This Year’s Substitute Holidays Confirmed for 3 Days Including Gwangbokjeol

President Moon presides over Cabinet meeting, approves amendment to regulations on public holidays for government offices

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 3rd, President Moon Jae-in presided over a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House and approved a partial amendment to the "Regulations on Public Holidays for Government Offices," which includes March 1st Movement Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangul Day as substitute holidays.

Until now, substitute holidays were only applied to Lunar New Year holidays, Chuseok holidays, and Children's Day, but going forward, they will be expanded to include "national holidays that are public holidays."

An official from the Ministry of Personnel Management explained, "(The expansion of substitute holidays) will be published in the official gazette as early as the 4th and take immediate effect," adding, "Substitute holidays will newly apply to the three days of Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangul Day this year, which fall on Saturdays and Sundays."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Under the Labor Standards Act, paid holidays follow the regulations on public holidays for government offices and thus apply to the private sector as well, not just public officials. However, January 1st (New Year's Day), Buddha's Birthday, and Christmas, which are not national holidays, are excluded from the substitute holiday application. The government explained that it comprehensively considered the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises and the impact on the economy while guaranteeing the public's right to rest.

Meanwhile, at the Cabinet meeting, President Moon instructed to devote full efforts to early stabilization of the situation by focusing on quarantine and livelihood during the COVID-19 crisis. He also urged all ministries to carry out their duties with a sense of mission and do their best for the great transformation of the Republic of Korea’s future, including the 4th Industrial Revolution and climate crisis response.

In addition, the Cabinet meeting handled 44 items (25 bills for promulgation, 1 bill, 15 presidential decree drafts, and 3 general agenda items), including the "Athlete Welfare Act," which provides prize money support for national athletes and coaches, and the amendment to the Fire Services Basic Act.