What are the key public holidays in Korea, and how do they reflect the country’s culture and traditions? In Korea, public holidays are categorized into two main types: national holidays and public holidays. This article explores the significance and cultural practices surrounding these holidays in Korea.
Korean Public Holidays: An Overview
Korean holidays are divided into two main categories: national holidays (국경일, Kukgyeong-il) and public holidays (공휴일, Gonghyuil). National holidays celebrate significant events in Korean history and culture, such as Independence Movement Day and Liberation Day. Public holidays, designated by presidential decree, often apply to government and public institutions, but many private businesses also observe them. Since January 1, 2020, private companies in Korea have been required to provide paid holidays, with implementation varying based on the company’s size.
Key Korean Holidays and Celebrations
- New Year’s Day (신정, Sinjeong) – January 1
New Year’s Day in Korea is marked with celebrations like bell-ringing ceremonies. Unlike the Lunar New Year, this day is more low-key, with most people returning to work the next day. It’s a time for quiet reflection and setting goals for the new year. - Lunar New Year (설날, Seollal) – Lunar Calendar
Seollal is one of the most significant holidays, featuring family gatherings, ancestral rites (차례, Charye), and traditional games. Families wear Hanbok, eat rice cake soup (떡국, Tteokguk), and honor ancestors. It’s a time for family reunions and cultural celebrations. - Independence Movement Day (삼일절, Samiljeol) – March 1
Commemorates the 1919 March 1st Movement against Japanese occupation. The day features national ceremonies, including flag displays and readings of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a significant day of national pride and remembrance. - Children’s Day (어린이날, Orininal) – May 5
Dedicated to celebrating and appreciating children, this day sees families visiting amusement parks, zoos, and museums. Special events and performances are held nationwide, and children receive gifts. It’s a joyful day focused on family activities and fun. - Buddha’s Birthday (부처님 오신 날, Bucheonim Osinnal) – Lunar Calendar:
Marked by the Lotus Lantern Festival, celebrating the birth of Buddha. Temples and streets are adorned with colorful lanterns. The highlight is a lantern parade, and many visit temples to offer prayers. It’s a visually stunning and spiritually significant event. - Memorial Day (현충일, Hyeonchungil) – June 6:
This day honors the fallen soldiers and patriots who sacrificed their lives for Korea. The nation observes a minute of silence at 10 AM, and ceremonies are held at national cemeteries. It’s a solemn day of remembrance and respect. - Liberation Day (광복절, Gwangbokjeol) – August 15:
Celebrates Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule in 1945. It includes a presidential ceremony and special events at historical sites. The day is marked by patriotic activities, including flag displays and speeches. It’s a day of national pride and historical reflection. - Chuseok (추석) – Lunar Calendar:
Often called Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok is a harvest festival with family reunions, ancestral rites, and traditional foods like songpyeon (송편). It includes visiting ancestral graves and enjoying folk games. It’s a time for family bonding and cultural traditions. - National Foundation Day (개천절, Gaecheonjeol) – October 3:
Commemorates the founding of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom by Dangun. The day is celebrated with ceremonies and cultural performances, emphasizing Korean heritage and unity. It’s a day to reflect on Korea’s ancient history and cultural roots. - Hangul Day (한글날, Hangeullal) – October 9:
Celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong. The day is marked by events promoting literacy and the Korean language, including exhibitions and educational programs. It highlights the importance of Hangul in Korean culture and history. - Christmas (성탄절, Seongtan-jeol) – December 25:
Celebrated as a national holiday, Christmas in Korea involves church services, festive decorations, and family gatherings. The holiday is marked by vibrant lights and shopping events, making it a festive time of celebration and joy, both religious and secular.
Unique Korean Customs and Observances
Election Days:
In Korea, election days, including those for the presidency, National Assembly, and local offices, are public holidays. These elections are typically held on weekdays, usually Wednesdays. Public institutions, schools, and many businesses close to allow citizens to vote. The government encourages participation by making it convenient for everyone to cast their ballots, fostering a robust democratic process.
Observances Not Officially Holidays:
Korea also has several culturally significant days that are not official holidays but are widely observed:
- Dano (단오):
Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, Dano is a traditional Korean holiday marking the end of sowing season and the beginning of the growing season. It features folk games, traditional food, and rituals aimed at warding off bad spirits and ensuring a good harvest. Celebrations include swinging, Korean wrestling (씨름, Ssireum), and washing hair with water infused with sweet flag (창포, Changpo). - Daeboreum (대보름):
Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, Daeboreum marks the first full moon of the new year. Koreans eat special foods like ogokbap (오곡밥, five-grain rice) and bureom (부럼, nuts with hard shells) to ensure health and good fortune. The day also includes traditional activities such as burning brushwood to ward off evil spirits and bringing good luck for the coming year. - Winter Solstice (동지, Dongji):
Celebrated around December 22, Winter Solstice is marked by the preparation and consumption of red bean porridge (팥죽, Patjuk), believed to protect against bad spirits. It is the longest night of the year, and the red color of the beans is thought to ward off evil. While not an official holiday, it holds cultural importance. - Cold Food Day (한식, Hansik):
Observed 105 days after the winter solstice, Hansik is a time for visiting and cleaning ancestral graves, similar to Chuseok. Traditionally, it was a day when people ate only cold food, as lighting fires was forbidden. This practice is less common today, but the day remains a time for paying respects to ancestors.
The Evolving Landscape of Korean Holidays
In recent years, there has been a trend towards reducing the number of public holidays in Korea, partly due to concerns about their impact on economic productivity. For example, “Arbor Day” (April 5) and “Constitution Day” (July 17) are no longer official holidays, though some commemorative events still take place.
Additionally, since 2014, Korea has implemented a substitute holiday system, allowing for an extra day off if a public holiday falls on a weekend. This policy has been expanded to include more holidays, ensuring that citizens still receive adequate time off.
Conclusion
Korean public holidays offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s culture, history, and values. From the patriotic celebrations of Independence Movement Day and Liberation Day to the family-oriented traditions of Chuseok and Seollal, these holidays reflect Korea’s rich heritage and societal priorities. As the country continues to balance tradition with modernity, these observances remain a vital part of Korean life, providing moments of reflection, celebration, and community.
For travelers and those interested in Korean culture, understanding these holidays can enrich the experience of visiting or living in Korea. Whether participating in traditional ceremonies or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, these holidays offer unique insights into the Korean way of life.
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