Planning a trip to South Korea in 2026? Then it is worth checking the Korean holiday calendar before you book your flights, hotels, trains, or tours.
Korean holidays can be beautiful times to visit. You may see traditional events, seasonal festivals, lantern displays, family celebrations, and quieter city streets. But some holidays can also affect transportation, restaurant hours, museum schedules, shopping areas, and hotel availability.
This guide explains the major public holidays in South Korea in 2026, what they mean for tourists, which holidays are great for travel, and which ones require extra planning.
If this is your first trip to Korea, this guide will help you understand not only when Korean holidays happen, but also how they may affect your actual travel experience.
Before finalizing your itinerary, you may also want to read our South Korea Travel Checklist Before You Fly to make sure your passport, mobile data, payment methods, airport arrival plan, and essential travel preparations are ready.
What Does “Korea Holiday” Mean?
When travelers search for “Korea holiday,” they may be looking for different things.
Some people want to know the public holiday dates in South Korea. Others want to know whether shops and restaurants are open. Some are checking whether it is a good time to visit Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or other parts of Korea.
In this guide, “Korea holiday” means three things:
- Public holidays in South Korea
- Traditional Korean holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok
- Practical travel tips for tourists visiting Korea during holiday periods
This is important because not every Korean holiday affects travelers in the same way. Some holidays are easy and enjoyable for tourists. Others, especially Seollal and Chuseok, can make transportation and bookings much more difficult.
South Korea Public Holidays 2026 Calendar
Here is a quick calendar of major Korean holidays in 2026, with simple travel notes for foreign visitors.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Tourist Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Some businesses may close or open late. Sunrise spots can be popular. |
| Seollal Holiday | February 16–18 | One of Korea’s biggest family holidays. Trains, buses, and highways can be very crowded. |
| Independence Movement Day / Substitute Holiday | March 1 / March 2 | Historical sites and central Seoul areas may be meaningful to visit. |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Some workplaces and businesses may close, but tourist areas often remain active. |
| Children’s Day | May 5 | Family attractions, amusement parks, zoos, and kid-friendly places can be crowded. |
| Buddha’s Birthday / Substitute Holiday | May 24 / May 25 | Temples, lantern displays, and cultural sites can be especially beautiful. |
| Local Election Day | June 3 | Public holiday for voting. Some services and institutions may operate differently. |
| Memorial Day | June 6 | A solemn national day. Some ceremonies may take place. |
| Constitution Day | July 17 | National observance with limited direct impact on most tourists. |
| Liberation Day / Substitute Holiday | August 15 / August 17 | Historical and patriotic events may take place. |
| Chuseok Holiday | September 24–26 | One of Korea’s biggest family holidays. Transportation can be very crowded. |
| National Foundation Day / Substitute Holiday | October 3 / October 5 | Cultural and national events may take place. |
| Hangeul Day | October 9 | A great day to learn about the Korean alphabet and Korean culture. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Shopping streets, churches, and city lights can be popular. |
For tourists, the most important holidays to plan around are usually Seollal, Chuseok, Children’s Day, Buddha’s Birthday, and Christmas.
Best Korean Holidays for Tourists
Not all public holidays are difficult for travelers. Some Korean holidays can actually make your trip more memorable.
Here are some of the best Korean holidays for tourists.
1. Buddha’s Birthday
Buddha’s Birthday is one of the most visually beautiful holidays in Korea. In 2026, Buddha’s Birthday falls on May 24, with a substitute holiday on May 25.
Around this period, many temples are decorated with colorful lanterns. In Seoul, places such as Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, and nearby cultural areas can feel especially atmospheric.
For tourists, this is one of the best holidays because it gives you a chance to experience Korean Buddhist culture, night lanterns, temple decorations, and peaceful city walks.
What tourists may enjoy:
- Colorful lantern displays
- Temple visits
- Cultural events
- Evening walks in central Seoul
- Photography opportunities
Travel tip: Temple areas may be more crowded than usual, especially in the evening. Try to visit earlier in the day if you prefer a quieter experience.
2. Hangeul Day
Hangeul Day is celebrated on October 9. It honors the creation of Hangeul, the Korean writing system.
For foreign visitors, this is a great holiday because Hangeul is one of the most important parts of Korean culture. Even if you do not speak Korean, learning a few letters before or during your trip can make travel more fun.
