Public Holidays and National Celebrations: A Comparative Look at Korea and Australia's Unique Festivities

Public holidays and national celebrations play a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of a country.

In Korea and Australia, these special days offer insights into each nation’s history, culture, and values.
While both countries celebrate major events related to their independence and national identity, their public holidays and the way they are observed vary significantly.

In Australia, public holidays are determined both nationally and at the state/territory level. On average, there are around 7-10 national public holidays each year. However, each state and territory may have additional public holidays, making the total number of public holidays vary.

South Korea typically has around 16-17 public holidays each year, though some may fall on weekends, and certain holidays may be observed on different days depending on the lunar calendar.

Here’s a comparative overview of some key holidays and celebrations in both countries.


1. National Day / Independence Day

Korea:

  • Independence Movement Day (March 1): Celebrated to mark Korea's declaration of independence from Japanese colonial rule in 1919. It is a day of patriotic reflection and national pride.

  • Gwangbokjeol (National Liberation Day) – August 15: Marks Korea’s liberation from Japan in 1945. This day is celebrated with various activities and ceremonies reflecting on Korea’s independence and the sacrifices made by its people.

Australia:

  • Australia Day (January 26): Celebrates the arrival of the First Fleet from Britain in 1788. While it is seen as a national day for many Australians, it is also a contentious day for Indigenous Australians, who call it "Invasion Day" due to the arrival of Europeans and the impact on Aboriginal culture and communities.

2. Lunar and New Year Celebrations

Korea:

  • Seollal (Lunar New Year): This is one of the most important holidays in Korea. It usually falls in late January or early February and is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional games, food (like tteokguk, a rice cake soup), and paying respects to ancestors through jesa ceremonies. The holiday emphasizes family bonds and cultural traditions.

Australia:

  • Chinese New Year: While not a national public holiday, Chinese New Year is widely celebrated across Australia, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where large parades and festivals are held. It highlights Australia’s multiculturalism and the influence of the Chinese community.

3. Religious Holidays

Korea:

  • Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival): Held in late September or early October, Chuseok is akin to Thanksgiving in the U.S. It’s a time for family reunions, paying respects to ancestors, and sharing traditional food like songpyeon (rice cakes). It celebrates the harvest and the bounty of the land.

Australia:

  • Christmas (December 25): Christmas is widely celebrated across Australia, despite the summer season. It is a time for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and outdoor activities, such as barbecues on the beach. Christmas Day is a public holiday, followed by Boxing Day (December 26), a day for shopping sales and sporting events.

4. Labor Day Celebrations

Korea:

  • Labour Day (May 1): Although not a public holiday, Labour Day is recognized in Korea as a day for workers’ rights and is marked by demonstrations, speeches, and activities organized by labor unions advocating for fair working conditions.

Australia:

  • Labour Day: Each state in Australia celebrates Labour Day on different dates, typically in March or October. The day commemorates the efforts of trade unions in securing workers' rights, particularly the eight-hour workday. This day includes parades, political speeches, and discussions around workers’ rights.

5. Historical and National Remembrance Days

Korea:

  • Memorial Day (June 6): A day to honor the fallen soldiers who died during the Korean War and other battles in the country’s history. The day includes ceremonies, visits to cemeteries, and moments of silence in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for Korea’s independence.

Australia:

  • ANZAC Day (April 25): ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is a day of remembrance for the soldiers who fought and died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. It is marked by dawn services, parades, and ceremonies across the country. ANZAC Day is a deeply significant national day in Australia, reflecting respect for the military and those who served.

6. Other Significant Celebrations

Korea:

  • Buddha’s Birthday (April 8): This holiday celebrates the birth of the Buddha and is marked by lantern festivals, temple visits, and cultural events. It is a national holiday in Korea, with Buddhist teachings promoted throughout the country.

Australia:

  • King's Birthday: Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, this now celebrates the current monarch, King Charles III. This holiday is traditionally observed on the second Monday in June, although it is not observed on the same date in all states. This holiday is marked by public celebrations, events, and official ceremonies across Australia.

Conclusion

Public holidays and national celebrations offer a reflection of a country’s history, values, and cultural identity.

While Korea’s observances are deeply tied to its cultural traditions, historical struggles for independence, and respect for ancestry, Australia’s holidays reflect its diverse population, historical milestones, and growing recognition of multiculturalism.

Both countries, though geographically and culturally different, share the importance of celebrating and commemorating their distinct journeys toward nationhood and the values that define their communities today.

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