North Korea Public Holidays
North Korea Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in North Korea? All public holidays in North Korea are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the North Korea employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to North Korea and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day in North Korea is celebrated on January 1st, marking the start of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the most significant holidays in the country and is celebrated with official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural performances. The day is a symbol of unity and renewal, reflecting the country’s determination to achieve its goals for the year ahead.
North Korea’s New Year’s celebrations are often marked by state-organized events, including speeches from government officials, the performance of traditional music and dance, and public gatherings. The government typically uses this holiday to highlight the achievements of the past year and set the tone for future progress. For many North Koreans, New Year’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the country’s success under the leadership of the ruling regime, especially the Kim family.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, and businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of North Korea.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, except for essential services.
Kim Jong Il’s Birthday (February 16)
Description
Kim Jong Il’s Birthday, also known as the “Day of the Shining Star,” is celebrated on February 16th in honor of the birth of Kim Jong Il, the second leader of North Korea. This holiday is of immense significance to the country, as Kim Jong Il is considered a key figure in the history of North Korea’s development. His leadership is remembered with great respect, and his contributions to the country’s ideology, military, and political strength are often highlighted during the celebrations.
On this day, the country observes ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances that emphasize the achievements of the Kim family. The public may participate in events that showcase loyalty to the leadership, including offerings of flowers at statues of Kim Jong Il. It is a day of national pride, and the government uses it to promote the image of unity and strength under the leadership of the Kim family.
Duration
Kim Jong Il’s Birthday is a one-day holiday, and businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of North Korea.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
The Day of the Sun (April 15)
Description
The Day of the Sun, celebrated on April 15th, is the most important public holiday in North Korea. It honors the birth of Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea and the grandfather of the current leader, Kim Jong Un. This day is celebrated with grand displays of loyalty to Kim Il-sung and the Kim dynasty. The Day of the Sun represents the country’s reverence for the founding father and the enduring strength of the nation’s ideology, Juche, which emphasizes self-reliance and independence.
On this day, there are massive public events, including military parades, performances, and speeches. Citizens participate in activities that demonstrate their loyalty to the leadership, such as visits to statues of Kim Il-sung, public celebrations, and displays of the national flag. The government organizes large-scale festivities to celebrate the legacy of Kim Il-sung and reinforce the country’s national unity.
Duration
The Day of the Sun is a one-day holiday, with government offices, businesses, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of North Korea.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a day to honor the working class and their contributions to society. While Labour Day is observed around the world, in North Korea, it holds a particular significance as it is closely linked to the country’s socialist ideology. On this day, the government organizes large parades and public gatherings to celebrate the achievements of the working people, with a focus on national unity and progress under the guidance of the ruling Kim family.
Labour Day in North Korea is marked by speeches from government officials, military displays, and performances that showcase the strength of the country’s workforce. The holiday serves to reinforce the government’s narrative of workers’ unity in the effort to achieve the nation’s goals. It also promotes the image of a prosperous and self-sufficient country, with citizens encouraged to demonstrate their loyalty through public displays of support.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day holiday, and businesses, government offices, and schools are closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of North Korea.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
National Foundation Day (September 9)
Description
National Foundation Day, observed on September 9th, commemorates the establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) in 1948. The holiday is a celebration of the country’s founding, following the end of Japanese colonial rule and the subsequent division of Korea. This day honors the achievements of Kim Il-sung and the formation of the North Korean state, with a focus on national pride and sovereignty.
On National Foundation Day, the government holds official ceremonies and celebrations, including military parades, cultural performances, and speeches by key figures. Citizens participate in events that emphasize loyalty to the country’s leadership and the ongoing struggle for self-reliance. The holiday reinforces the importance of national unity and the success of the nation under the leadership of the Kim family.
Duration
National Foundation Day is a one-day holiday, and businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of North Korea.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Chuseok (Variable Date, September or October)
Description
Chuseok, also known as Korean Harvest Festival, is a major traditional holiday that is celebrated in both North and South Korea, typically in September or October. It is a time to honor the ancestors and celebrate the harvest. In North Korea, Chuseok is celebrated with traditional rituals, including ceremonies to honor deceased family members, as well as communal gatherings where people enjoy food, music, and dances.
The holiday is a significant cultural event, with many families traveling to their hometowns to pay respects at the graves of their ancestors. People also prepare traditional dishes such as songpyeon (rice cakes) and participate in folk games and activities. While the holiday has cultural significance, the government uses it as an opportunity to promote the ideology of self-reliance and national unity.
Duration
Chuseok is a one-day holiday, though celebrations may last for several days in some regions.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of North Korea.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is traditionally a Christian holiday. However, in North Korea, Christmas is not widely observed, as the country is officially atheist and adheres to the Juche ideology. While it is not a major holiday, it is still acknowledged by the state, and some families who have contact with the outside world may celebrate it privately.
The government does not officially celebrate Christmas, and there are no large public events or national celebrations to mark the day. However, some Christians in North Korea, who practice their faith in secret, may observe the holiday in private settings.
Duration
Christmas Day is not a public holiday in North Korea, and most businesses, government offices, and schools remain open.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily those who are not involved in Christian observance.
- Government Employees: Regular working day.
- Private Sector: Most businesses remain open, except for some private businesses that may close.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in North Korea
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Kim Jong Il’s Birthday | February 16 | 1 day | General Public |
| The Day of the Sun | April 15 | 1 day | General Public |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| National Foundation Day | September 9 | 1 day | General Public |
| Chuseok | Variable (September/October) | 1 day | General Public |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 0 days | Not widely observed |