Good places to connect with Hangeul Day include:
- Gwanghwamun Square
- King Sejong statue area
- National museums
- Korean language exhibitions
- Cultural experience centers
This holiday is especially useful for travelers who are interested in Korean culture, history, language, K-pop lyrics, Korean dramas, or Korean food menus.
3. Liberation Day
Liberation Day is observed on August 15, with a substitute holiday on August 17 in 2026.
This holiday commemorates Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. It is a meaningful day for understanding modern Korean history.
For tourists, this can be a good time to visit places such as:
- Gwanghwamun Square
- Seodaemun Prison History Hall
- The War Memorial of Korea
- National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
- Historical walking routes in central Seoul
Travel tip: This holiday can include ceremonies and patriotic events. Some areas may be busier than usual, but it can also be a meaningful time to understand Korea beyond shopping and sightseeing.
4. Christmas in Korea
Christmas is a public holiday in South Korea, but it feels different from Seollal or Chuseok. It is not usually a large family migration holiday. Instead, it is often associated with churches, shopping, restaurants, dates, lights, and winter city atmosphere.
Popular areas during Christmas season may include:
- Myeongdong
- Hongdae
- Seongsu
- Gangnam
- COEX
- Lotte World Tower area
- Major department stores
For tourists, Christmas can be a fun time to visit Seoul, especially if you enjoy winter lights, shopping streets, cafes, and festive city walks.
Travel tip: Restaurants and popular cafes may be busy, especially in central Seoul. Book in advance if you plan to visit a popular restaurant.
5. New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is January 1. In Korea, some people welcome the new year by watching the first sunrise of the year.
For many Koreans, this is more than just a beautiful view. The first sunrise symbolizes a fresh start, new hopes, good luck, and personal wishes for the year ahead. That is why some people leave Seoul on the evening of December 31 and travel overnight to the east coast, especially to Gangwon-do, to see the first rising sun of the new year.
Gangwon-do is popular because it faces the East Sea, where the sunrise appears clearly over the ocean. Compared with inland cities, the eastern coastline gives visitors a wide, open view of the sun rising from the horizon. For many Koreans, watching the first sunrise over the sea feels more symbolic and emotional than seeing it from the city.
One of the most famous places is Jeongdongjin in Gangneung. Jeongdongjin is widely known as a sunrise destination, and the Korea Tourism Organization describes the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Festival as an event where many people gather on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at Sandglass Park to celebrate a fresh start.
Jeongdongjin is also famous for its seaside train station and its close connection to the ocean. Visit Korea notes that Jeongdongjin Station is known as one of the train stations closest to the sea in the world, and the area attracts many sunrise spectators.
Recommended sunrise spots in Gangwon-do include:
- Jeongdongjin Beach, Gangneung — Korea’s most iconic New Year sunrise spot, famous for its beach, train station, Sandglass Park, and sunrise festival.
- Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung — a wide beach area that is easier to combine with cafes, lake views, and Gangneung city travel.
- Anmok Beach, Gangneung — good for travelers who want a sunrise view plus Gangneung’s famous coffee street atmosphere.
- Sokcho Beach, Sokcho — a good choice if you also want to visit Seoraksan, Sokcho Jungang Market, or the East Sea coast.
- Naksan Beach and Naksansa Temple, Yangyang — a beautiful option for travelers who want both a sunrise view and a temple atmosphere.
- Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock, Donghae — known for dramatic rock formations and a photogenic sunrise scene.
Travel tip: If you want to see the first sunrise of the year on the Gangwon coast, do not treat it like a normal day trip. Roads, trains, beaches, parking areas, and sunrise viewpoints can become extremely crowded around New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s morning. Book transportation and accommodation early, dress very warmly, and arrive much earlier than sunrise time.
For tourists, this can be a memorable Korean winter experience. But if you prefer a quieter New Year’s Day, it may be better to stay in Seoul and visit a local park, riverside area, or viewpoint instead.
Korean Holidays Tourists Should Plan Around: Seollal and Chuseok
The two most important traditional holidays in Korea are Seollal and Chuseok.
These are beautiful and meaningful holidays, but they also require extra planning if you are traveling in Korea.
What Is Seollal?
Seollal is Korean Lunar New Year. In 2026, the Seollal holiday period runs from February 16 to February 18.
