South Korea observes a mix of traditional and modern holidays, both based on the Gregorian calendar and the lunar calendar. Here are some of the major holidays celebrated in South Korea:
Public Holidays in South Korea:
New Year's Day (Seollal) - Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late January or February.
Families gather, pay respects to ancestors, and exchange gifts.
Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol) - Observed on March 1st, this holiday commemorates the 1919 March 1st Movement for independence from Japanese colonial rule.
Arbor Day (Jungwol Daeboreum) - Celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar calendar's first month (usually in February or March), this holiday involves tree planting and various folk games.
Children's Day (Eorininal) - Celebrated on May 5th, this day honors and celebrates children with various activities and events.
Buddha's Birthday (Seokka Tanshinil) - Celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (usually in May or June), this holiday marks the birth of Buddha.
Temples are decorated with lanterns, and parades take place.
Memorial Day (Hyunchoongil) - Observed on June 6th, this day is dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the military.
Constitution Day (Jeheonjeol) - Celebrated on July 17th, this day commemorates the promulgation of the South Korean constitution in 1948.
Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) - Celebrated on August 15th, this holiday marks the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945. It's a day of national celebration.
Chuseok - Also known as Korean Harvest Festival, Chuseok is one of the most significant holidays in South Korea. It's celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month
(usually in September or October). Families gather, perform ancestral rituals, and share traditional foods.
National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) - Celebrated on October 3rd, this holiday commemorates the legendary founding of Korea by Dangun.
Hangeul Day - Observed on October 9th, this day celebrates the creation and proclamation of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul.
Christmas Day - While not a public holiday, Christmas is celebrated by many South Koreans, with various festive activities and decorations.
Additional Notes:
South Korea also observes various modern holidays such as Valentine's Day, White Day, and Pepero Day, which are not official public holidays but are celebrated with enthusiasm.
Please note that the dates of lunar calendar-based holidays vary each year on the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, South Korea may have additional regional or local holidays.
