In 2026, South Korea will enjoy several long weekends perfect opportunities for residents and visitors to unwind, explore, and celebrate the country’s deep rooted traditions. With national holidays spread thoughtfully throughout the year, these extended weekends are ideal for planning trips, family gatherings, or peaceful breaks from the busy work routine.
With tools like Day Off App, a powerful vacation tracker that can import long weekends from Google Calendar, managing your employees’ days off and planning ahead becomes effortless. Whether you dream of a countryside escape, city exploration, or simply some rest at home, South Korea’s long weekends in 2026 promise time for reflection, celebration, and rejuvenation.
List of Long Weekends in South Korea 2026
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New Year’s Day – January 1, Thursday
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Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) – February 16–18, Monday to Wednesday
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Independence Movement Day – March 1, Sunday (possible long weekend with Friday off)
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Children’s Day – May 5, Tuesday (combine with weekend for extra day off)
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Buddha’s Birthday – May 24, Sunday (observed on Monday, May 25 for extended weekend)
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Memorial Day – June 6, Saturday (with Friday or Monday leave, long weekend possible)
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Liberation Day – August 15, Saturday (extendable weekend)
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Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) – September 30 to October 2, Wednesday to Friday
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National Foundation Day – October 3, Saturday (overlaps with Chuseok break)
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Hangeul Day – October 9, Friday (3-day weekend)
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Christmas Day – December 25, Friday (3-day weekend)
Long Weekends in Detail
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
Known as Seollal (설날) in Korea, New Year’s celebrations mark the start of the Gregorian calendar year. Families gather, share traditional dishes, and enjoy games like Yut Nori. Many people take Friday, January 2 off to create a 4-day holiday, making this the perfect way to welcome the new year with loved ones.
Seollal (Lunar New Year) – February 16–18, 2026 (Monday to Wednesday)
One of Korea’s most important holidays, Seollal celebrates the Lunar New Year. Families travel across the country to visit relatives, honor ancestors through charye rituals, and enjoy special foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup). With the weekend before (February 14–15), this becomes a 5-day break, ideal for both reflection and relaxation.
Independence Movement Day – March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Known as Samiljeol, this day commemorates Korea’s 1919 movement for independence from Japanese rule. Citizens honor those who fought for freedom through parades, memorial services, and cultural events. Those who take Monday, March 2 off can enjoy a 3-day weekend.
Children’s Day – May 5, 2026 (Tuesday)
A favorite for families, Children’s Day (Eorininal) celebrates the happiness and well-being of children. Parks, zoos, and museums host special events nationwide. With a day off on Monday, May 4, families can enjoy a 4-day weekend packed with family fun.
Buddha’s Birthday – May 24, 2026 (Sunday, observed Monday, May 25)
Called Bucheonim Osin Nal, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated with lantern festivals, temple visits, and serene ceremonies. Many temples glow with colorful lanterns representing peace and enlightenment. Observing the holiday on Monday creates a 3-day weekend.
Memorial Day – June 6, 2026 (Saturday)
Known as Hyeonchung-il, this day honors soldiers and patriots who gave their lives for the nation. People visit cemeteries and memorials to pay respects. Taking Friday, June 5 off can turn it into a meaningful long weekend.
Liberation Day – August 15, 2026 (Saturday)
Gwangbokjeol, or Restoration of Light Day, celebrates Korea’s independence from Japan in 1945. Nationwide parades, flag displays, and concerts mark this significant day. With an additional day off, it becomes an excellent 3-day weekend opportunity.
Chuseok – September 30 to October 2, 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
Korea’s Thanksgiving holiday, Chuseok (추석), is a time to give thanks for the harvest and honor ancestors. Families prepare songpyeon rice cakes and share festive meals. Combined with the weekend (October 3–4), this creates a 5-day holiday one of the longest breaks of the year.
National Foundation Day – October 3, 2026 (Saturday)
Known as Gaecheonjeol, this day celebrates the founding of the Korean nation. It coincides with Chuseok’s weekend, making early October 2026 one of the most travel-filled periods in Korea.
Hangeul Day – October 9, 2026 (Friday)
Celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul Day (한글날) is a tribute to King Sejong’s invention of the script. With the weekend following, Koreans enjoy a 3-day cultural weekend, often filled with exhibitions and festivals promoting literacy and language pride.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2026 (Friday)
Christmas (Seongtanjeol) in Korea blends Western traditions with local customs decorations, gift-giving, and festive dining. The 3-day weekend offers a joyful close to the year.
Conclusion
South Korea’s 2026 long weekends promise both cultural richness and leisure. Whether exploring mountains, temples, or city lights, every extended break offers a chance to recharge and reconnect. With Day Off App, you can easily track holidays, sync long weekends with your calendar, and manage your team’s time off plans effortlessly ensuring every day off is planned and enjoyed to the fullest.