October Holidays 2026 in Korea: Oct 3, Oct 5 & Oct 9

South Korea’s October 2026 public holidays: National Foundation Day falls on Sat Oct 3, so Mon Oct 5 is the official substitute day off, and Hangeul Day is Fri Oct 9. That makes two separate three-day weekends — Oct 3–5 and Oct 9–11 — not one long break. Banks and government offices close on those days; palaces, museums, department stores and most tourist sites generally stay open, but check each venue’s hours.

Not Chuseok — start here

Korea’s early–mid October 2026 holidays are two shorter public-holiday windows, not another Chuseok-scale hometown migration.

Do not reuse Chuseok packing advice wholesale. Expect lighter nationwide exodus than late September, with the usual public-holiday pattern: banks and government offices closed, while many tourist sites, department stores, and amusement facilities stay open (Visit Korea FAQ — always verify the venue). Intercity trains and buses can still get busy around long weekends — book early, but you usually do not need a Chuseok-level “stay put or miss KTX” mindset.

If you just finished Chuseok travel, treat this page as the next calendar bridge, not a sequel with the same crowds.

What these holidays are (short version)

National Foundation Day (개천절, Gaecheonjeol) commemorates the legendary founding of the Korean nation. Visit Korea notes simple ceremonies at a few historic sites (for example Chamseongdan on Ganghwado and related Dangun shrines). Treat those as