Skip to main content
HolidayList
📅 holiday

National Foundation Day Holiday

Saturday, October 3, 2026

— days to go

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

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. Many centuries later, Joseon was founded, which was a kind of successor state. However, it became a national holiday in 1909 and was dated on 3 October from 1949 onwards. The main event of Nationa

How It's Celebrated

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 wom

Other Years

2026 Sat
3 Oct
2027 Sun
3 Oct
2028 Tue
3 Oct
2025 Fri
3 Oct
2024 Thu
3 Oct

Countries

🇰🇷 KR

You Might Also Like

View all →
🌍 observance Apr 3

Fan Dance Day

Origin of Fan Dancing. Fan dancing originated in South Korea and started to be practiced as a traditional dance form, often performed during celebrations and ceremonies

KR
🌍 observance Jul 27

National Korean War Veterans Armistice

War Starts. The Korean War officially began on June 25, after North Korea invaded South Korea

NOKR
🌍 observance Oct 9

South Korea Hangul Day

King Sejong the Great officially introduced Hangul to replace the complex Classical Chinese script previously used in Korea

KRUS
📅 holiday Nov 30

St Andrew's Day

Saint Andrew’s Day is celebrated every 30 November in Scotland. The day celebrates the Feast of Saint Andrew and is also considered Scotland’s National Day. In 2026, Saint Andrew's Day falls on Monday 30 November. The holiday will be on Tuesday 30 November in 2027. *Please refer to this note for Scotland-specific information. This patron saint day was declared a bank holiday in 2006 by the Scottish Parliament although banks are not required to close if they do not wish to. If 30 November occurs on a weekend, the bank holiday is moved to the following Monday. Saint Andrew is notable in that he was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and was also the brother of Saint Peter. Before following Jesus, Andrew was a fisherman. He was born at Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. The main colour you will see in Scotland on Saint Andrew’s Day is the white diagonal cross on blue background of the Scottish flag – the Saltire. This is the Saint Andrew’s cross, and represents the shape of the cross on which Saint Andrew was said to have been crucified. The history of the Scottish link to Saint Andrew goes back as far as 832AD when Óengus II promised God that if the Scots and Picts were victorious in battle against the Angles he would make Saint Andrew the patron saint of Scotland. And they were. Saint Andrew’s Day’s amazing menus include cullen skink (haddock and potato soup), highland venison casseroles, potted hough (shin) with mustard sauce and Scottish tablet (a very sweet treat). Events around Scotland include flag ceremonies, the Shindig in George Square of Glasgow that features live music, and local celebrations in the town of Saint Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. There is also free entry to many of Scotland’s castles and attractions on the day. Scotland has a free Saint Andrew’s Day app available for iPhone and Android with Scottish and worldwide events, menu ideas and much more.

GB