South Korea Public Holidays 2026: Seasons, Traditions & Travel Timing

South Korea Public Holidays 2026

Korean public holidays often stretch into multi-day family seasons, especially Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok. Transport, highways, and major terminals become extremely busy, a defining part of Korean holiday culture.

Korea’s Three Major Holiday Peaks

Seollal (Lunar New Year) - 설날

Seollal is one of Korea’s most important family holidays. Homes prepare traditional dishes, families perform ancestral rites, and everyone exchanges blessings for the new year. Cities empty out as millions travel back to hometowns, causing the biggest yearly migration in Korea. Trains, express buses and highways operate at full capacity.

Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival) - 추석

Chuseok is Korea’s harvest festival, a time for family reunions, ancestral rituals, gift-giving and full tables of traditional food. Much like Seollal, traffic surges nationwide. Traditional markets overflow with gift sets, and many shops in smaller towns close for several days.

Early May Holiday Cluster

Children’s Day (May 5) often aligns with warm spring weather, leading to short domestic trips. Outdoor attractions fill with families; theme parks and spring flower destinations become vibrant and busy.

What Actually Happens During Korean Holidays

Holiday seasons in Korea shape the entire rhythm of the country:

Mass travel on highways

Both Seollal and Chuseok create multi-hour traffic on major expressways such as the Gyeongbu Line. Travel times can multiply, and rest stops become gathering points with food stalls and queues.

Transport surges

KTX tickets sell out weeks in advance. Airports are crowded, especially with travelers heading to Japan, Vietnam, or Southeast Asia.

Shops and services

Convenience stores remain open almost everywhere, while many restaurants and small businesses close for 1–3 days in regional cities.

Cities become unusually quiet

Seoul, Busan and Daegu feel calm, parks and tourist areas suddenly spacious, making these holidays surprisingly pleasant times to explore for international travelers.

Seasonal Travel Guide: Korea Through the Year

Spring (March–May) - Blossoms & Clear Skies

Cherry Blossom Season (벚꽃)

Korea’s cherry blossoms bloom earlier in the south and later in the north, typically late March to early April.

• Jinhae’s Gunhangje Festival is a major highlight, drawing millions to its long rows of cherry trees.
• Seoul’s Yeouido, Busan’s Oncheoncheon, and Gyeongju’s lake paths become picturesque.

Summer (June–August) - Beaches & Night Markets

Summer in Korea brings humid weather, long evenings, and seaside escapes.

• Busan, Jeju, and the southern coast draw crowds.
• Night markets and rooftop cafés fill with locals.
• Monsoon rains arrive in late June but give way to bright August days.

Autumn (September–November) - Foliage & Fresh Air

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times for korea travel.

• Maple and ginkgo leaves color the streets of Seoul.
• Seoraksan National Park reaches peak beauty in late October.
• Chuseok adds tradition to the season, with gift boxes and bustling markets.

Winter (December–February) - Snow, Lights & Ski Season

Winter brings snowy mountains and crisp nights.

• Ski resort korea destinations like Vivaldi Park, Yongpyong, and Alpensia offer long runs and family-friendly slopes.
• Seoul lights up with decorations, winter cafés, and year-end festivals.

Important Korean Cultural Days

These aren’t government holidays, but they shape Korean culture:

Pepero Day (11/11)

A light-hearted celebration where friends, colleagues, and couples exchange Pepero sticks. Popular nationwide, especially among students.

College Entrance Exam Day (수능)

A national moment of quiet focus. Flights are delayed during listening tests, and companies adjust opening hours to reduce traffic.

Hangeul Day (한글날)

Officially a public holiday, celebrated for its cultural importance as the birth of the Korean alphabet. Included earlier in the table.

Buddha’s Birthday Events

Lantern festivals brighten temples and city streets across the country.

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FAQs

Is Chuseok a public holiday?

Yes, 2026 Chuseok runs from October 5–7, with widespread travel and family gatherings.

When is Seollal in 2026?

February 17–19, forming a three-day holiday period.

Are shops open during Chuseok or Seollal?

Large chains often open; smaller restaurants, cafés and local markets commonly close.

When is cherry blossom season in Korea?

Late March to early April, depending on region.

Where is the best place for autumn foliage?

Seoraksan, Nami Island, and temple districts across Seoul and Gyeongju.

What is the best time for ski resort korea travel?

December through February.