Children’s Day 2024, 2025 and 2026
Children’s Day is a national public holiday in South Korea that is observed every year on 5 May. It reflects the high value that families in Korea place on children and the fact that they are the future leaders of the country.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 May | Sun | Children's Day |
| 2025 | 5 May | Mon | Children's Day |
| 2026 | 5 May | Tue | Children's Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
Children’s Day was introduced to Korea in 1923 by one Bang Jeong Hwan, who was a writer of children’s literature and a fierce fighter for children’s rights. Jeong Hwan, in conjunction with others, introduced the idea of adding a holiday that would promote the advancement of children in 1922. During the first celebrations of Children’s Day, in 1923, Japanese occupiers attempted to ban the holiday – but to no avail.
After World War II, in 1945, South Korea took up the annual observance of Children’s Day with renewed vigor. Originally, the holiday had been observed on 1 May, but it was moved to 5 May at that time.
Every Children’s Day, Koreans attend special events in public parks, fairs, zoos, and other locations. Children play various traditional games and receive presents from parents and others. Kids usually spend time with Mom and Dad and have a fun day out and at home.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 May | Fri | Children's Day |
| 2022 | 5 May | Thu | Children's Day |
| 2021 | 5 May | Wed | Children's Day |
| 2020 | 5 May | Tue | Children's Day |
| 2019 | 5 May | Sun | Children's Day |
| 2018 | 5 May | Sat | Children's Day |
| 2017 | 5 May | Fri | Children's Day |