Memorial Day

📣 Traveler notes

South Korea (ROK) is an affluent East Asian nation known for blending advanced technology with tradition. It is internationally recognized for its history and pop culture (K-pop).

• Major traditional holidays (Lunar New Year and Chuseok) cause massive domestic travel, leading to packed transport and limited services.
• Most banks and government offices are closed on non-major holidays, but general activity levels are maintained.
• Lunar New Year (Seollal) typically lasts three days, causing many shops and restaurants to close.
• Key observed holidays include January 1 (New Year's Day) and March 1 (Independence Movement Day).
• Holiday dates are often based on the lunar calendar and change yearly relative to the Gregorian calendar.
• Use metal chopsticks (젓가락) and spoons (숟가락), which are standard in restaurants. Dining often involves communal, family-style sharing. When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice or dishes, and wait for the eldest person to start eating.