As Liberation Day in 2026 falls on a Saturday, an alternative holiday will be applied. Accordingly, August 17 (Monday), the first weekday after Liberation Day, has been designated as an alternative holiday, allowing citizens to enjoy a three-day long weekend from August 15 to 17.

3-Day Long Weekend Confirmed... What Is the Alternative Holiday System? Based on the 2026 calendar, National Liberation Day of Korea (August 15), one of South Korea's major national holidays, falls on a Saturday. Under the current alternative holiday system, if a statutory public holiday overlaps with a day off such as Saturday or Sunday, the following first non-holiday is designated as an alternative public holiday. With this designation, a total three-day long weekend including Saturday and Sunday has been created.

The alternative holiday system is operated to guarantee citizens' right to rest and promote domestic consumption, and it applies to holidays such as Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day), Children's Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangeul Day.

Historical Significance of Liberation Day Liberation Day marks August 15, 1945, when Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule. It is also a national commemorative day that celebrates the founding of the Republic of Korea in 1948, and various commemorative ceremonies and cultural events are held across the country every year.

Special Travel and Consumption Boom Expected Ahead of Summer Vacation Season This three-day long weekend is expected to significantly increase public mobility as it coincides with the summer vacation season.

According to the travel industry, reservation demand for domestic tourist destinations such as hotels, resorts, and campgrounds is expected to surge, and the number of public transportation users via airlines, railways, and express buses is also projected to increase significantly compared to usual. In particular, as a culture emphasizing work-life balance has spread recently, demand from office workers planning short-distance overseas trips, domestic travel, or family gatherings without using separate paid leave is steadily increasing.

The retail industry is also preparing large-scale discount promotions and events targeting this long weekend. Consumption-boosting events will be held at department stores, large supermarkets, and online shopping malls, which are expected to have a positive impact on expanding domestic consumption.

• *Summary of the 2026 Liberation Day Holiday Schedule**
• August 15 (Sat): Liberation Day
• August 16 (Sun): Weekend
• August 17 (Mon): Liberation Day Alternative Holiday

With August 17 officially designated as a public holiday, many citizens are guaranteed a three-day rest period, and a holiday boom is expected across various sectors including travel, consumption, and cultural activities.

[This article was written with the assistance of AI. This article is based on general information about public holidays and the alternative holiday system. For final matters regarding the operation of public holidays, please refer to official government announcements and relevant laws and regulations.]