Korea uses the Gregorian calendar for civil dates, while traditional holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok follow the lunar calendar. The Korea Tourism Organization’s 2026 calendar lists the Seollal holiday period as 16–18 February 2026 and Chuseok as 24–26 September 2026. These are dates for 2026 only; do not copy them into a future-year itinerary.
설날 (Seollal): Lunar New Year
Seollal centres on the first day of the lunar year. The Korea Tourism Organization describes family gatherings, greetings to elders, 떡국 (tteokguk, rice-cake soup) and traditional games among customs associated with the holiday. Practices differ by family and region; not everyone observes the holiday in the same way.
추석 (Chuseok): the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month
Chuseok falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. The Korea Tourism Organization describes family gatherings, remembrance of ancestors and seasonal foods such as 송편 (songpyeon). Customs vary among households, communities and individuals.
한글날 (Hangeul Day) and changes to the public-holiday calendar
Hangeul Day is observed on 9 October each year. The KTO’s 2026 calendar says Workers’ Day became an official public holiday in 2026 and Constitution Day was reinstated as a public holiday. Holiday status and substitute-holiday rules can change, so check the official calendar for the year you plan to travel.
Do not assume every attraction or shop is open
Government offices, banks, transport operators, shops and tourist attractions may follow different schedules over holidays. A general holiday guide cannot confirm the opening of a particular palace, museum, restaurant or store. Check each venue’s current official notice and allow extra time for transport and reservations during busy travel periods.
The dates and holiday-status examples above come from a 2026 source and are year-specific. Verify the official calendar, substitute holidays and individual operating hours before travelling in another year.