Alternative holiday for National Foundation Day

📣 Traveler notes

Known as the 'Land of the Morning Calm,' South Korea is an affluent East Asian destination blending deep cultural traditions with modern technology. It is recognized for its historical sites, its advanced infrastructure, and the global influence of its pop culture (K-pop).

• Major holidays (e.g., Seollal, Chuseok) are large family events that can cause widespread closures and travel to hometowns.
• Public holidays often lead to closures of banks and government offices, requiring advanced trip planning.
• The lunar calendar frequently dictates holiday timing, meaning specific Western dates change yearly.
• Major holidays like New Year's Day (Jan 1) and Lunar New Year (Seollal) may result in multiple days of closure for shops and restaurants.
• Commemorative days include Independence Movement Day (March 1), honoring the 1919 resistance to Japanese colonial rule.
• Traditional meals are common, such as consuming tteokguk (rice cake soup) during Lunar New Year.
• Dining involves metal chopsticks and a spoon, with communal dishes typical, though rice and soup are often served in individual portions. Observe etiquette by waiting for the eldest person to begin eating, avoiding noisily using utensils, and never sticking chopsticks or spoons upright in a dish.