The upcoming Lunar New Year is set to be more than just a festive occasion in South Korea. Acting President Choi Sang-mok announced during the second Cabinet meeting on January 14 that January 27 (Monday) would be declared a temporary holiday. This decision is part of the government’s initiative to stimulate the domestic economy and provide citizens with much-needed rest and revitalization.
What Does the January 27 Holiday Mean?
By declaring January 27 as a temporary holiday, South Koreans can now enjoy a three-day Lunar New Year holiday from January 25 (Saturday) to January 27 (Monday). Acting President Choi emphasized that this extended break aims to energize domestic consumption and create a positive momentum for economic recovery.
He encouraged citizens to use this time for domestic travel and responsible consumption, contributing to local businesses and fostering a spirit of community. The government has also introduced special initiatives such as discounted “People’s Gift Sets” featuring local produce like rice and beef to promote the consumption of Korean agricultural and fishery products during the festive season.
2025 Public Holidays in South Korea: Your Full Calendar
South Korea’s 2025 calendar is packed with public holidays, offering ample opportunities for rest and recreation. Below is the full list of public holidays and their respective dates:
DateDayHoliday Name
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| January 25–27 | Sat–Mon | Lunar New Year & Temporary Holiday |
| March 1 | Saturday | Independence Movement Day |
| April 9 | Wednesday | National Assembly Election Day |
| May 5 | Monday | Children’s Day |
| May 15 | Thursday | Buddha’s Birthday |
| June 6 | Friday | Memorial Day |
| August 15 | Friday | Liberation Day |
| September 6–8 | Sat–Mon | Chuseok (Harvest Festival) |
| October 3 | Friday | National Foundation Day |
| October 9 | Thursday | Hangul Day |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
Total Days Off in 2025
- Public Holidays: 16 days
- Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays): 53 days
- Total Days Off (Including Weekends): 69 days
Why 2025 Stands Out
- More Long Weekends
- Both Lunar New Year (January 25–27) and Chuseok (September 6–8) holidays include a Monday, creating extended three-day weekends.
- Public holidays like Children’s Day (May 5) and Memorial Day (June 6) also fall on weekdays, offering opportunities for leisure or travel.
- Economic Boost Through Public Participation
- The government hopes the extended holidays will spur domestic travel and increase spending, particularly during the Lunar New Year. Initiatives like the discounted “People’s Gift Sets” encourage citizens to support local agriculture and fisheries.
Your Role in Economic Recovery
Acting President Choi called on citizens to actively participate in economic recovery efforts. By traveling domestically and purchasing local products, South Koreans can directly contribute to boosting the national economy.
He also stressed the importance of the government’s proactive measures, which include focusing on job creation, monitoring the labor market, and addressing urgent issues in the economy.
A Year to Look Forward To
2025 offers a rare abundance of public holidays, giving everyone the opportunity to recharge and reconnect. The January 27 holiday, in particular, provides an excellent chance to enjoy a long weekend while supporting local businesses.
Make the most of this extended holiday season—travel, shop responsibly, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Together, we can create a brighter future for our economy and community.