During Seollal, many Koreans travel to their hometowns to spend time with family. Traditional activities may include family gatherings, ancestral rituals, traditional food, and New Year greetings.
For tourists, Seollal can be interesting because you may see a quieter version of Seoul. Some palaces and cultural sites may also offer special holiday programs.
However, Seollal can also create travel challenges.
Possible tourist impacts:
- KTX and intercity train tickets can sell out quickly
- Express buses may be very busy
- Highways can be heavily congested
- Some small restaurants and local shops may close
- Family attractions may be crowded before or after the holiday
- Airports can be busy around the holiday period
If you plan to travel outside Seoul during Seollal, book transportation early.
What Is Chuseok?
Chuseok is often described as Korean Thanksgiving. In 2026, the Chuseok holiday period runs from September 24 to September 26.
Chuseok is one of Korea’s biggest family holidays. Many Koreans visit their hometowns, prepare traditional food, and spend time with relatives.
For tourists, Chuseok can be a unique time to experience Korean culture. Seoul may feel quieter than usual because many residents leave the city. Some cultural sites may hold special programs, and traditional palaces can be enjoyable to visit.
But like Seollal, Chuseok can affect transportation and business hours.
Possible tourist impacts:
- Intercity trains and buses can become fully booked
- Highways can be extremely crowded
- Some restaurants, cafes, and small shops may close
- Traditional markets may have special pre-holiday shopping crowds
- Hotels in popular areas may become more expensive or limited
- Domestic travel to Busan, Jeju, or other regions can be harder to book
If you are staying in Seoul during Chuseok, the trip can still be enjoyable. If you are traveling between cities, plan much earlier than usual.
Is It Good to Visit Korea During Seollal or Chuseok?
Yes, it can be good — but it depends on your travel style.
If you want a calm Seoul experience, Seollal or Chuseok can be interesting. Some parts of the city may feel quieter, and cultural attractions may offer holiday-themed programs.
However, if your plan includes moving between cities, taking trains, visiting multiple regions, or doing a packed itinerary, Seollal and Chuseok can be difficult.
Best for:
- Staying mostly in Seoul
- Visiting palaces and cultural sites
- Enjoying quieter city streets
- Experiencing traditional holiday atmosphere
Not ideal for:
- Last-minute domestic travel
- KTX or express bus trips between cities
- Tight itineraries
- Road trips during peak migration days
- Travelers who need every restaurant and shop to be open
The safest approach is simple: if you visit Korea during Seollal or Chuseok, stay flexible and book important transportation early.
What Stays Open During Korean Public Holidays?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether shops and restaurants stay open during Korean holidays.
The answer depends on the holiday and the type of business.
In general, large tourist areas in Seoul often remain active, especially places like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon, and major shopping malls. However, smaller local restaurants, family-owned shops, traditional markets, clinics, offices, and some local businesses may close or change their hours.
During Seollal and Chuseok, closures are more common than during holidays like Christmas or Hangeul Day.
Usually more likely to stay open:
- Major hotels
- Convenience stores
- Some cafes
- Large shopping malls
- Tourist attractions in central Seoul
- Chain restaurants in busy areas
- Airport facilities
- Some subway and bus services
More likely to close or change hours:
- Small local restaurants
- Family-owned shops
- Traditional neighborhood businesses
- Clinics and offices
- Government offices
- Some museums or cultural facilities
- Small markets outside major tourist zones
Travel tip: Always check opening hours on Naver Map, KakaoMap, Google Maps, or the official website before visiting during a holiday.
Is Public Transportation Available During Korean Holidays?
Yes. Public transportation usually continues to operate during Korean holidays, especially subways and city buses in Seoul.
However, long-distance transportation can become much harder during Seollal and Chuseok.
In Seoul, tourists can usually still use:
- Subway
- City buses
- Airport Railroad
- Taxis
- Airport buses
- Local trains
But for intercity travel, you should be careful with:
- KTX
- Express buses
- Intercity buses
- Domestic flights
- Highway travel
During Seollal and Chuseok, many Koreans travel across the country. This means tickets can sell out quickly, roads can become very congested, and travel times can become much longer than usual.
If you are visiting Korea during a busy holiday period, our Transportation in Korea: Complete Guide for Tourists can help you understand subway, bus, taxi, and airport transfer options before you arrive.
Should Tourists Book Hotels Early During Korean Holidays?
Yes, especially during major holiday periods, long weekends, and popular event seasons.
