National Foundation Day
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
South Korea celebrates National Foundation Day every 3 October to look back to the founding of the Korean kingdom of Gojoseon in ancient times. This powerful kingdom is traditionally believed to have been founded by one Tangun, the son of a heavenly king and a bear that transformed itself into a woman. In 2026, National Foundation Day falls on Saturday 3 October. The holiday will be on Sunday 3 October in 2027. The capital of the kingdom of Gojoseon was Asadel. It is believed the kingdom was set up around 2300 B.C. Many centuries later, Joseon was founded, which was a kind of successor state. The “go” of Go-joseon means “ancient”. For a long time, this holiday was an unofficial harvest festival, and it was observed in accord with the Korean lunar calendar. However, it became a national holiday in 1909 and was dated on 3 October from 1949 onwards. The main event of National Foundation Day is a special ceremony held at Tangun’s mausoleum. In general, it is a patriotic holiday and a welcome day off for Korean workers.
History
BCFoundation of Japan. Emperor Jimmu, a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have founded Japan in 660 BC, marking the beginning of the Japanese imperial line This observance marks an important moment in history, remembered annually for its cultural and historical significance.
How It's Celebrated
Celebrate by learning more about the occasion, sharing on social media with relevant hashtags, participating in community events, or taking small personal actions that align with the day's theme.