South Korea is known for its rigorous education system that produces globally-competitive students. The school year is divided into two semesters in South Korea. The academic year in South Korea begins during March and ends in the middle of July (1st semester) and starts again in August, ending in mid-February (2nd semester).
School holidays in South Korea consist of religious and cultural holidays observed in Seoul and in other South Korean cities. Schools are closed during major public holidays. Winter vacation will approximately start mid-December to the end of January, while spring vacation starts late February.
For more updated information, please check the individual websites of schools in South Korea.
| Dates | School Holidays |
|---|---|
| Oct 3 | National Foundation Day |
| Oct 5 – 7 | Ch’usok or “Korean Thanksgiving Day” |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day |
| Mar 1 – 2 | Independence Movement Day |
| May 5 | Children’s Day |
| May 24 – 25 | Buddha’s Birthday |
| Jun 6 | Memorial Day |
| Jul 17 | Constitution Day |
| Aug 15 | Liberation Day |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. South Korea marks this day with festivities. All schools are closed during this day.
March 1st Movement
This holiday remembers Korea’s resistance from Japan from 1910 into 1945.
Children’s Day Holiday
Children’s Day is celebrated every May 5 in South Korea. It used to be known as Boy’s Day.
Korean New Year Holiday (February 16)
It is the first day of the Korean lunar calendar.
Buddha’s Birthday
Prince Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha’s birthday is also celebrated in South Korea.
Memorial Day
South Korea honors the military in a solemn ceremony during this day.
Local Elections Day
The local elections will be for the vacant seats in the National Assembly.
Labor Day
Celebrated every 1st day of May in South Korea, Labor Day celebrates workers’ rights.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is the day that the South Korean constitution was proclaimed on July 17, 1948.
Liberation Day
The National Liberation day is held both in North and South Korea celebrated annually on August 15. It commemorates South Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation.
Harvest Festival Holiday
Harvest Moon Festival or Chuseok celebrates the start of the harvest season in South Korea. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
Christmas Day
A cultural and religious holiday which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is celebrated in South Korea annually every December 25.
National Foundation Day
Celebrated every October, the national foundation day is marked by parades, festivals, parties and other activities in South Korea.
Hangeul Day
Also known as the Korean Alphabet Day, Hangeul Day remembers the day the Hangul was proclaimed.
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Man I wish my school schedule was like this ;-;
By ???ᏗᏬᏰᏒᏋᎩ??? (Dec, 2019) |
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