South Korea Public Holidays: The Substitute Holiday System Explained
South Korea has one of the densest public holiday calendars in the world, with over 160 holiday days annually when you count weekends and traditional observances. But what truly sets Korea's system apart is the "substitute holiday" (보충휴일) mechanism — when a statutory public holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday, workers are entitled to a compensatory weekday off.
How the Substitute Holiday System Works
Under Korea's National Official Service Workday Regulations, if a public holiday coincides with a weekend, employees receive a compensatory workday. The rules are straightforward:
- Holiday falls on Sunday: The following Monday becomes the substitute holiday
- Holiday falls on Saturday: The following Sunday becomes the substitute holiday
- Holiday falls on Friday: The following Monday may become a substitute holiday (in certain cases)
Major South Korean Public Holidays in 2026
| Date | Holiday | English Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | 신정 | New Year's Day |
| Jan 29 | 설날 | Lunar New Year's Day |
| Mar 1 | 삼일절 | Independence Movement Day |
| Jun 6 | 현충일 | Memorial Day |
| Aug 15 | 광복절 | Liberation Day |
| Oct 3 | 개천절 | Foundation Day |
| Oct 9 | 한글날 | Hangul Day |
| Dec 25 | 성탄절 | Christmas Day |
The Lunar Calendar Complexity
Korean Lunar New Year (설날) and Chuseok (추석, Korean Thanksgiving) follow the lunar calendar, so their dates shift every year. In 2026:
- Lunar New Year: January 29 (Wednesday)
- Chuseok: September 26 (Saturday) — this will trigger a substitute holiday
Why Understanding Korean Holidays Matters
For those living in or planning to visit South Korea, understanding public holidays helps you:
- Plan business trips around government office closures
- Time travel visits to avoid peak holiday crowds
- Understand workplace culture around rest rights in Korea
For the full Korean holiday calendar, visit our South Korea holidays page.