Life
🗓️ 2026 Korea Public Holidays, International Students Red Day Guide
2026-06-05
Have you ever felt confused about what the 'red days' on the Korean calendar mean after arriving in Korea? 😢
It's really important to know Korean public holidays in advance when planning school, part-time jobs, or bank tasks!
We'll organize information about 2026 Korean holidays to make your study abroad life more comfortable. ✨
🌏 Types of special holidays in Korea
Korea has holidays shared worldwide, but also ones unique to its own history and culture. Shall we see the difference?
International holidays: New Year’s Day, Labor Day, Christmas, Buddha’s Birthday
Korean unique holidays: March 1st Movement Day, Memorial Day, Constitution Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, Hangul Day, Lunar New Year, Chuseok
👉 Understanding Korean culture will make studying abroad much more fun!
✨ New holidays in 2026
There’s great news we must remember in 2026! Two public holidays are newly designated.
Labor Day, May 1: From 2026, its name changes from 'Laborer’s Day' to 'Labor Day,' and it is a public holiday for all.
Constitution Day, July 17: It becomes a public holiday again after 18 years since 2008!
If either day overlaps with a weekend or another holiday, substitute holiday applies.
👉 Check the new holidays in advance and have a good rest!
📅 What does the confusing substitute holiday mean?
Have you felt disappointed because holidays overlapped with weekends? Korea has a system to compensate for that.
Substitute holidays are when, if a public holiday overlaps with a weekend or another holiday, the next regular weekday becomes a day off.
However, this doesn’t apply to all holidays, so please check the official calendar each year!
For example, in 2026, Memorial Day, June 6 falls on a Saturday, but the substitute holiday does not apply. (It’s an exception because of the June 3 nationwide local elections)
👉 Knowing how substitute holidays work helps you plan better!
