Korean Public holidays in 2023
Public holidays are designated national days that are legally mandated to be non-working days throughout the year. In Korea, there are 11 public holidays where employees and citizens of the country are entitled to days off and time for relaxation. These public holidays, like every other one in different countries, are significant for various reasons. Some of the holidays have their meaning rooted in the nation’s history and cultural values, others are based on religious beliefs; the rest can be somewhat of a celebration or commemoration.
Although some of the Korean holidays may be somewhat familiar, others are unique to Korean culture. So, while the public holidays in Korea may not affect you, it doesn’t hurt to have this information in the back of your mind. Plus, the way these Korean holidays are celebrated is so beautiful and interesting that you would certainly enjoy partaking in them. Finally, these Korean public holidays are a unique way to learn more about the heritage and culture of Korea. So, now that I have piqued your interest, here are the public holidays in Korea in 2023:
Korean public holidays in 2023:
- New Year’s Day – Sunday, January 1st, 2023
- Seollal – Saturday, January 21st – Tuesday, January 24th 2023
- March 1st Movement Day – Wednesday, March 1st, 2023
- Children’s Day – Friday, May 5th, 2023
- Buddha’s Birthday – Saturday, May 27th, 2023
- Memorial Day – Tuesday, 6th June 2023
- National Liberation Day of Korea – Tuesday, 15th August 2023
- Chuseok – Thursday, 28th to Saturday 30th September, 2023
- National Foundation Day – Tuesday, 3rd October 2023
- Hangeul Day – Monday, 9th October 2023
- Christmas Day – Monday, 25th December 2023
Alright! Let’s dig in!
1. New Year’s Day – Sunday, January 1st, 2023
Photo Credit: https://blog.trazy.com
By the standard Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day takes a solid position as the first public holiday in the Korean 2023 calendar. But traditionally, the Korean New Year is known as Seollal and is celebrated for a few days. Still, Koreans take their time to enjoy the significance of this public holiday. In many countries, New Year’s Day, commemorated on the 1st of January, is a time for reflection on everything the past year entailed, and the hopes for the new year. People take the time to rejoice at being alive and well throughout the past year and are in high spirits to make resolutions and goals for the brand-new year. So, it won’t be strange to find many in new dresses, partying, and having feasts as they mark a new season in their lives.
In different parts of Korea, friends and family members celebrate with fantastic fireworks, displays, shopping, and good wishes. Seoul, for instance, has the unique tradition of having the mayor ring the “Bosingak Bell” 33 times to mark a new beginning. One major thing that sets Korea apart from the rest of the world is the ritual of watching the first sunrise of the New Year. Even if they are tired from the festivities and celebrations, they still find time to perform this beautiful act of watching the first sunrise of the year.
2. Seollal – Saturday, January 21st – Tuesday, January 24th 2023
Photo Credit: https://dailynewsegypt.com
The Seollal is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Korea, which marks the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar and is also a time to remember the dead and appreciate the living. Lasting for three days, the Seollal commemoration takes place from the 21st to the 24th of January in 2023. This holiday dates back as far as 57 B.C. and has remained a very important Korean public holiday. It is so significant that businesses shut down and offices close to giving people the opportunity to travel to be with family.
If you want a glimpse into the customs of the people, observing this holiday is a good idea. The ritual rites to pay respect to the dead, the traditional foods, the lovely story time, the fun folk games, and meaningful family discussions all make the Seollal celebration a spectacular public holiday in Korea. On the morning of the Seollal, the family members would gather dressed in the special attire reserved for the rite to pay respect to their ancestors and eat the ritual food afterward. Then the younger generations would pay their respects to the elders in the household with a traditional bow, and the elders, in return, would bless them and wish them well in the New Year. Most Koreans return to their hometown to catch up with their family members and spend quality time with them. At the end of the day, family is everything.
3. March 1st Movement Day – Wednesday, March 1st, 2023
Photo Credit: https://smleo.com
If there is one significant Korean public holiday that is deeply rooted in Korean history and identity, it is March 1st Movement Day. It is so important because it marks the movement that led to Korea’s independence, shows the power of unity and solidarity among the people, and honours the brave people who risked their lives as an inspiration to generations to come. As history tells us, the March 1st movement (also known as the Sam-il (3-1) Movement) was a protest by Korean people and students to call for independence and say no to the forced assimilation of the Japanese way of life. This event took place on the 1st of March, 1919, and has become a prominent public holiday in Korea to date.
