South Korea School Holidays 2026
Looking for South Korea school holidays 2026? You'll find the complete 2026 school calendar for South Korea, South Korea right here — including all term dates, school holiday periods, public holidays, and important academic dates. Our data is sourced from Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education and covers 2 terms and 2 school breaks. Whether you're planning family travel during the school holidays, booking vacation care, or need to know when the 2026 school year starts and ends, this comprehensive South Korea school holiday calendar has everything you need.
Officially published, but dates may vary by sub-region or individual school. Confirm with your local school. Last verified: Jul 29, 2026.
Winter Break (겨울방학)
Dec 24 – Feb 28, 2027
South Korea Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester (1학기) | 136 days | Spring semester. Start of 2026 academic year. | ||
| Second Semester (2학기) | 134 days | Fall semester. |
South Korea School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Break (여름방학) | 30 days | Summer vacation. Exact dates vary by school and region. | ||
| Winter Break (겨울방학) | 67 days | Winter vacation and end-of-year break. Exact dates vary. |
South Korea Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence Movement Day (삼일절) | 1 days | — | ||
| Children's Day (어린이날) | 1 days | — | ||
| Buddha's Birthday (석가탄신일) | 1 days | — | ||
| Memorial Day (현충일) | 1 days | — | ||
| Liberation Day (광복절) | 1 days | — | ||
| Chuseok (추석) | 3 days | Korean Thanksgiving (3 days). | ||
| National Foundation Day (개천절) | 1 days | — | ||
| Hangeul Day (한글날) | 1 days | — | ||
| Christmas Day (성탄절) | 1 days | — | ||
| New Year's Day (새해) | 1 days | — | ||
| Lunar New Year (설날) | 3 days | 3-day Seollal holiday. |
South Korea School 2026 Calendar — Month by Month
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
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Detailed 2026 South Korea School Year Information
First Semester (1학기)
Mon, Mar 2, 2026 – Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Spring semester. Start of 2026 academic year.
Second Semester (2학기)
Thu, Aug 20, 2026 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026
Fall semester.
South Korea School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These South Korea school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education. South Korea does not have a single national school start date. Each metropolitan/provincial office of education (시도교육청) sets dates. The dates below represent typical Korean school calendar structure for the 2026 academic year (2026학년도). Korea's academic year starts in March. Always confirm with your local school.
Planning Tips for 2026 South Korea School Holidays
🏛️ Offices of education set the year
Each metropolitan/provincial office of education (시도교육청) publishes its own calendar for the March-start academic year — Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi dates can differ slightly.
🌞 Two long breaks bracket the year
Summer vacation runs mid-July to mid/late August; winter vacation spans December to early February with a short spring semester session in between.
📚 Exam seasons quieten everything
The national suneung college entrance exam (mid-November) stills the whole country — even flights reroute around listening-test hours. School trips cluster after it.
🧧 Lunar New Year and Chuseok move yearly
Seollal and Chuseok are 3-day lunar-calendar holidays that shift each year and often attach to regular breaks — check the year's calendar before planning.
Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Officially published, but dates may vary by sub-region or individual school. Confirm with your local school. Last verified: Jul 29, 2026.
Note: South Korea does not have a single national school start date. Each metropolitan/provincial office of education (시도교육청) sets dates. The dates below represent typical Korean school calendar structure for the 2026 academic year (2026학년도). Korea's academic year starts in March. Always confirm with your local school.
South Korea School Holidays 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
How many school holidays are there in 2026?
Most school systems have 4-6 major holiday periods throughout the year, typically including a long summer break, a winter/Christmas break, and shorter mid-term breaks in spring and autumn. The exact number depends on your country and region.
What is the longest school holiday?
The summer holiday is typically the longest school break worldwide. In Australia, it lasts about 5-6 weeks (December-January). In the UK, the summer break is approximately 6 weeks (July-August). In the US, summer break is the longest at 10-12 weeks (June-August). In Singapore, the year-end holidays last about 6 weeks.
Are school holidays the same across all states or regions?
No. School holiday dates vary by state, region, and sometimes even by individual school district or local council. While neighbouring areas often have similar schedules, you should always check the specific dates for your local area.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Rules vary by country. In the UK, taking children out of school during term time without authorization can result in fines. In Australia, it is generally discouraged but policies vary by state. In the US, policies are set by individual school districts. Always check with your school before planning term-time absences.
Do private schools have different holiday dates?
Yes, private and independent schools often set their own term dates, which may differ from government/public schools. However, most private schools follow similar schedules to nearby public schools, with minor variations. Check directly with your school for exact dates.
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