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South Korea Designates May 1 as a Public Holiday for All Workers

Final approval may still come through a Cabinet meeting, according to one account.

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Officials from a labor union of public servants cheer after the National Assembly passes a bill designating Labor Day as a national holiday in Seoul on March 31, 2026. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The National Assembly, which voted Tuesday, approved the change with a 194–2–3 tally.
  • The revision extends paid leave on May 1 to public officials, teachers, and gig workers such as delivery riders once the law is in force.
  • One outlet reports the change takes effect immediately this year, while another says it awaits Cabinet approval before it applies.
  • Since 1994, paid time off on May 1 covered only workers under the Labor Standards Act, excluding civil servants, school teachers, and many special-contract workers.
  • The same plenary advanced a plan to calm currency swings that offers tax breaks to small investors who move overseas stock gains into Korean shares and relief for buyers of lower-volatility derivatives.