Korean Public Holidays / What Are Korea’s National Holidays in 2025?

 






💌 Introduction

Planning a Korean trip in 2025? One of the most important things to check before booking your flights or creating your Seoul travel guide is the list of Korean public holidays.

Public holidays in Korea are not just days off—they often come with cultural events, family gatherings, and traditional activities. Knowing these dates helps you avoid crowded travel days, experience special festivals, and make the most of your stay in Korea. Let’s go through Korea’s national holidays in 2025 one by one, along with insider travel tips.



📖 Background: Understanding Korean Public Holidays

Korea has a mix of solar and lunar calendar holidays. While some are based on fixed dates like New Year’s Day, others (like Lunar New Year and Chuseok) follow the lunar calendar, which changes every year.

Public holidays are deeply connected to Korean traditions. Families gather for ancestral rites, people travel across the country to see relatives, and cities often host festivals. For travelers, it’s both a challenge (due to heavy traffic) and an opportunity (to witness authentic Korean culture).



📅 List of Korea’s National Holidays in 2025

Here’s the official list of Korean public holidays in 2025:

  • New Year’s Day (신정): January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
  • Lunar New Year (설날): January 28–30, 2025 (Tuesday–Thursday)
  • Independence Movement Day (삼일절): March 1, 2025 (Saturday)
  • Children’s Day (어린이날): May 5, 2025 (Monday)
  • Buddha’s Birthday (부처님 오신 날): May 5, 2025 (Monday)
  • Memorial Day (현충일): June 6, 2025 (Friday)
  • Liberation Day (광복절): August 15, 2025 (Friday)
  • Chuseok (추석): October 6–8, 2025 (Monday–Wednesday)
  • National Foundation Day (개천절): October 3, 2025 (Friday)
  • Hangeul Day (한글날): October 9, 2025 (Thursday)
  • Christmas Day (성탄절): December 25, 2025 (Thursday)

👉 Check hotel deals near popular holiday destinations in Korea here.



🚇 How Holidays Affect Travel in Korea

During Korean public holidays, especially Lunar New Year and Chuseok, millions of Koreans travel to their hometowns. Highways become jam-packed, and train tickets sell out weeks in advance.

If you’re traveling during these dates, plan ahead. Either book transportation early or choose to stay in Seoul, where you can enjoy the quieter city atmosphere and special cultural events.

👉 Click to explore Korea Rail Pass options for smoother travel during peak holiday seasons.



🎉 Unique Holiday Experiences for Travelers

  • Seollal (Lunar New Year): Watch traditional games and performances at Korean Folk Village or palaces in Seoul.
  • Chuseok: Enjoy cultural programs, try making songpyeon (rice cakes), and visit museums offering free entry.
  • Buddha’s Birthday: Visit Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, where lanterns light up the entire area in a breathtaking display.
  • Hangeul Day: Visit the National Museum of Korea to learn about the Korean alphabet created by King Sejong.

👉 See the best cultural travel packages in Korea here.



💡 Pro Tips for Visiting Korea During Public Holidays

  • 🚆 Book KTX or bus tickets as soon as they go on sale if traveling around Lunar New Year or Chuseok.
  • 🍲 Join cultural festivals instead of fighting the crowds at tourist sites.
  • 🏙️ Stay in Seoul during Chuseok—the city is quieter, and many palaces offer free admission.
  • 📅 Avoid last-minute bookings during holidays—hotels and transport can sell out fast.



🌏 Why Knowing Public Holidays Matters for Your Korean Trip

Being aware of Korean public holidays in 2025 can make or break your travel experience. You’ll avoid stressful peak travel days, discover traditional festivals, and enjoy cultural experiences that aren’t available at other times of the year.

Whether you want to join the celebrations or avoid the crowds, planning ahead with this Seoul travel guide ensures your Korean trip runs smoothly.



✨ Conclusion

From Seollal to Chuseok, Korean public holidays in 2025 are filled with traditions, family gatherings, and cultural events. As a traveler, you can choose to dive into these experiences or plan around them for a smoother trip.

Save this guide, share it with friends planning their trip, and check the latest travel deals linked above to make the most of your Korean adventure!

👉 Which Korean holiday would you like to experience most? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!



🏷️ Labels

Korean Public Holidays, Korea Travel 2025, Seoul Travel Guide, Korean trip, Korea Festivals

Note: The information provided in this blog is based on personal experiences and publicly available sources. Actual experiences may differ depending on time, location, and events. Please use this guide as a helpful reference only.

About: Hello Korea provides information about traveling and living in Korea from a foreigner's perspective.

Contact: hello.korea.blog@gmail.com

Privacy Policy: All personal information will be used solely for the purposes of this blog and will not be used for any other reason.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is based on personal experience and publicly available sources. Actual experiences may differ.

※ Please note: Details may vary slightly depending on environment and region.






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