| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-02-08 | Founding Day of the Korean People's Army | National |
| 2026-02-16 | Day of the Shining Star | National |
| 2026-02-17 | Day of the Shining Star; Korean New Year | National |
| 2026-03-03 | Daeboreum | National |
| 2026-03-08 | International Women's Day | National |
| 2026-04-05 | Cheongmyeong Festival | National |
| 2026-04-15 | Day of the Sun | National |
| 2026-04-16 | Day of the Sun | National |
| 2026-04-25 | Founding Day of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army | National |
| 2026-05-01 | International Workers' Day | National |
| 2026-06-06 | Foundation Day of the Korean Children's Union | National |
| 2026-07-27 | Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War | National |
| 2026-08-15 | Liberation Day | National |
| 2026-08-25 | Day of Songun | National |
| 2026-08-28 | Youth Day | National |
| 2026-09-09 | Founding Day of the DPRK | National |
| 2026-09-25 | Chuseok | National |
| 2026-10-10 | Foundation Day of the Workers' Party of Korea | National |
| 2026-11-16 | Mother's Day | National |
| 2026-12-27 | Socialist Constitution Day | National |
How many public holidays does North Korea have in 2026?
North Korea has 21 public holidays in 2026: 21 national holidays. The dates run from 1 January 2026 to 27 December 2026. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how North Korea's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in North Korea 2026
North Korea's public holidays create 6 long weekends in 2026 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Sat 14 - Tue 17 February: Day of the Shining Star (4-day weekend, Saturday 14 February to Tuesday 17 February).
- Fri 1 - Sun 3 May: International Workers' Day (3-day weekend, Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May).
- Sat 25 - Mon 27 July: Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War (3-day weekend, Saturday 25 July to Monday 27 July).
- Fri 28 - Sun 30 August: Youth Day (3-day weekend, Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August).
- Fri 25 - Sun 27 September: Chuseok (3-day weekend, Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September).
- Sat 14 - Mon 16 November: Mother's Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 14 November to Monday 16 November).
Observed and substitute holidays in North Korea 2026
A substitute holiday is a day off moved to a nearby working weekday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The legal date never changes - only the day most people actually get off.
In 2026 no public holiday in North Korea is moved to a nearby weekday, so every holiday in the table above is observed on the date shown.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across Asia for the wider picture.
Public holidays in North Korea: is your date a holiday in 2026?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in North Korea in 2026. If the date you are checking appears there, it is a day off; if it does not, it is not a public holiday - however widely it may be marked.
For example, 1 January 2026 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in North Korea.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in North Korea (2026)
Our North Korea public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
International Women's Day
International Women's Day on 8 March celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and calls attention to gender equality. It grew out of labour movement campaigns in the early twentieth century and was adopted by the United Nations in 1975. In a number of countries, especially in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and parts of Africa, it is an official public holiday, and flowers are traditionally given to women.
International Workers' Day
International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, is observed on 1 May in most countries of the world. It originated in the campaign for an eight hour working day and commemorates the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886. It became an official holiday across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa during the twentieth century. Observances typically combine trade union marches and rallies with springtime festivities.
Liberation Day
Liberation Day marks the anniversary of a country's liberation from occupation or from an oppressive regime. Italy and the Netherlands observe it in the context of the Second World War, while Bulgaria, Albania, Portugal and several other states commemorate their own historical turning points. It is a public holiday marked by official ceremonies, wreath laying at war memorials and events reflecting on the restoration of national sovereignty.
Youth Day
Youth Day recognises the contribution of young people to society and draws attention to issues affecting them. South Africa observes it on 16 June, commemorating the 1976 Soweto uprising, while other countries including Turkey, Morocco and Brazil mark it on their own dates. In several nations it is a public holiday. Events typically include youth conferences, cultural performances and sporting activities.