in 1919, over two million Koreans across the country rose up together and declared their independence from Japanese colonial rule. It started at Tapgol Park (탑골공원) in central Seoul, where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to a gathered crowd. From there, it spread — city by city, village by village — with people marching peacefully through the streets, chanting “대한독립만세” (Long live Korean independence).
The Japanese colonial government’s response was violent. An estimated 7,500 people were killed, over 16,000 wounded, and 46,000 arrested. But the spirit of March 1st didn’t die — it became the foundation of Korea’s independence movement, and eventually, of the country you’re standing in today.
When you’re in Seoul on this day, you’ll notice Korean flags hanging from almost every building. An official ceremony takes place at Tapgol Park — the exact spot where it all began. The Four Grand Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty offer free entry, and many Koreans visit in hanbok as a quiet act of remembrance.
If you happen to be here on March 1st, take a moment to feel the weight of it. It’s not a somber day — it’s a proud one. But it carries something real.
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)
Buddha’s Birthday isn’t just a temple day anymore — and honestly, that’s what makes 2026’s version worth paying attention to.
The centerpiece is Yeondeunghoe (연등회), the Lotus Lantern Festival, which is UNESCO-recognized and has been running for over a thousand years. The main lantern parade happens the Saturday before Buddha’s Birthday — thousands of people carry handmade paper lanterns through central Seoul, from Heunginjimun Gate along Jongno all the way to Jogyesa Temple. It’s completely free to watch, and it’s the kind of thing that stops you in your tracks.
Around the holiday, Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, and Cheonggyecheon Stream are all lit up with lantern installations. You can also join a lantern-making workshop and build your own — most temples offer them for free or a small fee.
What’s changed recently is who’s showing up. Temple stays have exploded in popularity among Koreans in their 20s and 30s — not for religious reasons, but for the quiet. Some temples now run pop-up stores, themed experiences, and there have even been Buddhist EDM nights. It sounds strange, but it works. Buddhism in Korea right now is having a cultural moment, and Buddha’s Birthday is the peak of it. If you’re here on May 24th, go to Jogyesa or Bongeunsa in the evening. You don’t need to know anything about Buddhism. Just show up. (Update: The 2026 EDM finale actually happened. See for yourself below.)
June 3: Election Day
Every four years, Koreans vote for the people who run things locally — mayors, governors, district council members, and education superintendents. June 3, 2026 is that day.
- Banks and government offices: closed
- Restaurants and cafes: mostly open
- Tourist attractions: open as usual
- Public transport: running normally
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!