The people set aside their fears and led several public demonstrations in the nation; showing strength against the Japanese military rule. This fierce campaign led to the liberation of Korea, allowing them to have their own identity and build their nation on their terms. Today, in celebration of this big moment in Korean history, the Korean Declaration of Independence that shaped the path of the demonstrations is read, and flags are raised over all of Korea on March 1st; in offices, businesses, homes, and several other institutions. In addition, many cultural events and festivals are held to commemorate the protest that led to freedom for Korea; as they recall that without the March 1st Movement, Korea may have never become a free nation.
4. Children’s Day – Friday, May 5th, 2023
Photo Credit: https://www.korea.net
In the 1920s, children were only allowed to attend elementary school and were not taken into much consideration in matters of the country’s welfare. But the Korean writer and activist Pang Chong-hwan believed that children were the future of the nation and should be seen as very important citizens and, hence, must be provided with quality and adequate education. So, he spoke up on the need to educate and devote time to properly train children, and he even formed two associations dedicated to the needs of children in Korea. To further solidify his ideology, Pang Chong-hwan proposed May 1st as a day set aside to make the children feel valued and remind parents of the essence of education and the beauty of children. This public holiday was later changed to May 5th and has become established in Korea as a very special day to celebrate the future of the country.
On Children’s Day, schools and offices are closed, for the entire nation to celebrate Korean children. You would find so many fun activities at theme parks, museums, zoos, movie theatres, and other entertainment institutions, all geared toward making the children feel loved. Aside from the fun games, quality time with family, and getting to show love to the little ones, May 5th marks a day to celebrate the voice of the children’s writer and remember how important it is to invest rich values and education in children, as they hold the future of the country in their hands.
5. Buddha’s Birthday – Saturday, May 27th, 2023
Photo Credit: https://www.boboandchichi.com
The week leading up to the Korean national holiday known as Buddha’s Birthday, as well as the week and day of the celebration, envelop Korea with lovely sights and a joyous aura. This Korean holiday, which is to be celebrated on the 27th of this year, 2023, is the commemoration of the birth of the founder of Buddhism in Korea, Siddhartha Gautama. Although this day has been unofficially celebrated since the Joseon Dynasty, it became an established Korean public holiday in 1975.
Since this day is meant to be celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month according to the lunar calendar, the date may differ in different years. But the major way of celebrating remains the same. One significant ritual is the lighting of paper lanterns around the temples and over the country; which symbolises the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha. Another tradition associated with the celebration is the bathing of the baby Buddha’s statue three times. It is believed that when the Buddha was born, his body was bathed with scenting water by nine dragons. In a bid to honour the legend, people pour fragrant water, which symbolises the purification of mind and body. As a gesture of kindness, temples may also provide free meals and cups of coffee, as well as host a spectacular lantern festival.
6. Memorial Day – Tuesday, 6th June 2023
Photo Credit: https://www.history.com
The sacrifices that soldiers make for any nation cannot be overemphasised, and it is a wonderful thing to celebrate those who have lost their lives in the service of their homeland, and those who are still risking it all to protect their home. On that note, Memorial Day in Korea, celebrated on the 6th of June every year, is a very important Korean public holiday. It is the designated day set aside to honour the fallen heroes of the Korean and Vietnam wars, the casualties of the war, and the brave men and women who sacrifice their lives in the service of the republic.
A memorial service is usually held at the Seoul National Cemetery with the president and other prominent government officials in attendance. It is open to the public to join in paying respect to fallen soldiers. The official ceremony commences at 10 a.m. with a siren being rung all over the nation, and the Korean flag half-raised. Once the siren goes off, every Korean is obligated to offer a minute of silence in respect and say a prayer for the soldiers who have died, and for the country. Memorial Day is one rooted in a bitter history and an emotional time for Koreans. So, you would find many laying flowers at the graves of soldiers, some schools sending letters from their students to Korean soldiers, and citizens boldly flaunting the flag in pride and honour of soldiers.
