DPRK Holidays
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has a calendar packed with holidays that reflect its political ideology, revolutionary history, and cultural traditions. From major state celebrations to lesser-known observances, this guide provides a chronological overview of holidays in the DPRK. Public holidays, during which most workplaces and schools are closed, are specifically highlighted.
January 1: New Year’s Day (Public Holiday)
The year begins with celebrations focused on family gatherings and feasts. It’s a day for North Koreans to reflect on their loyalty to the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Kim family leadership.
January 8: Kim Jong Un’s Birthday
While not officially recognized as a public holiday, this day has been increasingly celebrated with media tributes and smaller-scale events, reflecting his growing personality cult. It is not yet an official holiday.
Late January or Early February: Korean New Year (Seollal) (Public Holiday)
The Lunar New Year is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional meals, and ancestral rituals. Though less emphasized than in South Korea, it remains a significant cultural and familial event in the DPRK.
February 8: Army Day (Public Holiday)
Originally observed on April 25, this holiday marks the founding of the Korean People’s Army in 1948. Military parades and ceremonies often highlight the day.
February 16: Day of the Shining Star (Public Holiday)
This is one of the most significant holidays, celebrating the birth of Kim Jong Il in 1942. Festivities include mass dances, fireworks, and exhibitions.
March 1: Tree Planting Day
A day dedicated to environmental efforts, North Koreans plant trees to contribute to reforestation and environmental improvement. This is not a public holiday.
April 15: Day of the Sun (Public Holiday)
The most important holiday in North Korea, this day honors the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country’s founding leader. It’s marked by parades, mass games, art exhibitions, and cultural performances.
April 25: Military Foundation Day
Although Army Day was moved to February 8, this date is still recognized as the founding day of the anti-Japanese guerrilla army in 1932, which later evolved into the Korean People’s Army. It is not always a public holiday.
May 1: International Workers’ Day (Public Holiday)
A global holiday for workers, this day sees parades and gatherings to celebrate the working class and their contributions to the nation. A great time to be in the DPRK and is even our “Birthday”.
June 6: Chosun Children’s Union Foundation Day
This holiday celebrates the founding of the Chosun Children’s Union (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8058364), which indoctrinates young North Koreans into the values of the state. Ceremonies and activities are held for children. It is not a public holiday.
July 27: Victory Day (Public Holiday)
This holiday commemorates the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, which ended active combat in the Korean War. The DPRK considers this a victory over imperialist forces.
August 15: Liberation Day (Public Holiday)
Marking the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, this holiday is celebrated jointly with South Korea. In the DPRK, it’s a day of patriotic events and remembrance.
August 25: Day of Songun
Commemorating Kim Jong-il’s military-first policy, this day includes military parades, performances, and other events emphasizing the importance of the military in North Korean society.
September 9: Day of the Foundation of the Republic (Public Holiday)
This holiday marks the establishment of the DPRK in 1948. Celebrations include parades, speeches, and cultural performances.
Late September or Early October: Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival) (Public Holiday)
North Koreans celebrate Chuseok with offerings to ancestors and traditional foods like rice cakes. It’s a day to honor familial and cultural traditions and is widely observed.
October 9: Unofficial “Bomb Day”
This day marks the anniversary of North Korea’s first successful nuclear test in 2006. While not an official holiday, it is often highlighted in state propaganda and military rhetoric as a symbol of national strength and sovereignty.
October 10: Party Foundation Day (Public Holiday)
A major holiday commemorating the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in 1945. It’s celebrated with mass gatherings, art exhibitions, and public performances.
November 16: DPRK Mother’s Day
Introduced in 2012, this day honors mothers and their role in society. Families typically give gifts and host small celebrations at home. It is not a public holiday. January 1st, the birthday of Pang Kang-Sok the mother of President Kim Il-Sung sometimes termed the “Mother of Korea”.
Kim Jong Suk Day (December 24)
This day commemorates the birth of Kim Jong Suk, the mother of Kim Jong Il and grandmother of Kim Jong Un. Celebrations include mass dances, performances, and visits to her birthplace in Mangyongdae. And, or December 24: Constitution Day : This marks the adoption of North Korea’s original constitution in 1948. While historically significant, it is not a public holiday and is less emphasized in modern celebrations.
December 27: Socialist Constitution Day (Public Holiday)
This holiday commemorates the promulgation of the Socialist Constitution in 1972 under Kim Il Sung. It’s marked by political meetings and educational activities.
