Korea Public Holidays 2026: A Foreigner's Guide to Planning Your Year

Hey! After three years here in Seoul, I've learned that understanding Korean public holidays (공휴일) is absolutely crucial for planning everything from vacation days to grocery shopping. Let me break down 2026 for you so you don't get caught off guard like I did my first year!

Why Korean Holidays Matter (Even If You're Not Korean)

Here's the thing: when Korea observes a public holiday, pretty much everything shuts down. Banks close, small shops lock up, and subway services get a bit lighter. If you're not prepared, you might find yourself hungry at 9 PM with nowhere to eat. Most convenience stores (GS25, CU, Emart24) stay open, but restaurants? Good luck.

The 2026 Holiday Calendar

January 1 (Thursday) — New Year's Day

February 10-12 (Tuesday-Thursday) — Lunar New Year (설날) - 3-day holiday

March 1 (Sunday) — Independence Movement Day

April 6 (Monday) — Parliamentary Election Day (replacement holiday)

May 5 (Tuesday) — Children's Day (어린이날)

May 6 (Wednesday) — Replacement holiday (because May 5 falls on Tuesday)

June 6 (Saturday) — Memorial Day (현충일)

August 15 (Saturday) — Liberation Day (광복절)

September 14-16 (Monday-Wednesday) — Chuseok (추석) - 3-day holiday

October 3 (Saturday) — National Foundation Day (개천절)

October 9 (Friday) — Hangeul Day (한글날)

December 25 (Friday) — Christmas

Pro Tips for Navigating 2026

Lunar New Year and Chuseok are HUGE. These aren't just days off—they're when most Koreans travel home. Trains (korail.go.kr) and buses book up months in advance. If you're planning to travel during February 10-12 or September 14-16, book immediately. Expect 2-3 hour subway delays and restaurants with skeleton crews. My advice? Either book trips outside Korea or embrace eating at convenience stores and ordering delivery (배달앱).

The replacement holidays (대체공휴일) are confusing but important. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, Korea adds a replacement day. That's why you've got extra days in May and April 2026. Set phone reminders!

Check the lunar calendar. Some holidays follow the lunar calendar (음력), not the Western one. Many cultural celebrations happen on lunar dates, so download a lunar calendar app or check naver.com/calendar for accurate dates.

Banking and official business. If you need to visit the immigration office (출입국), bank, or government office, avoid holidays. Most offices only open weekdays. Make appointments at www.seoul.go.kr or call ahead (+82-2-120).

Restaurants and shopping hours change. Department stores like Lotte World Mall (lotteshopping.com) operate on modified schedules during major holidays. Call ahead before heading out. Regular restaurants often close entirely during Lunar New Year.

My Personal Recommendation

Use Google Calendar or your phone's built-in calendar to add all 2026 Korean holidays now. Seriously—set reminders for the month before too. And if you're new to Korea, experience Chuseok at least once. It's chaotic, confusing, and absolutely worth it for the cultural insight. Just maybe skip traveling during that week!