South Korean holidays officially follow the Gregorian calendar, although there are some holidays that are based on the lunar calendar. On these holidays, offices and banks are closed for business. However, most restaurants and shops are are open, as are palaces, museums and amusement areas.
The following South Korean holidays are slated for 2013.
New Year’s Day – January 1
South Korea welcomes the new year based on the Gregorian calendar.
Seollal (Korean New Year) – February 9-11
Seollal is considered to the country’s most important holiday. Celebrations for this day are more widespread that the January 1 holiday. It usually lasts for three days. People spend time with their families and close friends.
Independence Movement Day – March 1
On March 1, 1919, some Korean nationalist students declared the country’s independence in Seoul which then sparked a civil protest all over Korea. This later brought about the events that established the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. It is also called the March 1st Movement or Samil Movement.
Children’s Day – May 5
As the name suggests, this holiday celebrates everything about the children. Parents take them on trips to the zoo or the park and spend time with them to play games and other activities.
Buddha’s Birthday – May 17
This holiday falls on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month. Buddhist temples are decorated with lanterns and some hold parades on the Sunday before Buddha’s birthday.
Memorial Day – June 6
Much like the Memorial Day in other countries, this day honors the people, civilians and military personnel alike, who gave their lives for their country. Ceremonies are held at the Seoul National Cemetery.
Liberation Day – August 15
Also known as Gwangbokjeol or “Restoration of Light Day”, it celebrates the “Victory over Japan Day” that freed Korea from colonial forces in 1945. Three years later, the South Korean government was established on the same date. Public and private establishments are encouraged to display their national flag.
Chuseok – September 18-20
This Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This Korean Thanksgiving celebrates the bountiful harvest farmers have during this time and is considered to be the country’s second most important holiday after Seollal. Many Korean families make the trip to their ancestral homes and towns.
National Foundation Day – October 3
This holiday commemorates the founding of the first state of the Korean nation, Gojeseon. While history claims that the occasion happened on the 3rd day of the 10th lunar month, present-day South Korea celebrates the day based on the Gregorian calendar. This holiday is also refered to as “Heaven-opened Day”.
Hangeul Day – October 9
On Hangeul Day, Koreans celebrate the invention and establishment of the Korean native alphabet.
Christmas Day – December 25
Christianity is a major religion in South Korea, and Christmas is celebrated much like it is in other countries.
Holidays in South Korea can fall in any of the following categories: National Celebration Days, National Flag Raising Days and Public Days Off. National Celebration Days are holidays that mark joyous occasions in South Korean history and culture. National Flag Raising days encourage people to put up the Korean flag in their homes or establishments. Public Days off usually apply to government and public offices, but some private businesses also follow it.
