South Korea Pushes To Reinstate Constitution Day Holiday

Constitution Day, celebrated every July 17th to honor the promulgation of the Republic of Korea's Constitution in 1948, stands as one of the nation's five major national holidays. Yet, unlike its counterparts—Liberation Day, Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day), and the March 1st Movement Day—it is notably absent from the roster of official public holidays. This unique status has sparked renewed debate and growing public support to restore Constitution Day as a public holiday, a move that could deepen national reflection on Korea's democratic foundations.

The 77th anniversary of Constitution Day is fast approaching on July 17, 2025, and with it, calls from politicians and citizens alike to reinstate the day as a public holiday have gained momentum. Historically, Constitution Day was recognized as a public holiday until 2007. However, in 2008, under the administration of then-President Lee Myung-bak, it was removed from the list of public holidays. The official rationale centered on boosting corporate productivity and accommodating the widespread adoption of the five-day workweek system, which had already increased annual holidays, thus placing additional strain on businesses.

This decision was not without precedent. The previous Roh Moo-hyun government also questioned the necessity of designating Constitution Day as a public holiday, citing its thematic overlap with Liberation Day. Yet, this practical reasoning has not quelled the growing sentiment that the day’s symbolic importance warrants a day of rest and national recognition.

On July 9, 2025, National Assembly member Kang Hoon-sik of the People Power Party introduced a bill proposing to re-designate Constitution Day as a public holiday and to apply alternative holidays when it coincides with weekends or other holidays. Kang emphasized the day’s significance, stating, "Constitution Day is the day that established the foundation of liberal democracy. It will provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the meaning of the Constitution and experience democratic values." This bill adds to a lineage of similar legislative efforts dating back over a decade, with proposals introduced by lawmakers Kim Myung-yeon in 2012, Han Jung-ae in 2013, Kim Hae-young in 2017, and more recently, Yoon Ho-jung of the Democratic Party of Korea in June 2025.

Another prominent figure, Kang Dae-sik of the People Power Party, also championed a similar bill, highlighting that Constitution Day is the only one among the five major national holidays that remains excluded from public holidays. His proposal similarly includes provisions for substitute holidays to ensure workers do not miss out on rest days due to calendar overlaps. Kang remarked, "Constitution Day has great historical significance as the day when the constitutional system of liberal democracy was established. Designating it as a public holiday would provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the meaning of the Constitution and experience democratic values in their daily lives." These legislative initiatives underscore a bipartisan recognition of the day’s importance beyond mere symbolism.

The public’s growing interest in reinstating Constitution Day as a public holiday is also reflected in civil society. In July 2024, the head of the Association of Descendants of the Korean Constituent Assembly members delivered a petition to National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, urging the re-designation of Constitution Day as a public holiday. The petition emphasized the need for future generations to inherit the spirit of the Constitution, reinforcing the cultural and historical weight the day carries.

The movement to restore Constitution Day to its former public holiday status mirrors previous experiences with other national holidays. Hangeul Day, which celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet, was removed from the public holiday list in 1991 but was reinstated in 2013 after being promoted back to a national holiday in 2006. Similarly, Arbor Day, once a public holiday, was converted to a commemorative day after 2006. These precedents demonstrate that public holidays in Korea are not static and can be re-evaluated to better reflect societal values and priorities.

Supporters argue that re-designating Constitution Day as a public holiday is more than just granting an extra day off. It represents a societal commitment to remembering and honoring the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. The day offers a chance for citizens to engage with the nation’s legal and political foundations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of democracy’s role in their lives.

Opponents, however, have historically expressed concerns about the economic impact of additional holidays, especially on businesses already adjusting to the five-day workweek and the associated increase in annual holidays. They argue that the cumulative effect of more days off could hamper productivity and economic growth. Yet, the repeated legislative efforts and public petitions suggest that the symbolic and educational value of Constitution Day may outweigh these concerns.

As the debate continues, the question remains whether the government and lawmakers will heed the calls to restore Constitution Day as a public holiday. Such a move would not only align Korea’s national holiday calendar with the country’s democratic heritage but also provide a meaningful occasion for citizens to pause and reflect on the freedoms and responsibilities that the Constitution guarantees.

With the 77th anniversary just days away, eyes are on the National Assembly to see if this historic day will finally receive the recognition it deserves, not just in name but in practice. The restoration of Constitution Day as a public holiday could mark a significant step in reaffirming Korea’s commitment to its democratic ideals and ensuring that these values remain vibrant in the public consciousness.