North Korea holiday calendar

Public holidays in North Korea 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every North Korea public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
19
Regional dates
0
Observances
0
Substitute dates
0

How public holidays work in North Korea

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our North Korea calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. February and April are the busiest months, with 3 listed dates.

North Korea holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 19 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in North Korea for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayJanuary 1, a nationwide DPRK public holiday marking the opening of the civil year.Public holiday—
Army Foundation DayA February 8 DPRK public holiday commemorating the foundation of the Korean People’s Army in official state history.Public holiday—
Day of the Shining StarFebruary 16, the birth anniversary of Kim Jong Il and a major DPRK public holiday.Public holiday—
SeollalThe Korean lunar new year, a DPRK public holiday that falls on February 17 in 2026.Public holiday—
First Full Moon FestivalA DPRK public holiday for the first full moon of the Korean lunar year; March 3 in 2026.Public holiday—
International Women’s DayMarch 8, a DPRK public holiday linked to the international history of women’s rights and labour.Public holiday—
Chongmyong FestivalA springtime DPRK non-working day associated with seasonal renewal, ancestral graves and remembrance; April 5 in 2026.Public holiday—
Day of the SunApril 15, the birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung and one of the DPRK’s most important state public holidays.Public holiday—
Revolutionary Army Foundation DayApril 25 state holiday marking the DPRK's official 1932 foundation anniversary for the Korean People's Revolutionary Army.Public holiday—
May DayMay 1, the DPRK public holiday for International Workers’ Day and state recognition of labour across the country.Public holiday—
Children’s Union DayJune 6, a DPRK public holiday marking the founding anniversary of the Korean Children’s Union.Public holiday—
Victory DayJuly 27, a DPRK public holiday marking the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement in the state’s official terminology.Public holiday—
Liberation DayAugust 15, a public holiday commemorating Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945.Public holiday—
Day of SongunAugust 25, a DPRK public holiday connected with the state’s military-first political tradition.Public holiday—
National DaySeptember 9, the DPRK national day commemorating the proclamation of the state in 1948.Public holiday—
ChuseokThe Korean harvest festival, a DPRK public holiday falling on September 25 in 2026.Public holiday—
Party Foundation DayOctober 10, a DPRK public holiday marking the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in official state history.Public holiday—
Mother’s DayNovember 16, a DPRK public holiday recognising mothers, family life and the state's prescribed social role for motherhood.Public holiday—
Constitution DayDecember 27, a DPRK public holiday marking the adoption of the Socialist Constitution in 1972.Public holiday—

Sources for North Korea holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.