Labour Day in South Korea
View the global Labour Day guide
Labour Day falls on 1 May. From 1 May 2026 it is included in South Korea's statutory public-holiday framework, while employment law continues to protect 1 May itself as a paid holiday.
Labour Day
Holiday
South Korea
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
May
01
May 1, 2026
Labour Day Date in South Korea
Date
May 1, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Labour Day Dates in South Korea
Labour Day 2026
- Confirmed
Labour Day 2027
- Confirmed
Labour Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of Labour Day
The holiday recognises workers and labour rights. A 2026 legal amendment aligned public and private observance more closely without changing the fixed calendar date protected by labour legislation.
Importance of Labour Day
Labour Day in South Korea affects public services, workplace calendars, banking and travel planning. Confirm operational details with the relevant institution when timing is critical.
How Labour Day Is Celebrated in South Korea
Labour organisations may hold rallies and public events, while workers and employers follow statutory pay and operational rules for the day.
Office Impact
Labour Day is a paid holiday for workers covered by the Labor Day Act, not a general statutory holiday closing every government office or workplace.
Bank Impact
Bank treatment should be checked directly because Labour Day is not represented by the same universal public-office closure rule as statutory holidays.
School Impact
Schools do not automatically close merely because 1 May is Labour Day; the institution’s calendar controls.
Travel Information
Labour Day commuting effects depend on the employer because it is not a general statutory public holiday for every worker; transport normally follows the published weekday plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Labour Day in South Korea?
It is fixed on 1 May; substitute public-holiday rules can also affect the calendar when covered holidays overlap.
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.