Welcome to our guide on Korea’s public holidays, where we delve into the rich history and unique traditions behind each celebration. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about Korean culture, understanding these holidays will provide you with fascinating insights into the country's heritage and values.
1. New Year's Day (January 1)
Korea rings in the new year on January 1st with family gatherings and celebrations. Known as "신정" (Sinjeong), this day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Families come together to enjoy traditional dishes like 떡국 (tteokguk), a rice cake soup believed to grant an additional year of life.
2. Lunar New Year (Seollal)
One of Korea’s most significant holidays, 설날 (Seollal), celebrates the Lunar New Year. It usually falls in late January or early February. Families honor their ancestors with 차례 (charye) ceremonies and visit gravesites. Traditional games, wearing 한복 (hanbok), and enjoying festive foods like 송편 (songpyeon) are key parts of the celebration.
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| tteokguk |
3. Independence Movement Day (March 1)
삼일절 (Samiljeol) commemorates the March 1st Movement of 1919, a pivotal moment in Korea’s fight for independence from Japanese rule. The day is marked with ceremonies and the hoisting of the national flag, 태극기 (Taegeukgi), across the country.
4. Children’s Day (May 5)
어린이날 (Children's Day) was established by Dr. Bang Jeong-hwan in 1922 to promote children’s happiness and welfare. It’s a day filled with special events, gifts, and outings for children, making it one of the most joyous times of the year for Korean families.
5. Buddha’s Birthday (Lunar Calendar)
부처님 오신 날 (Buddha’s Birthday) is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. Temples are adorned with colorful lanterns, and many people participate in ceremonial rites to honor Buddha’s birth, including traditional lantern parades.
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Buddha’s Birthday |
6. Memorial Day (June 6)
현충일 (Hyeonchung-il) honors those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. A solemn atmosphere pervades as memorial ceremonies are held, particularly at Seoul National Cemetery. A minute of silence is observed nationwide at 10 AM.
7. Liberation Day (August 15)
광복절 (Gwangbokjeol) marks Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945. National celebrations include official ceremonies and flag hoisting, reflecting on Korea’s journey to independence.
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| korean flag |
8. Chuseok (Lunar Calendar)
Known as the Korean Thanksgiving, 추석 (Chuseok) falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It’s a time to give thanks for the harvest and honor ancestors through 차례 and 성묘 (seongmyo) rituals. Families reunite to prepare and enjoy traditional foods like 송편 and play folk games.
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| songpyeon/rice cake |
9. National Foundation Day (October 3)
개천절 (Gaecheonjeol) commemorates the founding of Korea by the legendary Dangun Wanggeom in 2333 B.C. This day is celebrated with various cultural events and ceremonies that highlight Korea’s ancient heritage.
10. Hangeul Day (October 9)
한글날 (Hangeul Day) celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong the Great in 1443. It’s a day to appreciate the uniqueness and scientific superiority of Hangeul, with various educational and cultural events.
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| King sejong |
11. Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas, or 성탄절 (Seongtanjeol), is widely celebrated in Korea, especially among Christians. It’s a festive season filled with church services, decorations, and the exchange of gifts, bringing a joyous close to the year.
Conclusion
Korea’s public holidays offer a deep dive into its cultural and historical fabric, showcasing the country’s reverence for family, tradition, and national pride. Whether you’re experiencing these holidays firsthand or learning about them from afar, they provide a meaningful glimpse into the heart of Korean society.
