Korean Holidays in May: A Guide to Family Month for Expats

In May, convenience stores and flower shops in Korea are filled with carnations. The streets are bustling with families on outings, and students holding bouquets are a common sight in front of schools. For foreigners experiencing May in Korea for the first time, this might seem a bit unfamiliar.

In Korea, May is known as "Family Month." This is because Children's Day (May 5th), Parents' Day (May 8th), and Teachers' Day (May 15th) all fall within the same month. It's not just a collection of public holidays, but a month filled with a unique culture of celebrating family and relationships.

In this guide, we'll explore the meaning of Korean holidays in May and the unique Family Month culture from an expat's perspective.

Key Korean Holidays in May

Children's Day (May 5th): A Century-Old Tradition

Children's Day is not just a fun day for kids. Established in 1923 during the Japanese colonial period, it was created by the children's rights activist Bang Jeong-hwan and the "Saekdonghoe" group to respect children as independent individuals.

The slogan at the time was "Let's save hope, let's save tomorrow," signifying that children are the future of the nation. Originally celebrated on May 1st (Labor Day), it was moved to May 5th in 1946 after Korea's liberation. It became an official public holiday in 1975.

What Expats Should Know
On Children's Day, amusement parks like Everland and Lotte World see their highest attendance of the year. Outdoor spaces like Hangang Park and Seoul Forest are extremely crowded with families.
Banks, public offices, and some restaurants will be closed, so checking in advance is essential.

If you want a quiet day, a trip to the outskirts of Seoul or hiking is better than staying in the city center. Conversely, if you want to experience Korea's vibrant family culture, a picnic at Hangang Park is a great choice.

📍 Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

⏰ Note: Amusement parks and public parks are heavily crowded; advance reservations are a must.

💡 TIP: Convenience stores and large franchises operate normally, but banks and government offices are closed.

Looking for Seoul hiking trails? Check out the Seoul Hiking 2026 guide!

Parents' Day (May 8th): Korea's Unified Celebration

Parents' Day is not a public holiday, but it is one of the most symbolic Korean holidays in May. On this day, children pin carnations on their parents to express their gratitude.

The most interesting part is that, unlike many other countries, Korea doesn't separate Mother's Day and Father's Day. Instead, they are combined into "Parents' Day" to thank both parents simultaneously. This reflects a culture that views the family as one cohesive unit. This is a defining characteristic that sets Korean holidays in May apart from those in other countries.

This tradition of giving carnations is a blend of the American Mother's Day tradition and Korea's traditional Hyo (filial piety) culture. By early May, carnations are easily found everywhere—in convenience stores, supermarkets, and flower shops. However, you must be careful with colors. Red carnations are for living parents, while white carnations are strictly used to honor those who have passed away.

Knowing this cultural background, if a Korean friend says, "I'm going to give my parents carnations today,"
you'll completely understand the context and can naturally continue the conversation.

📍 Date: Friday, May 8, 2026

⏰ Note: Popular restaurants get fully booked quickly for family dinners, so reservations are essential.
Never give white carnations to a living person!

💡 TIP: If you are staying in Korea alone, try giving a small red carnation to an older Korean person you are grateful to (like a professor or your landlord). You'll be remembered as a thoughtful expat who perfectly understands Korean culture.

Teachers' Day (May 15th): Expressing Gratitude

Teachers' Day was created to commemorate the birthday of King Sejong the Great (May 15th) and is a day for students to express their gratitude to their teachers. Giving carnations, handwritten letters, or small gifts is common.

However, there is an important point for expats to know. Due to the issue of chonji, many schools or institutions strictly limit or entirely ban gifts. Gifts with monetary value can actually be a burden.

✅ What is Chonji?

This refers to the past practice of parents or students secretly giving money or valuable gifts to teachers.
It is now strictly prohibited under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, and most schools do not allow gifts with any monetary value.

📍 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026

⏰ Note: It might be a discretionary holiday with no classes, so check the school's academic calendar in advance.

💡 TIP: A simple thank-you greeting, a card, or a single carnation is the most natural and appropriate way to express gratitude.

Practical Tips for Korean Holidays in May

May Survival Guide for Expats

In May, the operating hours of convenient facilities can change significantly. If you are an expat living or traveling in Korea, it's good to know the following in advance to navigate Korean holidays in May smoothly.

What's Closed (Check before you go!)

Banks and Government Offices: All banks, post offices, and government offices, including the Immigration Office, are closed on public holidays. You must handle financial or administrative tasks, like currency exchange or visa extensions, before the holiday.
Private Clinics and Small Shops: Local clinics and independent restaurants often close.

💡 TIP: We highly recommend checking operating hours in advance using the 'Naver Map' or 'KakaoMap' apps before visiting.

What's Open (No need to worry!)

Convenience Stores & Large Franchises
24-hour convenience stores (CU, GS25, etc.) and large franchise cafes and restaurants operate normally on holidays.

Supermarkets & Department Stores
They generally operate normally.

💡 TIP: Keep in mind that large supermarkets have a mandatory closing day twice a month on Sundays, depending on the region. For official details, refer to

Book Long-Distance Travel in Advance!

During long weekends where a public holiday connects to the weekend, travel demand among Koreans explodes. 
KTX (trains), express buses, and domestic flights sell out much faster than usual.

💡 TIP: If you plan to travel long distances to regions like Busan or Jeju Island, it's safest to book at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

May in Korea is more than just beautiful spring weather. With the century-old Children's Day, the globally rare Parents' Day, and the gratitude-filled Teachers' Day, knowing about Korean holidays in May will help you understand the streets and culture of Korea much more deeply.

Enjoy exploring the unique spirit of Korean holidays in May!