Korea Public Holidays October 2026: What's Open & Closed (Oct 3, 5, 9)

Short answer: Korea has 3 days off in early October 2026: National Foundation Day (Sat, Oct 3), a substitute holiday (Mon, Oct 5), and Hangeul Day (Fri, Oct 9). Most shops, cafes, palaces, and the subway stay open, but banks and government offices close.



Hi friends, it's Hee from Seoul! 🍂 If you're visiting Korea in early October, you'll land right in the middle of two long weekends. The good news? These aren't like Chuseok, when half the city shuts down. Most things stay open. But a few places close, and some spots get really crowded.

Here's everything you need to know before you go.


📅 October 2026 Public Holidays in Korea

  • Saturday, October 3: National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol)
  • Monday, October 5: Substitute holiday
  • Friday, October 9: Hangeul Day


Why a holiday on Monday the 5th? National Foundation Day falls on a Saturday this year, so Korea gives the next weekday off instead. That means two long weekends in a row:

  • Long weekend 1: Oct 3 (Sat) – Oct 5 (Mon)
  • Long weekend 2: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 11 (Sun)


💡 Tip: Chuseok is the one that closes a lot of shops. October 3 and 9 are much easier for travelers.


🎉What Are These Holidays About?


1. National Foundation Day (Oct 3)

It celebrates the legendary founding of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom. You'll see Korean flags hanging from apartment balconies all over the city.


2. Hangeul Day (Oct 9)

It celebrates the Korean alphabet, created by King Sejong in the 15th century. Gwanghwamun Square, where his golden statue sits, is the perfect place to visit that day.


💡 Tip: Try spelling your name in Hangeul before you go. It's a fun souvenir photo idea!


🏪 What's Open and What's Closed



✅ Open

  • Shops, cafes, restaurants, and malls
  • Most palaces and museums
  • Subway, buses, and trains
  • Convenience stores (24/7 as always)


❌ Closed

  • Banks (ATMs still work)
  • Post offices and government offices
  • Most clinics and hospital outpatient care (emergency rooms stay open)

💡 Tip: Many museums and palaces have one regular closing day a week, usually Monday or Tuesday. Since Oct 5 is a Monday, check the official website before you go.


🚄 Local Tips for Holiday Weekends


1. Book trains early

KTX tickets to Busan, Gyeongju, and Gangneung sell out fast on long weekends. Book as soon as you know your dates.


2. Go early to popular spots

Palaces, Namsan Tower, and Han River parks get packed by the afternoon. Try to arrive before 10 a.m.


3. Top up your T-money card

Lines at subway top-up machines get long on busy days. Charge it the night before.


4. Enjoy the fall weather

Early October is one of the best times of year here. It's perfect for a picnic or a palace walk in a light jacket.


✨ Quick Summary

  • Two long weekends: Oct 3–5 and Oct 9–11
  • Open: shops, food spots, palaces, subway
  • Closed: banks, post offices, government offices
  • Must do: book trains early and go out before 10 a.m.

Are you in Korea for one of these long weekends? Tell me where you're going in the comments, and I'll share a local tip! 😊



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Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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