Welcome to South Korea! As an English teacher, knowing the 2025 public holiday calendar will help you organize your teaching schedule, plan getaways, and soak up the local culture. Our holidays mix deep-rooted traditions, national milestones, and modern celebrations, often creating extended weekends perfect for exploring. This guide walks you through the 2025 holidays, highlights recent trends, and offers practical advice to help you make the most of your time in Korea.
South Korea’s 2025 Public Holidays at a Glance
South Korea’s holidays are governed by the “Regulations on Public Holidays of Government Offices,” covering national days, cultural festivals, and substitute holidays when key dates fall on weekends. For 2025, expect 18 public holidays (including substitutes), totaling 68 days off when combined with Sundays, or 119 days for those on a standard five-day workweek. Major holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok lead to long breaks, while others mark historical or cultural moments.
Holiday Trends to Note
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Substitute Holidays: When holidays like Children’s Day or Chuseok land on weekends or overlap, a substitute day is often added. In 2025, look for substitutes on March 3 (Independence Movement Day), May 6 (Children’s Day/Buddha’s Birthday overlap), and October 8 (Chuseok).
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Extended Weekends: Six holiday periods offer three or more days off, great for travel or downtime. October’s Chuseok and Hangeul Day could stretch into a seven-day break.
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Temporary Holidays: The government sometimes adds extra days, like January 27 for Seollal, to extend major holiday periods.
2025 Public Holiday Schedule
Here’s the full rundown of South Korea’s 2025 public holidays, tailored for English teachers:
January
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New Year’s Day (Sinjeong): January 1 (Wednesday)
A one-day holiday to welcome the year. Many schools and hagwons close, but some private institutes may hold classes. Use this day to ease into the year or explore a nearby city like Incheon. -
Lunar New Year (Seollal): January 27 (Monday, temporary holiday), January 28–30 (Tuesday–Thursday)
A four-day celebration of the lunar calendar, one of Korea’s biggest holidays. Families gather, and travel peaks. Expect crowded trains and buses, so plan trips to places like Jeju or Busan well in advance.
March
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Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol): March 1 (Saturday), March 3 (Monday, substitute holiday)
Marks the 1919 movement against Japanese colonial rule. Schools typically close, creating a three-day weekend. Consider visiting historical sites like Tapgol Park in Seoul to connect with the day’s significance.
May
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Labor Day (Workers’ Day): May 1 (Thursday)
A paid holiday for some under the Labor Standards Act, but not universal. Hagwons may require work, so check your contract. If you’re free, enjoy spring vibes at local festivals or parks. -
Children’s Day & Buddha’s Birthday: May 5 (Monday), May 6 (Tuesday, substitute holiday)
Children’s Day celebrates kids, while Buddha’s Birthday honors Buddhism. Their overlap creates a four-day weekend (May 3–6). Schools close, but family destinations get busy, so book early for trips to Gyeongju or Jeonju.
June
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Memorial Day (Hyeonchungil): June 6 (Friday)
Honors those who sacrificed for Korea, forming a three-day weekend (June 6–8). Schools usually close, making it a good time for a quiet getaway to Sokcho or a visit to Seoul’s National Cemetery.
August
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Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol): August 15 (Friday)
Celebrates Korea’s 1945 liberation from Japanese rule, offering a three-day weekend (August 15–17). Schools close, so you might explore coastal areas like Gangneung or join patriotic events.
October
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National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol): October 3 (Friday)
Commemorates Korea’s mythical founding, starting a potentially long holiday stretch. Schools close, setting the stage for October’s busy holiday period. -
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): October 5–7 (Sunday–Tuesday), October 8 (Wednesday, substitute holiday)
A major harvest festival where families reunite. Schools and hagwons close, but travel is intense. Plan early for trips abroad or to cultural hubs like Andong, or join local Chuseok events to experience traditions. -
Hangeul Day: October 9 (Thursday)
Celebrates the Korean alphabet, extending October’s holiday run. Taking leave on October 6 could give you a seven-day break (October 3–9), perfect for visiting Gyeongbokgung or traveling to nearby countries.
December
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Christmas Day: December 25 (Thursday)
A one-day holiday with festive cheer, though not a major traditional event. Schools may close, but hagwons often host themed classes. Check out Christmas markets in Seoul or relax in a cozy cafe.
Practical Advice for English Teachers
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Know Your Contract: Public holidays often mean school closures, but hagwons may require work on non-universal days like Labor Day. Clarify expectations with your employer early.
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Book Travel Early: Seollal, Chuseok, and May’s four-day weekend are peak travel times. Secure KTX tickets, flights, or lodging weeks ahead using platforms like Klook or Korea Travel.
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Maximize Long Weekends: Six periods offer three or more days off. May’s break suits a quick Jeju trip, while October’s extended holidays are ideal for Southeast Asia or deeper Korean exploration.
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Engage with Culture: Use holidays to connect with Korea’s heritage. Visit temples during Buddha’s Birthday, join Chuseok events, or explore history on Liberation Day to enrich your experience.
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Stay Updated: Check Naver or the Korea Meteorological Administration (www.weather.go.kr) for holiday-related announcements, as temporary holidays may be added.
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Manage Your Budget: Holiday travel can add up. Save by attending free local events, like lantern festivals or cultural performances, during holidays.
Helpful Tools for Planning
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Calendar Apps: Naver Calendar or Time.is are great for tracking holidays and scheduling lessons.
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Travel Apps: Use KakaoMap or Naver Map to navigate during busy holiday periods. Klook and Korea Travel offer deals on tours and activities.
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Official Resources: Visit the Korea Government website (www.korea.go.kr) or U.S. Embassy pages for holiday updates.
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Expat Communities: Connect with other teachers via KakaoTalk groups or Reddit (e.g., r/teachinginkorea) to share holiday plans and insights.
Wrapping Up
South Korea’s 2025 public holidays give English teachers a chance to dive into the culture, plan exciting trips, or simply unwind. By staying on top of the holiday schedule and your workplace expectations, you can make every moment count. Whether you’re wandering historic sites during Samiljeol, celebrating Chuseok with locals, or jetting off during October’s long break, these holidays will add depth to your Korean adventure. Here’s to an amazing year of teaching and discovery!
