2019 Official Korean Holidays

New Year's Day (January 1)

As in other countries, the first day of the New Year is celebrated. Many Koreans visit the coast or the mountains to watch the first sunrise of the year.

Seollal (February 4-6)

Lunar New Year’s Day (Seollal) is one of the most important traditional holidays of the year; the holiday is much more significant than January 1st. Most businesses are closed, and people take several days off from work to visit their hometown to be with their family. On the day of Seollal, everyone gets up early, puts on their best clothes, and bows to their elders as a reaffirmation of family ties. Feasts are held with specially prepared food such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) and mandu guk (dumpling soup). Korean families enjoy spending time together by playing traditional games such as yutnori (traditional Korean board games), flying kites, or spinning tops.

Independence Movement Day (March 1)

This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919, while under Japanese colonization.

Children's Day (May 5, substitute holiday May 6)

This day celebrates children and their parents' hopes for them to grow healthy and become good citizens. On this day, parents take their little ones to children's parks, amusement parks, zoos, or to the cinema for a full day of fun and games.

Buddha's Birthday (May 12)

Falling on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, elaborate and solemn rituals are held at many Buddhist temples across the country and lanterns are hung along streets leading to the temples.

Memorial Day (June 6)

Memorial Day serves to honor the soldiers and civilians who have given their lives for their country. While memorial services are held nationwide, the largest ceremony takes place at the National Cemetery in Seoul.

Liberation Day (August 15)

This day commemorates Japan's acceptance of the Allies' terms of surrender in 1945 and the following liberation of Korea.

 

Chuseok (September 12-14)

Chuseok is one of the year’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Chuseok is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving Day. It’s a celebration of another successful harvest year. Family members come from all over the country for memorial rituals, called charye, at the graves of their ancestors.

National Foundation Day (October 3)

This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation by the legendary god-king Dangun. A simple ceremony is held at several regions throughout Korea, namely at Chamseongdan Altar on top of Manisan Mountain on Ganghwado Island; Dangunjeon Shrine in Gokseong, Taebaeksan Mountain, and Jeungpyeong, and at Dangunseongjeon Shrine in Seoul.

Hangeul Day (October 9)

Hangeul Day is a commemoration held to remember the creation of Hangeul, the country's native alphabet as proclaimed by the publication of Hunminjeongeum on this day in 1446.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas is observed as a national holiday in Korea as in many other countries. To celebrate the festive season, Christmas trees a

The cover letter doesn't need to say anything specific. It's more for the immigration office people to look at. They want to know why you want to to to Korea.

The Korean Immigration donesn't request to get vaccinations to foriegn teachers coming to Korea. but tf you need, you can get some vaccinations in the US.

The school will be air conditioned. The housing usually isn't unless someone who lived there before you installed one. You can buy one to put on your wall for $100 if it's something you cannot live without :)

 I would not bring it! You will find many cheap bikes on craigslist from former teachers leaving Korea. I bought one for $60 when I got there and had no problem selling it when I left. Koreans are also very active so if you're looking for something nicer, there are bike shops on every corner. I wouldn't spend the money to ship it out when so many are available over there.

No, you will have no problem getting access to these websites.

School have internet access and you will have to pay for it at your apartment. I paid 20/month for internet and phone.

 Yes :)

The schools in Korea are business casual. I wore slacks most days of the week and jeans on Friday. There are a few occasions where you will need to dress your best, such as graduation and open class.

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  At all times during the term of this contract, teachers must maintain a clean and neat appearance. While suits and ties are not mandatory, a professional appearance is desirable. (No sleeveless shirts, shorts, holes in clothing, visible piercing(s), visible tattoo, etc.)

List of Korean National Holidays for 2009

Koreans officially follow the Gregorian calendar, though some holidays are based on the lunar(Chinese) calendar. During the official holidays, offices and banks are closed but palaces, museums, most restaurants, department stores, and amusement facilities are open. Seollal and Chuseok are most important traditional holidays for Koreans. Millions of people visit their hometowns to celebrate with their families during these periods. On Seollal, Koreans hold a memorial service for their ancestors and perform sebae, a formal bow of respect to their elders as a New Year’s greeting.

Official Holidays
New Year’s Day (January 1, Every Year)
The first day of the New Year is recognized and celebrated.

Seollal (January 25 - 27, 2009)
Lunar New Year’s Day (Seollal) is one of the most important traditional events of the year, still much more significant than January 1st. Most businesses are closed, and people take several days off to visit their hometowns to be with family. Members of the family get up early, put on their best clothes, and everyone bows to their elders as a reaffirmation of family ties. Feasts are held with specially prepared food such as ttokguk and manduguk. People play traditional games or fly kites, and spin tops.

Independence Movement Day (March 1, 2009)
This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919, while under Japanese colonization. A reading of the declaration takes place in a special ceremony at Tapgol Park in Seoul, where the document was first read to the public.

Buddha’s Birthday (May 2, 2009)
The 8th day of the 4th lunar month. Elaborate, solemn rituals are held at many Buddhist temples across the country and lanterns are hung in the temple courtyards. The Sunday before Buddha’s birthday these lanterns are lit and carried in parades in the evening.

Children’s Day (May 5, 2009)
On this day, parents dress up the little ones and take them to children’s parks, amusement parks, zoos, or to the cinema for a full day of fun and games.

Memorial Day (June 6, 2009)
Memorial Day is set aside to honor the soldiers and civilians who have given their lives for their country. The largest ceremony is held at the National Cemetery in Seoul.

Liberation Day (August 15, 2009)
This day commemorates Japanese acceptance of the Allies’ terms of surrender and the resulting liberation of Korea in 1945.

Chuseok (October 2 - 4, 2009)
Chuseok is one of the year’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Chuseok is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving Day. It’s a celebration of the harvest and a thanksgiving for the bounty of the earth. Family members come from all parts of the country to visit their ancestral homes.

National Foundation Day (October 3, 2008)
This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation in 2333 B.C. by the legendary god-king Dangun. A simple ceremony is held at an altar on top of Mt. Manisan, Ganghwado province. The altar is said to have been erected by Dangun to offer thanks to his father and grandfather in heaven.

Christmas (December 25, 2008)
Christmas is observed as a national holiday in Korea as in many other countries.

Special Days
Labor Day (May 1)
Although Labor Day is not a national holiday, banks and business establishments are closed, and many people enjoy a day off.

Parents’ Day (May 8)
Sons and daughters show their love and respect for their parents on this day.