2026 is shaping up to be one of the most worker-friendly years in South Korea.
According to the officially announced 2026 public holiday calendar, Koreans will enjoy a total of 119 days off, including weekends and public holidays.
What makes this year especially attractive isn’t just the number—it’s the timing. Several holidays fall near weekends, creating frequent long breaks that are ideal for travel, rest, and better work-life balance.
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| South Korea confirmed 119 total days off in 2026 |
Why the 2026 Holiday Calendar Stands Out
Two changes make 2026 particularly meaningful.
First, July 17 (Friday) marks the return of Constitution Day as an official public holiday, ending an 18-year absence. Its Friday placement instantly creates a three-day weekend.
Second, June 3 (Wednesday) has been designated a temporary public holiday for the nationwide local elections. While midweek, it still offers a rare pause during early summer.
Together, these additions help distribute rest days more evenly across the year.
Long Weekends and Well-Spaced Breaks
Another highlight of 2026 is how naturally breaks are spread from winter to year-end.
The Lunar New Year (Seollal) in February forms a five-day break, while substitute holidays throughout the year turn weekends into extended rest periods.
Rather than one long vacation season, 2026 offers steady chances to recharge, making it easier to plan short trips without using many personal leave days.
Important Public Holidays in South Korea (2026)
January – March
- Jan 1 (Thu) – New Year’s Day
- Feb 16–18 (Mon–Wed) – Lunar New Year (Seollal) → With weekends, this becomes a 5-day break
- Mar 1 (Sun) – Independence Movement Day
- Mar 2 (Mon) – Substitute holiday (3-day break)
May – July
- May 5 (Tue) – Children’s Day
- May 24 (Sun) – Buddha’s Birthday
- May 25 (Mon) – Substitute holiday (3-day break)
- Jun 3 (Wed) – Nationwide Local Elections (Temporary Holiday)
- Jul 17 (Fri) – Constitution Day (Official Holiday Returns)
August – October
- Aug 15 (Sat) – Liberation Day
- Aug 17 (Mon) – Substitute holiday (3-day break)
- Sep 24–26 (Thu–Sat) – Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) → 4-day holiday
- Oct 3 (Sat) – National Foundation Day
- Oct 5 (Mon) – Substitute holiday (3-day break)
- Oct 9 (Fri) – Hangeul Day (3-day break)
December
- Dec 25 (Fri) – Christmas Day → A festive 3-day year-end break
A Great Year for Travel and Work-Life Balance ✨
With 119 total days off, the return of a historic holiday, and smart use of substitute holidays, 2026 offers rare flexibility for workers in South Korea.
Whether you’re planning domestic trips, overseas travel, or simply hoping for more breathing room in your schedule, 2026 is a year worth planning ahead for.
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