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Independence Movement Day in South Korea

2026 holiday dates

Sunday, 1 March 2026

Confirmed — source checked

This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.

About Independence Day

Independence Movement Day on 1 March commemorates the nationwide 1919 movement against Japanese colonial rule. The existing Independence Day URL resolves to this precise South Korean identity.

Public holiday / closure dates

  • — Public of holiday period · Confirmed — source checked

Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.

Next supported occurrence

Monday, 1 March 2027 · Confirmed — source checked

Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.

2027 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

2028 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

Official sources and date status

Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.

astro.kasi.re.kr

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.

Office arrangements

Government offices close for Liberation Day, with essential and continuous services maintaining scheduled coverage.

Bank arrangements

Bank branches generally close on 15 August; processing resumes under the applicable banking schedule.

School arrangements

Liberation Day is reflected in school calendars, although it may overlap summer vacation.

History

The March First Movement began with a declaration of independence and mass peaceful demonstrations. Its democratic and national aspirations are reflected in the preamble to the Republic of Korea's Constitution.

Why it matters

Independence Movement Day in South Korea affects public services, workplace calendars, banking and travel planning. Confirm operational details with the relevant institution when timing is critical.

Observance

Official ceremonies, readings of the declaration, flag displays and educational programmes remember participants and the wider independence movement.

Travel and planning

Liberation Day ceremonies and demonstrations can alter routes around civic sites on 15 August. Follow police and transit notices for the relevant city.

Frequently asked questions

When is Independence Movement Day in South Korea?

It is fixed on 1 March.

Is it a public holiday?

Yes. It is covered by South Korea's current statutory holiday framework.

Are banks and offices closed?

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

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