2026 Korea Public Holidays & Golden Week: The Ultimate Travel Planning Guide

Planning a trip to South Korea in 2026? Checking the public holiday calendar is the single most important thing you can do. It can be the difference between a smooth cultural journey and getting caught in record-breaking crowds.

Knowing these dates allows you to either join the festivities or avoid the chaos. 

Before you even step foot in the country, make sure you're fully prepared for your arrival. Check out our Incheon Airport Guide for Foreign Travelers to navigate the terminal like a pro from the moment you land.

Why You Should Plan Around Korean Holidays

Korean holidays are a "double-edged sword" for international travelers:

✅ The Cons: Massive crowds at popular landmarks, skyrocketing accommodation prices, and KTX (high-speed train) tickets selling out months in advance.

✅ The Pros: Free entry to royal palaces, vibrant traditional festivals, and a unique atmosphere of celebration.

2026 South Korea Public Holiday Calendar

Month	Date	Holiday Name	Remarks
Jan	1 (Thu)	New Year's Day	Most businesses stay open.
Feb	16–18 (Mon–Wed)	Seollal (Lunar New Year)	5-day break (including weekend).
Mar	1 (Sun) / 2 (Mon)	Independence Movement Day	Substitute holiday on March 2nd.
May	5 (Tue)	Children's Day	Expect huge crowds at theme parks.
May	25 (Mon)	Buddha's Birthday	3-day long weekend.
Jun	6 (Sat)	Memorial Day	National flags displayed everywhere.
Aug	15 (Sat) / 17 (Mon)	Liberation Day	Substitute holiday on Aug 17th.
Oct	3–9 (Sat–Fri)	The Mega Golden Week	Chuseok + National Days (9-10 days).
Dec	25 (Fri)	Christmas Day	3-day long weekend.

⚠️ The 2026 "Mega" Golden Week (October 3rd – 11th)

The highlight of 2026 is the incredible alignment of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) with National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day.

✅ The Period: October 3 (Sat) to October 11 (Sun).

✅ The Situation: With public holidays and weekends overlapping, most of Korea will be on vacation for 9 to 10 consecutive days.

✅ Traveler’s Survival Tip: This will be the busiest travel period in a decade. If you plan to visit Korea in early October 2026, you must book your flights and hotels at least 6–8 months in advance. While Seoul might feel slightly quieter as locals head to their hometowns, popular spots like Jeju, Busan, and Sokcho will be extremely crowded.

Key Holidays Explained

1. Seollal (Lunar New Year) — Feb 16–18

✅ What to expect: A time for family. Many local boutique shops and family-owned restaurants will close for 2–3 days.

✅ Pro Tip: Major palaces like Gyeongbokgung usually offer free admission and traditional games for tourists during this time.

2. The May Holidays

✅ With both Children's Day and Buddha's Birthday, May is "Family Month." The weather is perfect (Spring flowers!), but it's the peak season for domestic travel.

3. Chuseok (Thanksgiving) — Oct 5–7 (Within the Golden Week)

✅ What to expect: The "Korean Thanksgiving." It's a great time to see traditional customs, but "Gwiseong" (the mass migration of people to their hometowns) makes traveling between cities nearly impossible without prior planning.

Survival Tips for Holiday Travelers

1. Transport: Avoid traveling between cities (e.g., Seoul to Busan) on the first and last day of Seollal or Chuseok. The traffic on highways is legendary.

2. Dining: Use apps like Naver Maps or CatchTable to check if a restaurant is open. While large malls stay open, many smaller "hidden gems" may close.

3. Booking: Lock in your accommodation early with "Free Cancellation" options. Prices will rise significantly as the holiday dates approach.

Conclusion

Whether you want to experience the peak of Korean culture or prefer a quiet, budget-friendly trip, knowing these 2026 dates is essential. Especially if you are eyeing October, start your planning now!