Hotel prices and availability can change quickly around Korean holidays such as Seollal, Chuseok, Children’s Day, Christmas, and long weekends.
This is especially important if you are staying in:
- Myeongdong
- Hongdae
- Gangnam
- Seoul Station area
- Jamsil
- Busan
- Jeju
- Popular hanok stay areas
- Festival or event districts
If you already know your travel dates, compare hotel options before the holiday period gets busy.
Compare Seoul hotels on Trip.com.
What Should Tourists Do Before Traveling During a Korean Holiday?
Before traveling during a Korean holiday, prepare a little more carefully than usual.
Here is a simple checklist.
- Check the holiday dates before booking your flight
- Book hotels earlier if traveling during a long weekend
- Reserve KTX or intercity bus tickets early
- Check restaurant opening hours
- Prepare mobile data before arrival
- Save your hotel address in Korean
- Download map and taxi apps
- Keep some flexibility in your itinerary
- Avoid tight same-day city-to-city transfers
- Check official attraction websites before visiting
During Korean holidays, you may need maps, taxi apps, translation tools, and restaurant search apps more than usual.
Having mobile data ready before you arrive can make holiday travel much easier, especially when opening hours, transportation routes, and restaurant availability change during public holidays.
Check South Korea eSIM options with Saily.
Best Places to Visit During Korean Holidays
If you are in Seoul during a public holiday, you can still enjoy many places.
Good options include:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Insadong
- Jogyesa Temple
- Gwanghwamun Square
- Namsan Seoul Tower
- Han River parks
- Myeongdong
- Hongdae
- COEX
- Lotte World Tower area
For traditional holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok, palaces and cultural sites can be especially meaningful. Some places may offer traditional games, performances, or holiday-themed experiences.
However, always check the official opening schedule before visiting. Holiday hours can change.
Korean Holidays That Can Be Crowded
Some holidays are especially busy for certain types of places.
Children’s Day can be crowded at:
- Lotte World
- Everland
- Seoul Children’s Grand Park
- Aquariums
- Zoos
- Family museums
- Indoor playgrounds
- Large shopping malls
Christmas can be crowded at:
- Myeongdong
- Hongdae
- Gangnam
- Seongsu
- COEX
- Department stores
- Popular restaurants and cafes
Seollal and Chuseok can be crowded at:
- Train stations
- Express bus terminals
- Highways
- Airports
- Traditional markets before the holiday
- Some family attractions after the main holiday
If you dislike crowds, avoid major transport hubs on the first and last days of long holidays.
Korean Holidays That Are Great for Culture Lovers
If you are interested in Korean culture, some holidays are especially good for your itinerary.
Recommended holidays:
- Buddha’s Birthday
- Hangeul Day
- Liberation Day
- National Foundation Day
- Seollal
- Chuseok
These holidays can help you understand Korea beyond shopping, food, and K-pop. They connect to Korean history, family traditions, language, religion, and national identity.
For example, Hangeul Day is a great reason to visit Gwanghwamun and learn about King Sejong. Buddha’s Birthday is a beautiful time to visit temples. Chuseok and Seollal are important for understanding Korean family culture.
Are Museums and Palaces Open During Korean Holidays?
Many major attractions may remain open during public holidays, but schedules can vary.
Some palaces, museums, and cultural sites may open on holidays and sometimes offer special programs. However, others may close on certain days or adjust their hours.
Before visiting, check:
- Official website
- Naver Map listing
- Google Maps listing
- Recent reviews
- Social media updates
- Hotel concierge information
Do not assume that every attraction is open just because it is a tourist destination.
During major holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok, it is always safer to confirm in advance.
Are Restaurants Open During Korean Holidays?
Some restaurants are open, but not all.
In tourist areas, you can usually find food. Large hotels, chain restaurants, shopping malls, and popular neighborhoods often have dining options.
But during Seollal and Chuseok, many family-owned restaurants may close because staff and owners also spend time with family.
If you are traveling during Seollal or Chuseok, it is smart to:
- Save several restaurant options in advance
- Check recent opening-hour updates
- Eat in major tourist areas if unsure
- Use hotel restaurants as backup
- Keep convenience stores in mind for simple meals
- Avoid relying on one specific small restaurant
Convenience stores in Korea are very useful during holidays. Even if many small restaurants close, convenience stores usually provide snacks, drinks, ready-to-eat meals, coffee, and basic travel items.
