Interest is growing regarding the application of holidays surrounding Memorial Day in June and Constitution Day in July. This year, Memorial Day falls on a Saturday, but a substitute holiday will not be observed. In contrast, Constitution Day has been designated as a public holiday for the first time in 18 years, allowing for a three-day weekend from Friday, July 17, through Sunday.
It is important to examine the legal nature of these two days and the applicability of substitute holidays. Memorial Day, observed annually on June 6, is a statutory holiday; however, it does not generate a substitute holiday when it coincides with the weekend. The current regulations regarding public holidays do not apply substitute holidays to all holidays but rather specify that a substitute holiday is granted only when certain conditions are met for designated holidays.
According to the regulations, substitute holidays apply to national holidays such as Independence Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, Hangeul Day, Children's Day, Buddha's Birthday, and Christmas when they fall on a Saturday or Sunday. The Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays can also lead to substitute holidays if they overlap with a Sunday or another public holiday. The law distinguishes the applicability of substitute holidays by specific provisions.
The exclusion of Memorial Day is related to the nature of the holiday itself. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Since June 6 falls on a Saturday this year, it does not qualify for a substitute holiday, meaning June 8 will not be a day off.
On the other hand, Constitution Day has been reinstated as a public holiday starting this year. The Ministry of Personnel Management announced that a revision to the regulations regarding public holidays, designating Labor Day and Constitution Day as public holidays, was approved at a Cabinet meeting on April 28. As a result, Labor Day and Constitution Day are now recognized as public holidays, with Constitution Day returning after being removed from the holiday list in 2008.
Constitution Day commemorates the promulgation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. Even if it coincides with a weekend or another public holiday, it is guaranteed a substitute holiday. However, since Constitution Day falls on Friday, July 17, this year, it will create a three-day weekend from July 17 to 19 without a separate substitute holiday.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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