After a very long weekend in January 2025, which saw the holidays stretch from January 25–30 (with a declared holiday on January 27 and Seollal holidays from January 28–30), Koreans will have a few more opportunities for extended breaks throughout the year. While Korea is often recognized for its hard-working culture and long working hours, 2025 brings a refreshing change with several extended breaks, making it a special year for those looking to enjoy some well-deserved time off. From cultural celebrations to national observances, 2025 offers a rare opportunity for both relaxation and meaningful traditions.
Let’s take a closer look at the remaining long weekends and holidays that make 2025 a special year for enjoying a break.
March 1–3: Independence Movement Day (삼일절)
In 2025, Independence Movement Day (삼일절), which typically falls on March 1, will be observed from March 1–3. Although March 1 is traditionally a day of reflection on Korea’s resistance against Japanese rule, in 2025, the holiday falls on a Saturday, and it will be moved to Monday, March 3. This shift transforms the weekend into a rare long break, giving many people the chance to reflect and rest while observing this significant day in Korean history.
May 1–6: Labor Day and Children’s Day
May brings an extended holiday from May 1 to May 6. Starting with Labor Day (근로자의 날) on May 1, which honors workers’ contributions, the holiday extends into the weekend. On May 5, Children's Day (어린이날) is traditionally celebrated, but in 2025, it will be moved to May 6 due to its overlap with Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일).
To make the most of this extended period, May 2 will be a perfect opportunity to take a leave day, effectively creating a straight holiday from May 1 to May 6. This creates a wonderful six-day break, allowing families and individuals to relax, travel, or enjoy various festivities in honor of both Labor Day and Children's Day.
June 6–8: Memorial Day (현충일)
In 2025, Memorial Day on June 6 will fall on a Friday, giving people the chance to enjoy a long weekend from June 6 to June 8. Memorial Day is a time for solemn remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for Korea’s freedom, especially during the Korean War. Many families take part in ceremonies and visit memorial sites, while also using the break to unwind.
August 15–17: Liberation Day (광복절)
Liberation Day (광복절), which marks Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule, will fall on Friday, August 15, offering another long weekend through August 17. This holiday celebrates national pride and unity, with various public celebrations and events across the country. It’s a time for both historical reflection and festive enjoyment, as Koreans commemorate the hard-won independence.
October 3–12: Chuseok and Hangeul Day
By far the longest holiday in 2025 will be from October 3 to October 12, a 10-day break that combines several key holidays. It begins with National Foundation Day (개천절) on October 3, which commemorates the legendary founding of Korea. The highlight of this period is Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, observed from October 6 to 8. This family-centered holiday is filled with traditional ceremonies, feasts, and ancestor rituals. Following Chuseok, Hangeul Day (한글날) on October 9 celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet, a day of cultural pride and national identity.
To maximize this period, October 10 will be an excellent day to take a leave day, making for a continuous 12-day break from October 3 to October 12, allowing for a truly extended holiday to rest and celebrate.
December 25–28: Christmas and Year-End Holiday
The year concludes with a festive break from December 25 to December 28. With Christmas Day falling on Thursday, it provides an opportunity for a long weekend. Similarly, December 26 will be a perfect leave day to extend the holiday, giving people the chance to enjoy a four-day weekend through December 28. This end-of-year period allows for rest, reflection, and celebration as people prepare to ring in the new year.
In 2025, these extended breaks offer a unique opportunity for Koreans to unwind and recharge, providing a rare respite from the demanding work culture. With several long weekends and extended public holidays, this year stands out as one to look forward to, as families, workers, and individuals alike take time to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and enjoy much-needed downtime. Whether using leave to extend holidays or simply enjoying the official breaks, 2025 promises to be a year of well-deserved relaxation!
