Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

Memorial Day in South Korea

Honor the brave soldiers of South Korea and remember their sacrifices on Memorial Day - a day to pay tribute and reflect on their service.
Weekly And Monthly Reports - Techcloud X Webflow Template
When it is?
June 6
Growth - Techcloud X Webflow Template
Category
Federal
Location Icon
Country
South Korea
Creator
Email Icon
Founded
Introduction

Get ready to honor the fallen heroes and pay tribute to their sacrifices on Memorial Day in South Korea, also known as "Hyunchoongil" (현충일), which falls on June 6. This day has been observed since 1956 and is a public holiday that commemorates the soldiers who gave their lives for their country during the Korean War. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity as people come together to remember those who fought for their freedom. Along with official ceremonies and events, many families also visit cemeteries to lay flowers and pay respects to their loved ones. Let us take this day to remember and honor these brave individuals who have left an indelible mark on Korean history.

History of Memorial Day in South Korea

Memorial Day in South Korea Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Outbreak of Korean War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Korean War breaks out in June, dividing the Korean peninsula into North and South.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Korean War</div><div class='timeline-text'>An armistice is signed in July, leading to a ceasefire but not formally ending the war.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Memorial Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Memorial Day, or "Hyunchoongil", is observed on June 6 in South Korea.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Cemetery Opens</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Cemetery in Seoul opens, serving as the resting place for many fallen soldiers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Memorial Day Law Enactment</div><div class='timeline-text'>A law is enacted requiring the national flag to be displayed at half-staff on Memorial Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every year, South Koreans conduct various activities such as laying flowers and paying tribute to fallen soldiers on Memorial Day.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Memorial Day in South Korea

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Memorial Day ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One way to honor and remember those who have sacrificed for their country is to attend a Memorial Day ceremony in South Korea. Many cities and towns will have events and parades to commemorate the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a war memorial or museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to visit a war memorial or museum in South Korea, such as the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul. This is a great way to learn about the history of the country and pay tribute to those who have served.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a charity event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations and charities in South Korea hold events on Memorial Day to raise awareness and funds for veterans and their families. Consider participating in a charity walk or run to show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a picnic with traditional Korean foods</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family together for a picnic on Memorial Day and enjoy some traditional Korean dishes, such as bulgogi or bibimbap. This is a great way to celebrate the holiday while also embracing the culture of South Korea.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a military parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In Seoul, there is an annual military parade on Memorial Day to honor those who have served in the armed forces. Consider watching the parade and showing your support for the military community in South Korea.</p></div></div>

Why Memorial Day in South Korea is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honoring the sacrifice of soldiers and veterans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Memorial Day in South Korea is a day to remember and honor the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. It's also a way to show appreciation for all of the past and present veterans who have served and protected South Korea.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Teaching younger generations about history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Memorial Day in South Korea is not only a time to commemorate fallen soldiers, but it's also a chance to educate younger generations about the country's history and the sacrifices that were made for their freedom. This helps instill a sense of patriotism and remembrance in future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bringing communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Memorial Day, people in South Korea come together to pay their respects and honor the fallen soldiers. It's a day that brings communities together and allows them to show solidarity as they remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.</p></div></div>

5 Fascinating Facts about South Korea's Memorial Day

Memorial Day in South Korea FAQs

When is Memorial Day in South Korea?

Memorial Day in South Korea is celebrated on June 6 every year. In 2024, Memorial Day will occur on a Thursday.

Memorial Day in South Korea Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jun 6

Tuesday

2024

Jun 6

Thursday

2025

Jun 6

Friday

2026

Jun 6

Saturday

2027

Jun 6

Sunday

Federal Holidays