Korea has many holidays that reflect both traditional culture and modern history. Some follow the lunar calendar and have been observed for centuries. Others are modern national holidays that commemorate historical events or cultural achievements.
Traditional Holidays (전통 명절)
Major Family Holidays
- 설날 (Seollal) – Lunar New Year’s Day
Seollal is the first day of the lunar year. Families celebrate with ancestral rites (차례) and New Year’s bows (세배). They gather, share food, and enjoy folk games.
설날에는 온 가족이 모여서 세배를 해요. – On Seollal, the whole family gathers and performs New Year’s bows.
Today, Seollal remains the most important family holiday. However, modern practices such as leisure travel and gift-giving also shape the celebration. - 추석 (Chuseok) – Korean Thanksgiving
Chuseok falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It is a harvest holiday when families perform ancestral memorials and eat songpyeon (rice cakes).
추석에는 조상님께 감사드리고 송편을 먹어요. – At Chuseok, we give thanks to ancestors and eat songpyeon.
Chuseok is still a major holiday. In addition, many people now choose travel or simplified rites instead of traditional customs.
Cultural and Seasonal Festivals
- 정월 대보름 (Jeongwol Daeboreum) – First Full Moon Festival
This day falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. People eat five-grain rice (오곡밥) and crack nuts (부럼) for luck. They may also burn a daljip (달집) or view the full moon.
정월 대보름에는 오곡밥을 먹고 부럼을 깨요. – On Jeongwol Daeboreum, people eat five-grain rice and crack nuts for good luck.
Today, Jeongwol Daeboreum is not a day off. However, cultural events and rural traditions keep it alive. - 단오 (Dano Festival)
Dano is on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. People washed their hair in iris water and enjoyed ssireum (씨름). These customs were linked to health and protection.
단오에는 창포물에 머리를 감는 풍습이 있어요. – On Dano, people traditionally wash their hair in iris water.
Dano no longer plays a big role at home. Instead, it survives as part of cultural heritage and local festivals. - 칠석 (Chilseok) – Star Lovers’ Day
Chilseok is on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. It comes from the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.
칠석에는 견우와 직녀 이야기를 떠올려요. – On Chilseok, people recall the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.
Today, Chilseok is mainly symbolic. Meanwhile, it still appears in literature, media, and cultural events.
Modern National Holidays (현대 법정 공휴일)
Historical Commemorations
- 삼일절 (Samiljeol) – Independence Movement Day (March 1st)
This day marks the March 1, 1919 demonstrations against Japanese colonial rule. It is a time of remembrance and pride.
삼일절에는 태극기를 걸고 기념행사에 참여해요. – On Samiljeol, people display the Taegeukgi and attend memorial events.
The name means “the third month, the first day.” - 광복절 (Gwangbokjeol) – Liberation Day (August 15th)
Liberation Day celebrates Korea’s independence in 1945.
광복절에는 나라의 해방을 기억해요. – On Gwangbokjeol, people remember the nation’s liberation.
The word “광복(光復)” means “restoration of light,” symbolizing the recovery of freedom. - 개천절 (Gaecheonjeol) – Foundation Day (October 3rd)
This day commemorates the founding of Gojoseon by Dangun.
개천절에는 우리나라의 건국 신화를 떠올려요. – On Gaecheonjeol, people recall the nation’s founding myth.
The word “개천(開天)” means “opening of heaven,” symbolizing the nation’s origin.
Cultural and Identity Holidays
- 한글날 (Hangeul Day – October 9th)
This holiday celebrates the creation of Hangeul under King Sejong.
한글날에는 한글의 가치를 기념해요. – On Hangeul Day, people celebrate the value of Hangeul.
The name “한글” means “Great Script,” Korea’s unique writing system. - 현충일 (Memorial Day – June 6th)
This day honors patriots who sacrificed for the country.
현충일에는 희생자들을 기리며 묵념해요. – On Memorial Day, people hold a moment of silence for the fallen.
The word “현충(顯忠)” means “manifest loyalty.” - 어린이날 (Children’s Day – May 5th)
A holiday to celebrate children’s happiness and rights.
어린이날에는 아이들과 함께 놀아줘요. – On Children’s Day, families spend time with children and give presents.
The name means “Children’s Day.” - 부처님오신날 (Buddha’s Birthday – Lunar April 8th)
Celebrates the birth of Buddha with lanterns and temple visits.
부처님오신날에는 연등을 달고 절에 가요. – On Buddha’s Birthday, people hang lotus lanterns and visit temples.
The name means “the day the Buddha came.” - 크리스마스 (Christmas – December 25th)
Observed as both a religious and cultural holiday.
크리스마스에는 교회에 가거나 가족과 시간을 보내요. – At Christmas, people may go to church or spend time with family.
The name comes from English “Christmas.”
Conclusion
Korean holidays combine long-standing traditions and modern commemorations. Traditional festivals like Seollal and Chuseok still bring families together. Meanwhile, other lunar events such as Dano and Jeongwol Daeboreum survive mainly through cultural programs. On the other hand, modern national holidays strengthen historical memory and cultural pride. Together, they show how Korea balances heritage with modern life.
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