Sunday, 24 May 2026
Confirmed — source checked
This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.
Buddha's Birthday, locally called Bucheonnim Osin Nal, is observed on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. Its Gregorian date changes each year.
Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.
Thursday, 13 May 2027 · Confirmed — source checked
Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.
Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.
Official public holiday law or calendar
Confirmed · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-27
South Korea follows the Public Holidays Act and KASI calendar material. Labour Day and Constitution Day are public holidays under 2026 amendments; election or temporary holidays appear only when officially established. The 2028 KASI calendar is provisional.
Public offices close for Buddha’s Birthday. Annual substitute-holiday rules must be applied from the law and confirmed calendar, not inferred from another year.
Branches generally close on the recognized holiday and any legally designated substitute date; consult the dated bank schedule.
Schools follow the official holiday and substitute-day calendar, including any overlap with the academic term.
The holiday honours the birth of the Buddha and is expressly listed in South Korea's public-holiday law. Substitute-day rules apply when it meets the statutory overlap conditions.
Buddha's Birthday in South Korea affects public services, workplace calendars, banking and travel planning. Confirm operational details with the relevant institution when timing is critical.
Temples display lotus lanterns and host ceremonies, chanting and community events. Visitors should respect worship spaces and local guidance during busy celebrations.
Buddha’s Birthday draws visitors to major temples and lantern events. Expect local crowd controls and use temple and transit notices for access.
It follows lunar month 4, day 8, so the Gregorian date varies.
Yes. It is covered by South Korea's current statutory holiday framework.
Bank branches generally close, while online services continue. Transactions requiring branch or interbank processing may resume on the next banking day.
View all South Korea public holidays 2026