| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Jan 21,2023 | Seollal Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Jan 22,2023 | Seollal | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Jan 23,2023 | Seollal Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Jan 24,2023 | Seollal Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Mar 01,2023 | Independence Movement Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Apr 05,2023 | Arbor Day | Observance |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day | Bank Holiday |
| Friday | May 05,2023 | Children's Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 08,2023 | Parents' Day | Observance |
| Monday | May 15,2023 | Teacher's Day | Observance |
| Saturday | May 27,2023 | Buddha’s Birthday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 29,2023 | Buddha’s Birthday Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Jun 06,2023 | Memorial Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Jul 17,2023 | Constitution Day | Observance |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Liberation Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Sep 28,2023 | Chuseok Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Sep 29,2023 | Chuseok | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Sep 30,2023 | Chuseok Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 01,2023 | Armed Forces Day | Observance |
| Tuesday | Oct 03,2023 | National Foundation Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Oct 09,2023 | Hangeul Proclamation Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Oct 31,2023 | Halloween | Observance |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Observance |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, known as "Seollal," is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, it marks the beginning of the year and is a time for family gatherings and ancestral rites. People wear traditional clothing, known as hanbok, and pay respects to their ancestors by bowing and offering food. Customs like playing traditional games and sharing delicious dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup) are an integral part of Seollal, promoting unity and cultural preservation.
Seollal, or Lunar New Year's Day, is a traditional Korean holiday celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. It's a time for families to come together, pay respects to their ancestors, and enjoy festive meals. One of the key customs is the "charye" ritual, where ancestral spirits are honored with offerings. Sebae, a deep bow, is also performed by younger family members to show respect to their elders. Additionally, games like yutnori and flying kites are popular during Seollal, making it a time of fun and cultural significance.
Valentine's Day is known as "Valentain dei" in South Korea and is celebrated much like in other parts of the world. It's a day for couples to express their love through gifts, chocolates, and romantic gestures. However, South Korea adds a unique twist with "White Day" on March 14th when men reciprocate their feelings with gifts for their loved ones. It's a celebration of love and affection, bringing couples closer together.
Independence Movement Day, or "Samiljeol," commemorates the March 1st, 1919, uprising against Japanese colonial rule. This day is a symbol of South Korea's fight for freedom and democracy. People participate in parades, cultural events, and pay tribute to the independence activists who played a pivotal role in the nation's history. It's a day of reflection on the country's struggle for independence.
Arbor Day, known as "Nongsa," encourages environmental awareness and tree planting. Celebrated on April 5th, it emphasizes the importance of nature and conservation. Schools and communities often organize tree-planting events, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the younger generation. Arbor Day is a reminder of the need to protect South Korea's natural beauty.
Labor Day, or "Eulmayi Nal," is a day dedicated to honoring workers and their contributions to society. Celebrated on May 1st, it's a time for labor unions to advocate for workers' rights and improved working conditions. People may also take this day to relax and enjoy leisure activities. Labor Day serves as a reminder of the value of hard work and workers' rights.
Children's Day, known as "Eorininal," is a day to celebrate and cherish children. Observed on May 5th, it's a day filled with fun activities and gifts for children. Families often spend quality time together, and parents express their love and appreciation for their kids. It's a day that emphasizes the importance of the younger generation in South Korean society.
Parents' Day, or "Eobeoinal," is a day dedicated to showing gratitude and love for parents. Celebrated on May 8th, children often give gifts or spend time with their parents to express their appreciation. It's a day that reinforces family bonds and the cultural importance of filial piety in South Korea.
Teacher's Day, known as "Seonsaeng Nal," is a day to honor and appreciate teachers for their hard work and dedication. Celebrated on May 15th, students express their gratitude through gifts, cards, and special events. It's a day that highlights the crucial role educators play in shaping the future of South Korea.
Buddha's Birthday, or "Bucheonim Osin Nal," is a significant religious holiday celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. It marks the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Temples are adorned with colorful lanterns, and people participate in lantern parades. It's a day of reflection, meditation, and paying respects to Buddha's teachings, promoting spiritual and cultural significance.
The Buddha's Birthday Holiday is an additional day off, often observed to extend the celebrations of Buddha's Birthday. People use this day for relaxation, meditation, and visiting temples to seek spiritual enlightenment. It enhances the cultural importance of the Buddha's teachings in South Korea.
Memorial Day, or "Hyunchoongil," is a solemn day to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for South Korea's freedom and security. Observed on June 6th, people visit cemeteries, offer flowers, and pay their respects to fallen soldiers. It's a day that underscores the nation's gratitude and the cultural significance of patriotism.
Constitution Day, or "Jeheonjeol," commemorates the promulgation of the South Korean constitution in 1948. Celebrated on July 17th, it's a day to reflect on the country's democratic values and the rule of law. People may attend educational events and exhibitions to better understand the nation's governance system, emphasizing cultural and political significance.
Liberation Day, known as "Gwangbokjeol," celebrates South Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule on August 15th, 1945. It's a day of national pride and unity, with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances. Liberation Day highlights the nation's resilience and the cultural importance of independence.
Chuseok Holiday is a time for South Koreans to celebrate the autumn harvest and give thanks for the year's blessings. It includes ancestral rites and feasting on traditional dishes like songpyeon (rice cakes). The holiday allows families to reconnect and appreciate their cultural heritage, emphasizing unity and gratitude.
Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is a major harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It's a time for families to gather, perform ancestral rites, and share delicious food. Chuseok promotes cultural importance by preserving traditional customs and showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
The Chuseok Holiday is an extension of the Chuseok celebrations, allowing for an extended period of family bonding and cultural observance. It reinforces the cultural significance of gratitude and unity during this festive season.
Armed Forces Day, known as "Gunsaengil," honors the dedication and sacrifice of South Korea's armed forces. Celebrated on October 1st, it includes military parades, exhibitions, and ceremonies. It's a day that instills pride in the nation's defense forces and their cultural importance in maintaining security.
National Foundation Day, or "Gaecheonjeol," celebrates the legendary founding of South Korea by Dangun, the nation's mythical founder. Observed on October 3rd, it emphasizes the cultural significance of South Korea's origins and heritage. People may participate in traditional rituals and events to honor their country's history.
Hangeul Proclamation Day commemorates the creation of the Korean script, Hangeul, by King Sejong the Great. Celebrated on October 9th, it underscores the cultural importance of the Korean language and script. People engage in various activities to promote and appreciate Hangeul, preserving their linguistic heritage.
Halloween has gained popularity in South Korea as a fun and festive holiday. People, especially the younger generation, enjoy dressing up in costumes, attending themed parties, and trick-or-treating. While not traditionally Korean, Halloween represents cultural diversity and a love for festivities from around the world.
Christmas Eve is celebrated with enthusiasm in South Korea, with lights, decorations, and festive events. It's a time for couples to enjoy romantic dates, exchange gifts, and spread cheer. While not a traditional Korean holiday, Christmas Eve reflects the cultural embrace of global celebrations and the spirit of giving.
Christmas Day in South Korea is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals. Churches hold services to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and festive decorations adorn the streets. Christmas Day represents the cultural significance of love, unity, and sharing in South Korea.
New Year's Eve, known as "Suseok," is celebrated with enthusiasm as South Koreans bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. People gather for various activities, including bell-ringing ceremonies at Buddhist temples. It's a time of reflection, hope, and cultural importance, as people look forward to a fresh start.
