October 2026 is drawing attention for its 'golden holiday' schedule, which allows for up to nine consecutive days off by taking just three days of annual leave. By filling in the weekdays between public holidays and weekends with annual leave, an extended vacation from October 3 to October 11 can be created.

How the Golden Holiday is Formed

National Foundation Day on October 3, 2026, falls on a Saturday. As a result, the following Monday, October 5, will be designated as an alternative public holiday. That same week, Friday, October 9, is Hangeul Day. Listed in chronological order, three days from October 3 (Sat) to 5 (Mon) and another three days from October 9 (Fri) to 11 (Sun) are already secured as public holidays and weekends. By using annual leave for the three days in between—October 6 (Tue) through 8 (Thu)—the two periods connect, completing a total nine-day vacation from October 3 to 11.

Naver Blog 'Yans World Travel' also introduced that taking annual leave from October 6 to 8 enables a nine-day break spanning October 3 to 11.

Without Annual Leave, the Break Splits into Two Three-Day Periods

Without using annual leave, the holidays are divided into two separate periods. The structure allows for a three-day break from October 3 to 5, and another three-day break from October 9 to 11. Only by filling the three weekdays in between with annual leave can they merge into one long holiday. While National Foundation Day, the alternative holiday, and Hangeul Day are statutory public holidays, October 6 through 8 are regular working days. Therefore, rather than taking the phrase '9-day golden holiday' at face value, it should be understood by distinguishing between public holidays and personal leave.

Book Travel Cautiously

With nine days off, even long-distance travel destinations become viable, generating early interest. However, a surge in bookings for the same dates may affect flight and accommodation prices. It is practical to first confirm whether annual leave can be used before booking transportation and lodging. Furthermore, since actual consecutive time off depends on work schedules and leave approval, employees should check their company's schedule in advance.

[※ Public holidays and alternative holiday dates are applied according to relevant regulations. The use of personal annual leave and actual days off may vary depending on company schedules and approval results, so please confirm in advance. AI assistance was used in part.]