7. National Liberation Day of Korea – Tuesday, 15th August 2023
Photo Credit: https://m.facebook.com/ColumbiaKSA/photos
The word “Gwangbokjeol” can either be translated to “The Day the Light Returned” or “Bringing back the Light.” Regardless of the interpretation, it simply represents the return of freedom and the essence of liberation in Korea. After being under Japanese rule for over three decades and forced to adopt their way of life, Koreans led several protests and fought hard before they finally gained their independence. So the National Liberation Day of Korea is a historically significant public holiday that marks the day of victory over Japan.
The Republic of Korea was officially instituted and established on August 15, 1948. So to mark this momentous day in Korean history, the National Liberation Day of Korea is being celebrated annually on the 15th of August. On this day, the Korean government holds a special ceremony where the official song is sung and the event is broadcasted on television for everyone watching. Most importantly, the activists and people who fought for Korea’s freedom are remembered and honoured.
8. Chuseok – Thursday, 28th to Saturday 30th September, 2023
Photo Credit: https://ubitto.com
Popularly recognized as Korean Thanksgiving Day, Chuseok is another traditional Korean public holiday that brings families together to pay respects to their ancestors. Although it is called “Korean Thanksgiving,” the celebration is different from what is done at a typical American Thanksgiving. Chuseok is an important festive celebration in Korea that lasts for three days; and it is done to show respect to ancestors, celebrate a bountiful harvest, and enjoy quality time with family members.
Today, the traditions and festivities are gradually being modernised, but one thing remains certain. Chuseok is a significant traditional Korean public holiday, and most Koreans would return to their hometowns to enjoy delicious meals, cultural games, and fun activities, as well as relax with family and friends.
9. National Foundation Day – Tuesday, 3rd October 2023
Photo Credit: https://culturequote.wordpress.com
One of the mystical and highly interesting myths that have formed the Korean identity is the Creation myth. It is believed that the foundation of Korea came to be; before the Three Kingdoms era of Korea. As the story goes, the son of the Lord of Heaven, Hwanung, decided to live on earth and was permitted by his father to reside on Baekdu Mountain. While living on the mountain, Hwanung met a bear and a tiger who pleaded with him to make them humans. Hwanung gave them both a challenge, which the tiger failed and the bear passed. So, the bear was granted the power to become a human woman, and she then married Hwanung and bore him a son. Their son, Dangun, formed the first Korean kingdom.
National Foundation Day is a celebration of Korea’s foundation and history. It is commemorated on the third of October every year in remembrance of the legendary tale of how Korea came to be. The firework displays that are magnetic throughout the nation are the highlight of the National Foundation Day celebration. Another beautiful element of the commemoration is paying a visit to Baekdu Mountain, where the magical story of Korea’s creation took place.
10. Hangeul Day – Monday, 9th October 2023
Photo Credit: https://asiasociety.org
The Korean government officially designated October 9 as the designated day to commemorate the originality, essence, and cultural value of the Korean alphabet. Also called Korean Alphabet Day, this Korean holiday marks the invention of Hangul (the Korean alphabet) and celebrates King Sejong the Great, who made the invention and proclamation in the 15th century.
Hangul nearly went extinct during the Choseon Dynasty, as it was banned by the ruler at that time, and even educational institutions that taught Hangul were shut down. Chinese characters were seen as the best way to write at the time. Thankfully, the use of Chinese characters in writing saw a decline, and Hangeul became the main character to write in. So, Hangeul Day is a Korean national holiday established in a bid to celebrate its uniqueness and reflect on the value of its preservation.
11. Christmas Day – Monday, 25th December 2023
Photo Credit: https://www.90daykorean.com
Although a majority of Koreans are not Christians, Christmas is still a very beautiful and lovely time in Korea. Although Koreans get time off from work and school to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy the festivities, Christmas is not seen as a traditional holiday in the country. So, most people may not travel home or have elaborate celebrations, as you would find in western countries. December 25th is the designated day to celebrate Christmas every year in Korea.
From the beautiful Christmas decorations that light up the country to the delectable meals, incredible events, fun winter activities, and even Christmas shopping, you can feel the joy in the air. Although the exchange of gifts is gradually taking its place in Christmas traditions, it’s not the norm in Korea. In all, Christmas is still one heck of a lovely Korean public holiday.
There we have it, the Korean public holidays in 2023!