Hello! We'll tell you about Korean special events and national holidays. A lot of events are traditional and based on the lunar calendar. Please enjoy reading this page. Thank you.

Korean Traditional Celebrations

Korean holidays are times for celebrations with the extended family.  Holidays include wearing traditional costumes, conducting memorial ceremonies to remember ancestors, eating special foods, and playing traditional games.  The tree major festivals are New Year's, Tano, and Chusok.

　

New Year's Day --- First day of the first lunar month of the year
One of the important festivals of the year occurs when plum blossoms bloom and snowflakes whirl in the air.  The family is dressed in traditional clothes early in the day.  The memorial ceremony is held in the home and it is a major serious observance for the year.  The younger members of the family show respect to their parents and grandparents by bowing to them and giving them wishes for the new year.  They may say, "I hope you live a long and healthy life," or "I hope you have many blessings in the new year."  Family members visit neighbors to offer greetings.  Children receive money gifts from their elders.  Special food at the feast is rice cake soup (ttokkuk).  The family plays traditional games such as yutnori and see-sawing.  Flying kites is a favorite activity during this month. 

Harvest Moon (Chusok) --- Fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month of the Lunar year 
Harvest Moon, the Korean Thanksgiving, is a major festival.  The special feast is cooked with newly harvested grains.  Rice cakes, taro soup, and fresh fruits are part of the menu.  Families have a memorial ceremony for their ancestors at the family grave site, usually in the mountains.  Festivities include visiting relatives and viewing the full moon in the evening.  The women perform the traditional Circle Dance, while men perform the Farmer's Dance.
 
Tano --- Fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the lunar year --- early June
The full moon night is celebrated.  New summer food is offered for the ancestors at the family shrine.  The family is dressed in new clothes.  Men take part in wrestling.  Years ago, the winner was given a bull for a prize.  Women take part in a swinging competition.  The winner receives a gold ring.
Other Celebrations in Korea
Arbor Day --- April 5
Government officials, teachers, and children throughout Korea plant trees on this day as part of the government's reforestation.   Arbor day in the U.S. is usually between late April and early May, the specific date determined by each state.  

Children's Day --- May 5
On this day, excited and colorfully dressed children enjoy playing in the parks with their parents.  Special programs are held in children's centers, recreation centers which were begun in the 1970's.  Children also receive gifts.

Memorial Day --- June 6
People praise and admire the soldiers who defended Korea in the wars.
Memorial services are held at the National Cemetery in Seoul and in all national
cemeteries in the country.

Constitution Day --- July 7
The adoption of the constitution of the Republic of Korea in 1948 is commemorated on this date.
National Foundation Day --- October 7
The traditional founding of Korean nations by Tan-gun in 2333 B.C., during the Choson Dynasty, is celebrated.
Korean Alphabet Day --- October 9
This is the celebration of the anniversary of the alphabet (han-gul) by the Choson Dynasty in 1448.  They written alphabet was created by decree of the king.
Christmas Day --- December 25
This day is celebrated in a way similar to Christmas in Western countries.