Public Holidays in Korea, South for 2026

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is recognized globally as a time of renewal and reflection. This vibrant holiday is steeped in traditions that vary across cultures, from fireworks illuminating the night sky to the iconic dropping of the ball in Times Square, New York City. Historically, the ancient Romans first celebrated the new year in March, but it was Julius Caesar who established January 1st as the official start in 46 BC. Fun fact: Many cultures have their own New Year celebrations; for example, the Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February 20, based on lunar cycles. Additionally, in Spain, it is customary to eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, to bring good luck for the year ahead. New Year’s Day serves not only as a festive occasion but also as a symbol of hope and new beginnings, where people often make resolutions to improve their lives in the coming year.

Valentine’s Day Introduction

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, is a day dedicated to love and affection between intimate partners. Its origins trace back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia honored fertility. The day was later named after St. Valentine, a martyr who defied Emperor Claudius II by marrying couples in secret. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a global celebration of romance, marked by the exchange of heartfelt cards, gifts, and flowers. Interestingly, more than 145 million cards are exchanged each year, making it the second-largest card-giving holiday after Christmas. Today, Valentine’s Day has transcended romantic love, embracing friendships and familial bonds, making it a day to celebrate all forms of love.

Seollal Holiday Introduction

Seollal, also known as Lunar New Year, is a significant holiday celebrated in South Korea, marking the first day of the lunar calendar. This festive occasion, typically occurring in late January or early February, is a time for families to gather, pay respects to ancestors, and partake in traditional foods. One of the intriguing aspects of Seollal is the practice of “sebae,” where younger generations bow deeply to elders, expressing respect and wishing them health and prosperity for the new year. Traditional games like “yutnori,” a board game played with sticks, add a playful spirit to the festivities. Additionally, the holiday is rich in cultural symbolism, with foods like “tteokguk,” a rice cake soup, believed to grant the eater good fortune and an additional year of age. Seollal not only emphasizes familial bonds but also fosters a deep connection to Korean heritage, showcasing a blend of respect, celebration, and cultural continuity.

Seollal Introduction

Seollal, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in South Korea, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. This festive occasion marks a time for families to come together, pay respects to their ancestors, and partake in traditional rituals. One of the most fascinating aspects of Seollal is the custom of wearing hanbok, a traditional Korean costume, symbolizing respect and a new beginning. Families engage in ancestral rites called “charye,” where they prepare elaborate feasts featuring dishes like tteokguk, a rice cake soup believed to bring good fortune and signify the gaining of a year in age. The holiday is also marked by fun activities such as playing folk games, exchanging gifts, and giving “sebae,” a traditional bow to elders in exchange for money or blessings. Seollal not only celebrates the arrival of spring but also emphasizes family unity and cultural heritage, making it a joyous occasion filled with meaning and tradition.

Seollal Holiday Introduction

Seollal, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant holidays in South Korea, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. Typically falling between late January and mid-February, Seollal marks a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming the new year with hopes for prosperity and health. Festivities include wearing traditional attire called hanbok, performing ancestral rites known as charye, and enjoying special dishes like tteokguk, a rice cake soup believed to grant the eater a year of age and wisdom. Interestingly, Seollal is not just a time for celebration; it’s also steeped in rituals that emphasize respect for elders and the importance of family ties. Additionally, many Koreans take part in traditional games such as yutnori, adding a playful element to the holiday. This vibrant mix of celebration, tradition, and reflection makes Seollal a unique and cherished occasion in Korean culture.