New Year's Day in South Korea
View the global New Year's Day guide
New Year's Day is observed on 1 January in South Korea. It is a statutory public holiday, distinct from the longer lunar New Year period known as Seollal.
New Year's Day
Holiday
South Korea
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
Jan
01
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Date in South Korea
Date
January 1, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
New Year's Day Dates in South Korea
New Year's Day 2026
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2027
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of New Year's Day
The solar-calendar holiday opens the civil year, while Seollal remains the more extensive traditional family holiday. South Korean law lists 1 January separately among public holidays.
Importance of New Year's Day
New Year's 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 New Year's Day Is Celebrated in South Korea
People welcome the year with countdowns, sunrise outings and personal gatherings. Customs vary, and many households reserve major ancestral and family traditions for Seollal.
Office Impact
Public offices close for New Year’s Day, while essential services retain duty staff. Private operations follow labour law and workplace schedules.
Bank Impact
Banks close branches for the 1 January public holiday; digital access may continue while settlement follows the banking calendar.
School Impact
The date normally falls in winter vacation, but each education office and institution publishes its academic calendar.
Travel Information
New Year travel is separate from Seollal. Check city countdown controls and the operator’s 1 January timetable rather than assuming a lunar-new-year shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year's Day in South Korea?
It is fixed on 1 January.
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.