Holidays and Celebrations: Korea
[January] [February] [March] [April] [May] [June]
[July] [August] [September] [October] [November] [December]
Lunar Months: [1st] [2nd] [3rd] [4th] [5th] [6th] [7th] [8th] [9th] [10th] [11th] [12th]
Some useful information about holiday dates on the lunar calendar can be found at the Life in Korea website.
All the holiday dates are based on information provided at the Korean Information Service's website. Only a few regional festivals and celebrations are included in this list.
* National Holidays in the Republic of Korea
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January
JANUARY 1
New Year's Day*
The first day of the year, as well as the second, are celebrated throughout Korea.
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1st Lunar Month
THE 1ST DAY OF THE 1ST LUNAR MONTH Seol (Lunar New Year's Day)
Seol is known as the Lunar New Year. This day is celebrated with family rituals honoring ancestors, special food (especially ttokkuk, a rice cake soup) and traditional games.
Also see description at Click Asia's "About Korea" website
THE 15TH DAY OF THE 1ST LUNAR MONTH
Daeboreum (The First Full Moon)
Farmers and fishermen pray for a bountiful season, and ordinary households pray for other types of good fortune and prepare special dishes.
Also see description at Click Asia's About Korea website
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March
March 1
Independence Movement Day*
This marks the day of the anti-Japanese nationwide independence movement on March 1, 1919. Korean people throughout the country joined together in peaceful demonstrations while shouting "independence".
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April
April 5
Arbor Day*
On this day, thousands of Koreans plant trees to help the reforestation program.
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4th Lunar Month
THE 8TH DAY OF THE 4TH LUNAR MONTH
The Buddha's Birthday*
The birth of Buddha has recently been designated a national holiday in Korea. In Seoul, a huge parade takes place and the streets are adorned with lotus-shaped lanterns to build celebratory spirit.
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May
May 5
Children's Day*
On this day, children enjoy activities and games, along with spending time with their parents.
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June
June 6
Memorial Day*
This day is set aside for the remembrance of soldiers who died in battle. Memorial services are held at the National Cememtery in Seoul.
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5th Lunar Month
THE 5TH DAY OF THE 5TH LUNAR MONTH
Dano
On this day, people rest from the work, and enjoy great feasts.
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July
July 17
Constitution Day*
This day recognizes the adoption of the Repulic of Korea Constitution in 1948.
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August
August 15
Liberation Day*
In 1945, Korea was liberated from Japan after 35 years under their control. The first Korean government was established on August 15, 1948, and this day commemorates both events.
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8th Lunar Month
THE 15TH DAY OF THE 8TH LUNAR MONTH
Chuseok (Harvest Festival Day)
Probably the most anticipated of the Korean holidays, Chuseok, or "Bountiful Abundance", is a time for families in Korea to return to their family's ancestral sites. Almost all workplaces and stores are closed for three days. Trains have become so crowded during the holiday that now people often reserve their tickets months in advance. And a few days before Chuseok, families prepare special dishes to be taken to the ancestral site memorial.
Also see description at Click Asia's About Korea website
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October
October 3
National Foundation Day*
On this day, Korea was founded by Tan-gun in 2333 B.C.
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December
December 25
Christmas Day*
Christians account for the largest religious group in Korea (50% of the total population), and in Korea, Christmas is celebrated much like it is in the West.
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