Korean gov’t mulls designating October 2 as temporary holiday

South Korea is reviewing the plan of designating October 2 as a special holiday as it is the only business day sandwiched between Chuseok holiday between September 28 and October 1 and National Foundation Day that falls on October 3.

The temporary holiday will allow Koreans to have an extended holiday of six days that include the weekend.

“The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has recently recommended provisional holiday designation for October 2 and the government has launched a review,” a high-ranking official at the presidential office told Maeil Business Newspaper on Friday.

Other senior officials, such as the Chief of Economy, were said to have informed President Yoon Suk Yeol of the potential economic effects of the holiday extension.

The proposed holiday is seen as a way to boost the local economy and consumption. The 4-day Chuseok holiday will be extended to 6 days. If employees take additional days off, they will be able to enjoy up to 12 days off, as the following week of October 9 is also a national holiday to commemorate Hangul, or Korean letters.