National Assembly Election Day

📣 Traveler notes

South Korea is an affluent East Asian nation that blends modern technology, deep history, and vibrant culture (including K-pop). Despite modern life, historical sites preserving ancient traditions are readily available.

• Major holidays (e.g., Lunar New Year, Chuseok) cause significant migration, filling all transportation links. Plan accordingly.
• Banks and government offices are generally closed on most public holidays, though services remain less impacted.
• January 1 (New Year's Day) and Seollal (Lunar New Year) are major family holidays with extended closures.
• March 1 (Independence Movement Day) commemorates the 1919 resistance against Japanese colonial rule.
• When dining, metal chopsticks and spoons are standard. Use chopsticks for shared dishes, and spoons for rice and soup. General etiquette includes: do not stick utensils upright in rice; wait for the eldest diner to begin eating; do not lift plates off the table; and maintain moderate noise levels with utensils.