Memorial Day in South Korea
South Korea observes Memorial Day, or Hyeonchungil, on June 6 to honor those who gave their lives for the country. The day combines a nationwide moment of silence with memorial ceremonies at the National Cemetery in Seoul and local sites across the country.[1][3][4]
A public holiday on June 6
South Korea’s rules for government office holidays list Memorial Day on June 6. The rule does not provide a substitute day when Memorial Day falls on a weekend; its substitute-holiday provisions name other holidays instead.[1]
Government offices and banks close on official public holidays, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. For employees in covered workplaces, the Labor Standards Act requires paid holidays specified by decree. Employers and a workers’ representative may agree in writing to move the holiday to another working day.[2][5]
Who the day remembers
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs describes the day as recognizing the sacrifice and contribution of liberation patriots and veterans. The National Archives explains that it honors people who gave their lives in the recovery of national sovereignty and in defending the country.[3][4]
Memorial Day was established in 1956. The National Archives notes that people had held occasional joint memorial services from 1951, before the government designated June 6 as the observance. The date was associated with the traditional seasonal marker Mangjong and remembrance customs, as well as the losses of the Korean War.[4]
Ceremonies and observances
At 10 a.m., a siren sounds and people across the country observe a minute of silence. The National Archives describes the central ceremony as beginning at 9:55 a.m. and including a national salute, flower offerings and incense, memorial remarks, a commemorative performance and a memorial song.[4]
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs says ceremonies take place at the National Cemetery and local memorial monuments. The Korea Tourism Organization identifies the National Cemetery in Seoul as the site of the largest ceremony. Local ceremonies take place at sites such as memorial towers, with details shaped by local practice.[3][4][5]
The government and households display the national flag at half-mast on Memorial Day.[6]
What visitors can expect
Government offices and banks are closed, while palaces, museums, department stores and amusement facilities generally remain open on Korean public holidays, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Individual venues may set their own hours, so visitors should check before travelling.[5]
Memorial ceremonies are held in multiple locations, including Seoul and local memorial sites. Check local traffic and public transport information before you travel.[3][4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Memorial Day in South Korea?
It is observed every year on June 6.[1]
Is Memorial Day a public holiday?
Is there a substitute day if June 6 falls on a weekend?
The substitute-holiday rules do not include Memorial Day among the holidays that receive a substitute day when they overlap with a weekend.[1]
What happens at 10 a.m.?
A siren sounds and people observe a nationwide minute of silence in remembrance.[4]
What is open on Memorial Day?
Government offices and banks close on official public holidays. Palaces, museums, department stores and amusement facilities generally remain open, but check individual opening hours.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Memorial Day in South Korea:
- 관공서의 공휴일에 관한 규정- Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, National Law Information Center
- 근로기준법- Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, National Law Information Center
- Korean Memorial Days- Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
- 현충일 추념식행사- National Archives of Korea
- Public Holidays- Korea Tourism Organization
- 현충일은 왜 6월 6일일까?- Korea Policy Briefing