Constitution Day, restored as a public holiday after 18 years, is expected to have a significant impact on employees' summer vacation plans. This year, Constitution Day falls on Friday, July 17, making up to nine consecutive days of rest possible depending on how annual leave is utilized, raising expectations for a 'golden vacation season.'

Restored as a Legal Public Holiday After 18 Years

The government recently passed an amendment to the 'Act on Public Holidays' designating Constitution Day as a public holiday at a Cabinet meeting. Constitution Day, designated as a public holiday in 1949, was excluded in 2008, but with this amendment, it regained its legal holiday status after 18 years. As a result, all five national holidays of the Republic of Korea will now be operated as public holidays.

Up to 9-Day Long Holiday with Annual Leave

Since Constitution Day falls on a Friday this year, people can enjoy a three-day holiday weekend including Saturday and Sunday without taking any annual leave. By combining annual leave before or after, longer vacation schedules can be created.

• Using annual leave before Constitution Day: Taking four days of leave from July 13 to 16 allows for nine consecutive days off from Saturday, July 11 to Sunday, July 19.
• Using annual leave after Constitution Day: Taking four days of leave from July 20 to 23 enables a long vacation from July 17 to 26.

Impact on the Travel Industry and Corporate Vacation Culture

The travel industry expects the restoration of Constitution Day as a public holiday to have a positive effect on expanding both domestic and international travel demand. As the holiday period forms just before the peak summer season, demand for flight tickets and accommodation reservations is likely to increase.

Changes are also anticipated in corporate vacation culture. Recently, the trend of combining short holiday weekends with annual leave for extended vacations has been spreading, and analysts suggest that the restoration of Constitution Day as a public holiday could further strengthen this trend.

However, some companies and institutions may restrict the use of annual leave depending on work schedules, so employees should verify their work schedules and vacation policies in advance when planning their time off.

What is Constitution Day?

Constitution Day is a national holiday commemorating July 17, 1948, the date the Constitution of the Republic of Korea was promulgated. With this redesignation as a public holiday, it becomes a day off again after 18 years since 2008, and all five national holidays of the Republic of Korea will be operated as public holidays.

[This article was written with the assistance of AI. Detailed standards may vary according to relevant laws and guidelines, so be sure to consult official sources.]