Check Out Korea’s Public Holidays in 2023

Korea’s Public Holidays in 2023

• 1/1 New Year’s Day
• 1/21~23 Lunar New Year’s Day
• 1/24 Substitute holiday
• 3/1 Independence Movement Day
• 5/5 Children’s Day
• 5/27 Buddha’s Birthday
• 6/6 Memorial Day
• 8/15 National Liberation Day
• 9/28~30 Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
• 10/3 National Foundation Day of Korea
• 12/25 Christmas

Q. How many days can Koreans take a break this year?

A total of 116 days, including weekends and substitute holidays. 

There is a chance that the Buddha’s Day and Christmas will have a substitute holiday. It is currently under discussion within the government.

Q. What is a substitute holiday?

When national holidays fall on weekends, alternative/substitute holidays can be designated on the next weekday.

For example, Lunar New Year is celebrated for three days in Korea. The day before Lunar New Year, Lunar New Year, and the day after Lunar New Year.

In 2023, because Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, January 24 has been assigned as a substitute holiday.