Offices and banks are closed on national holidays, and on some 'special days'. However, amusement parks, department stores museums, palaces, and most restaurants are generally open. That said, almost everything closes on certain holidays such as New Year's Day, January 1st.
New Year’s Day - Friday, January 1, 2010
The first day of the New Year is recognized and celebrated in Korea. Although restaurants may be open, stores, palaces and museums generally are not.
Seolla - Lunar New Year - Saturday - Monday, February 13 - 15, 2010
Lunar New Year’s Day (Seollal) is one of the most important traditional events of the year. Most businesses are closed, and many people take several days off to visit their hometowns to be with family. Given that the holiday is only basicallly a long weekend, there will likely be less travelling abroad than in recent years.
Independence Movement Day - Monday March 1, 2010
This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919, while under Japanese colonization. A reading of the declaration takes place in a special ceremony at Tapgol Park in Seoul, where the document was first read to the public.
Labor Day - Saturday, May 1, 2010
Although Labor Day is not a national holiday, banks and business establishments are closed, and many people take the day off.
Children’s Day - Wednesday, May 5, 2010
On this day, parents dress up their little ones and take them to children’s parks, amusement parks, zoos, or to the cinema for a full day of fun and games.
Parents’ Day - Saturday, May 8, 2010
Sons and daughters show their love and respect for their parents on this day. Parents’ Day is no longer a national holiday. Banks and shops are open for business.
Buddha’s Birthday - Friday, May 21, 2010
The 8th day of the 4th lunar month. Elaborate, solemn rituals are held at many Buddhist temples across the country and lanterns are hung in the temple courtyards. The Sunday before Buddha’s birthday these lanterns are lit and carried in parades in the evening.
Memorial Day -Sunday, June 6, 2010
Memorial Day is set aside to honor the soldiers and civilians who have given their lives for their country. The largest ceremony is held at the National Cemetery in Seoul.
Constitution Day - Saturday, July 17, 2010
Commemorates the proclamation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea that was made on July 17, 1948. This is not a national holiday.
Liberation Day -Sunday, August 15, 2010
This day commemorates Japanese acceptance of the Allies’ terms of surrender and the resulting liberation of Korea in 1945.
Chuseok -Tuesday -Thursday, September 21 - 23, 2010
Chuseok is one of the year’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Chuseok is often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving Day. It’s a celebration of the harvest and thanksgiving for the bounty of the earth. Family members come from all over the country to visit their ancestral homes, although a growing minority are taking advantage of the time to travel.
National Foundation Day -Sunday, October 3, 2010
This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation in 2333 B.C. by the legendary god-king Dangun. A simple ceremony is held at an altar on top of Mt. Manisan, Ganghwado province. The altar is said to have been erected by Dangun to offer thanks to his father and grandfather in heaven.
Hangeul Day - Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hangeul Day, otherwise referred to as Hangeul Proclamation Day or Korean Alphabet Day, is a commemoration held to remember the creation of Hangeul, the country’s native alphabet as proclaimed by the publication of Hunmin Jeongeum on this day in 1446. This is no longer a national holiday.
Christmas is observed as a national holiday in Korea.
This was taken from: http://www.korea4expats.com/events-in-korea-Official-Korean-National-Holidays-in-2010-2538.html
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