1. National Regulations for Public Holidays in South Korea

South Korea has 15 official public holidays, which are regulated by the "Public Holiday Act" and other labor-related laws. These holidays are observed nationwide, and their dates are determined by the solar calendar or the lunar calendar (for traditional holidays). Key regulations include:

a. Public Holiday List (2023 Example)

1. New Year’s Day (January 1) – Solar calendar
2. Seollal (Lunar New Year) – 3 days (day before, day of, and day after)
3. Independence Movement Day (March 1) – Solar calendar
4. Buddha’s Birthday (Varies, Lunar Calendar) – Usually in May
5. Children’s Day (May 5) – Solar calendar
6. Memorial Day (June 6) – Solar calendar
7. Liberation Day (August 15) – Solar calendar
8. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) – 3 days (day before, day of, and day after, Lunar calendar)
9. National Foundation Day (October 3) – Solar calendar
10. Hangeul Day (October 9) – Solar calendar
11. Christmas Day (December 25) – Solar calendar

b. Substitution Holidays

• If a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), a substitution holiday is observed on the next weekday. This rule applies to major holidays like Seollal, Chuseok, and Children’s Day.

c. Paid Leave for Workers

• Under the Labor Standards Act, public holidays are considered paid leave for employees in most workplaces. However, smaller businesses with fewer than 5 employees may not be legally required to provide paid leave.

d. School and Government Closures

• Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed on public holidays. However, essential services like hospitals, transportation, and some retail stores remain operational.

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2. General Costs Associated with Holidays

Public holidays in South Korea can involve varying costs depending on how they are celebrated. Below are some common expenses:

a. Travel and Transportation

• Domestic Travel: Many Koreans travel to their hometowns during Seollal and Chuseok, leading to increased demand for train and bus tickets. Prices for transportation (e.g., KTX trains, buses) may remain the same, but tickets sell out quickly, so early booking is essential.
• International Travel: Airfare prices often surge during long holiday periods as many people take vacations abroad.

b. Gifts and Offerings

• Seollal and Chuseok: Families exchange gifts such as fruit baskets, health supplements, or traditional foods. Costs for gift sets range from ₩30,000 to ₩300,000 depending on the items.
• Buddha’s Birthday: Visitors to temples may donate money or purchase lanterns for ₩10,000 to ₩50,000.

c. Dining and Food

• Traditional holiday meals (e.g., tteokguk for Seollal or songpyeon for Chuseok) are prepared at home or purchased. Costs for ingredients or pre-made meals can range from ₩50,000 to ₩200,000 for a family.

d. Entertainment

• Many cultural sites and amusement parks offer discounts or free entry on public holidays, but they can be crowded. Costs for tickets typically range from ₩10,000 to ₩50,000.

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3. Standard Procedures for Observing Public Holidays

a. Traditional Holidays (Seollal and Chuseok)

• Family Gatherings: Families reunite to perform ancestral rites (charye) and share traditional meals.
• Hanbok: Some people wear traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) during these holidays.
• Travel: Expect heavy traffic on highways and crowded public transportation as people visit their hometowns.
• Gift-Giving: It is customary to exchange gifts with family, friends, and colleagues.

b. National Holidays

• Memorial Day (June 6): A national ceremony is held at the Seoul National Cemetery, and citizens observe a moment of silence at 10:00 AM.
• Independence Movement Day (March 1): Patriotic events and reenactments are held to commemorate Korea’s fight for independence.
• Hangeul Day (October 9): Celebrations honor the creation of the Korean alphabet, with cultural events and exhibitions.

c. Religious Holidays

• Buddha’s Birthday: Temples across the country hold lantern festivals and ceremonies. Visitors are welcome to participate respectfully.
• Christmas: While not a traditional Korean holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated, especially in urban areas. Churches hold services, and shopping districts are decorated with lights.

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4. Country-Specific Cultural Considerations

a. Respect for Traditions

• During Seollal and Chuseok, it is important to respect the solemnity of ancestral rites. Avoid scheduling business meetings or social events during these holidays.

b. Crowds and Traffic

• Major holidays like Seollal and Chuseok see mass migrations of people traveling to their hometowns. Plan ahead to avoid delays or overcrowded transportation.

c. Public Behavior

• On Memorial Day, it is customary to display the national flag (Taegeukgi) outside homes and businesses. Flags can be purchased at convenience stores for ₩5,000 to ₩10,000.

d. Business Closures

• Many small businesses, restaurants, and shops close during Seollal and Chuseok. However, large supermarkets and convenience stores often remain open.

e. Temple Etiquette

• If visiting a temple during Buddha’s Birthday, dress modestly and follow temple rules, such as removing shoes before entering prayer halls.

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5. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

1. Plan Ahead: Book transportation and accommodations early, especially during Seollal and Chuseok.
2. Participate Respectfully: Join cultural events or family gatherings if invited, but be mindful of traditions and customs.
3. Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing simple Korean phrases like “새해 복 많이 받으세요” (Happy New Year) or “추석 잘 보내세요” (Have a good Chuseok) can help you connect with locals.
4. Check Operating Hours: Verify the hours of operation for attractions, restaurants, and stores during holidays.
5. Explore Alternative Activities: If you’re not traveling, enjoy quieter urban areas, as many locals leave cities during major holidays.

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By understanding these holiday observance rules and cultural practices, visitors and immigrants can better integrate into South Korean society and enjoy the country’s vibrant traditions.