Chuseok Holiday: October 10 Temporary Public Holiday Effectively Off the Table

Ruling Party: "No Plans to Request Designation"

Calendar image. Pixabay

Han Jeoungae, the Policy Committee Chair of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated at a press conference held on September 14 that there are no plans to request the government to designate October 10 as a temporary public holiday in connection with the Chuseok holiday period.

This year, Chuseok falls on Monday, October 6, and since the first day is Sunday the 5th, Wednesday the 8th has been designated as a substitute holiday. As a result, a seven-day holiday period is guaranteed from National Foundation Day on October 3 to Hangul Day on October 9, including the weekends.

If October 10 were designated as a temporary public holiday, the break would extend through the weekend, allowing for up to ten consecutive days off. However, with the government stating that it has "not considered" the matter and the Democratic Party also clarifying that it has no plans to make such a request, the designation of a temporary public holiday appears to be effectively off the table.

Instead, the Democratic Party focused on discussing measures for price stabilization and resolving delayed wage payments at the 'Chuseok Livelihood Stabilization Measures' party-government meeting held on September 15. Han, the Policy Committee Chair, said, "The most pressing concern ahead of the holiday is the issue of delayed wage payments," adding, "I hope we can address this so that people can enjoy the holiday season."