Are Shops Open During Korean Holidays?
Large shopping malls and department stores may open during many holidays, but their schedules can vary.
During Seollal and Chuseok, some malls may close for one day or adjust hours. Traditional markets may also have different schedules.
Shopping areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and COEX are often active, but individual shops can still close or open late.
If shopping is an important part of your trip, check hours before going.
This is especially important for:
- Department stores
- Beauty stores
- Traditional markets
- Small boutiques
- Local pharmacies
- Clinics
- Specialty stores
Is Seoul Quiet During Korean Holidays?
Sometimes, yes.
During Seollal and Chuseok, many Seoul residents leave the city to visit their hometowns. This can make certain neighborhoods feel quieter than usual.
For tourists, this can be a good thing. Palaces, city streets, and some neighborhoods may feel calmer. But the trade-off is that some restaurants and shops may be closed.
Seoul during Seollal or Chuseok can be enjoyable if you plan your days around major attractions, cultural sites, hotels, parks, and areas that are likely to remain open.
Best Travel Strategy for Korea Holiday Periods
The best strategy depends on your itinerary.
If you are staying mostly in Seoul:
- Korean holidays can be manageable
- Use subway and taxis for local travel
- Check restaurant hours
- Visit palaces, parks, temples, and major districts
- Keep your schedule flexible
If you are traveling between cities:
- Book trains early
- Avoid peak departure and return days
- Consider staying in one city longer
- Avoid same-day long-distance transfers
- Check domestic flight prices early
If you are visiting with family:
- Avoid Children’s Day attractions unless you are ready for crowds
- Book family rooms early
- Choose hotels near subway stations
- Keep backup indoor plans
- Make restaurant reservations when possible
If you are visiting during winter holidays:
- Check opening hours around New Year’s Day and Christmas
- Prepare warm clothing
- Book popular restaurants early
- Expect festive crowds in central Seoul
FAQ: Korea Holidays for Tourists
What is the biggest holiday in Korea?
The two biggest traditional holidays in Korea are Seollal and Chuseok. Seollal is Korean Lunar New Year, and Chuseok is often described as Korean Thanksgiving. Both are major family holidays and can strongly affect transportation.
Is Korea good to visit during public holidays?
Yes, Korea can be good to visit during public holidays, especially if you are staying in Seoul and planning cultural activities. However, during Seollal and Chuseok, long-distance transportation can be very crowded, and some restaurants or shops may close.
Are shops open during Korean public holidays?
Many shops in tourist areas may remain open, but some local shops, markets, clinics, and small businesses may close or change hours. During Seollal and Chuseok, closures are more common.
Do restaurants close during Seollal or Chuseok?
Some restaurants close during Seollal and Chuseok, especially small family-owned restaurants. However, tourist areas, hotels, malls, chain restaurants, and convenience stores usually provide options.
Is public transportation available during Korean holidays?
Yes, subways, buses, taxis, and airport transportation usually continue to operate. However, intercity trains, express buses, highways, and domestic flights can become very crowded during Seollal and Chuseok.
Is it a good idea to visit Korea during Chuseok?
It can be a good idea if you stay mostly in Seoul and plan a flexible itinerary. But if you want to travel between cities, Chuseok can be difficult because many Koreans travel to their hometowns.
What is the difference between Seollal and Chuseok?
Seollal is Korean Lunar New Year and usually takes place in winter. Chuseok is a harvest holiday and usually takes place in autumn. Both are major family holidays in Korea.
Do tourists need to book hotels early during Korean holidays?
Yes. It is better to book hotels early during major holidays, long weekends, and popular travel periods. This is especially important for Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and popular tourist districts.
Final Thoughts
Korean holidays can make your trip more meaningful, but they can also affect transportation, opening hours, and hotel availability.
For most tourists, holidays such as Buddha’s Birthday, Hangeul Day, Christmas, and Liberation Day can be enjoyable and culturally interesting. Seollal and Chuseok are also meaningful, but they require more planning because many Koreans travel across the country during these periods.
If you are visiting Korea in 2026, check the holiday calendar before booking your itinerary. Plan early for major holidays, stay flexible, and use Korea’s public transportation and travel apps wisely.
A little preparation can help you enjoy Korea even during the busiest holiday seasons.