South Korea Public Holidays 2026 | B2B Travel Planning Guide

South Korea Public Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Planning Guide for Travel Professionals

Understanding South Korea’s public holidays is essential for travel professionals planning itineraries, group tours, and customized programs for 2026. Korean holidays strongly influence transportation availability, accommodation demand, operating schedules and overall travel flow.

This B2B-focused guide outlines the most important South Korea holidays in 2026, including key dates, operational impact, and planning considerations for travel agencies and tour operators.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year and is associated with symbolic traditions such as watching the first sunrise.

Operational impact:

  • Limited closures compared to major lunar holidays

  • Popular sunrise destinations experience early-morning congestion

  • Suitable for city-based or nature-focused programs

Recommended destinations:

  • Seoul (mountain viewpoints, city landmarks)

  • Jeongdongjin

  • Gangneung

  • Busan (coastal viewpoints)

Seollal (Lunar New Year) – February 16–18, 2026 (Estimated)

Seollal is South Korea’s most important traditional holiday and has the greatest operational impact on travel planning.

Operational considerations for travel professionals:

  • Nationwide transportation congestion before and after holiday dates

  • Limited availability of trains, domestic flights and express buses

  • Many small businesses and restaurants closed

  • Cultural sites often offer special holiday programs

Planning recommendations:

  • Avoid intercity travel on peak Seollal dates where possible

  • Focus on cultural programs, folk villages and palace visits

  • Pre-book transportation and accommodation well in advance

Buddha’s Birthday – May 24, 2026 (Estimated)

Buddha’s Birthday is a visually distinctive cultural holiday, highlighted by lantern festivals at Buddhist temples across the country.

Operational impact:

  • Temples remain open and host special events

  • City traffic restrictions may apply during parades

  • Ideal for cultural and photography-focused itineraries

Key locations:

  • Jogyesa Temple (Seoul)

  • Bongeunsa Temple (Seoul)

  • Major temples nationwide

This period is well suited for temple stays and cultural extensions.

Liberation Day – August 15, 2026

Liberation Day commemorates Korea’s independence and is observed with official ceremonies and cultural events.

Operational impact:

  • Most attractions and transport services operate normally

  • Museums and cultural institutions may offer special exhibitions

  • Suitable for regular city and cultural itineraries

Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) – September 24–26, 2026 (Estimated)

Chuseok is the second-most significant holiday in South Korea and has a major impact on domestic travel patterns.

Operational considerations:

  • Peak travel congestion nationwide

  • High demand for accommodation and transportation

  • Reduced availability of local services in smaller towns

Planning recommendations:

  • Avoid long-distance transfers on core Chuseok dates

  • Emphasize cultural villages, palace programs and food experiences

  • Secure bookings well in advance

Chuseok can be attractive for cultural-focused travelers when managed carefully.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2026

Although not a traditional holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated in urban areas and popular among international travelers.

Operational impact:

  • Full operation of transport and attractions

  • Increased demand for hotels and dining in major cities

  • Ideal for city-based winter itineraries

Seoul, in particular, offers strong visual appeal with seasonal lighting and decorations.

Planning Considerations for Travel Professionals

When designing South Korea itineraries around public holidays, consider the following:

  • Advance booking is essential for Seollal and Chuseok

  • Expect fluctuating availability and pricing during peak periods

  • Check operating hours for attractions and restaurants

  • Consider guided services to ensure smooth operations

  • Build flexible schedules during major holidays

Is Holiday Travel in South Korea Suitable for Tour Programs?

Yes — with professional planning. While Korean public holidays can present logistical challenges, they also offer unique cultural value that cannot be replicated at other times of year.

For travel professionals, holidays provide opportunities to:

  • Create culturally rich itineraries

  • Offer festival-based travel experiences

  • Differentiate programs through seasonal relevance

With proper preparation, South Korea holidays in 2026 can be successfully integrated into high-quality travel programs.

B2B Travel Planning Support

Korean Dutch Journey supports travel agencies, tour operators and DMC partners with itinerary planning, transportation coordination and seasonal travel considerations across South Korea.

Holiday travel programs are arranged based on availability, operating conditions and client profiles.

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