Here is a list of 2020’s Public holidays in South Korea which are often know as Red Days, National Holidays or for most people simply days off work.
Here Are The Dates For Your 2020 Diary’s
Wednesday January 1st – New Years Day (신정)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday January 24th, 25th & 26 – Korean Lunar New Year or Seollal (설날) *Monday January 27th has been listed as replacement holiday*
Sunday March 1st – Independence Movement Day (3.1절)
Wednesday April 15th – National Election Day *This is listed as a public holiday, but not a national holiday*
Thursday April 30th – Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일)
Tuesday May 5th – Children’s Day (어린이날)
Saturday June 6th – Memorial Day (현충일)
Saturday August 15th – Liberation Day (광복절)
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday September 30th to October 2nd – Chuseok (추석) also known as Korean Thanksgiving or Harvest Festival
Saturday October 3rd – National Foundation Day (개천절)
Friday October 9th – Hangul Day (한글날)
Friday December 25th – Christmas Day (크리스마스)
Sadly if a public holiday falls on a weekend it is NOT carried over onto the next workday, although some public schools and generous employers do give them. Replacement Holiday Days are sometimes given, this year for example the Monday following Lunar New Year. A total of six holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, out of the fifteen possible days which is a little unlucky.
Often people are asked to work during on a public holiday and then take a day off at another time, this is really uncommon but perfectly legal (although not nice). Public Holidays are a requirement for government and public buildings, however private businesses are not bound to follow or observe them.
Be warned that traveling the day before, on or the after day after a public holiday can be very busy and traffic jams fully booked buses, trains and even planes are common. Therefore book in advance to avoid disappointment. One positive is that most shops, stores, restaurants, bars etc are generally open on public holidays in Korea and buses and subways operate on a similar schedule to a Sunday (although as already stated they can be very busy).
Other Key Days in 2020
Will be added here if/when needed.
Finally
2020 is the Year of the Rat.
If you have any questions about public holidays / National Holidays / Red Days here in South Korea please feel free to let us know, have a great year in South Korea.
Modern Seoul contact@modernseoul.org
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