Public holidays in North Korea

Last updated

This is a list of public holidays in North Korea. See also the Korean calendar for a list of traditional holidays. As of 2017, the North Korean calendar has 71 official public holidays, including Sundays. [1] In the past, North Koreans relied on rations provided by the state on public holidays for feasts. Recently, with marketization people are able to save up money and buy the goods they need. [2]

Contents

The Day of the Sun, the birthday of its founder and first leader Kim Il Sung, on 15 April is the most important holiday in the country. [3] The second most important is the Day of the Shining Star on 16 February, the birthday of Kim Jong Il. [4] As of 2019, Kim Jong Un's birthday is still not a public holiday. [5] Other holidays of great importance are the Party Foundation Day (10 October) and the Day of the Foundation of the Republic (9 September). [6] North Koreans often schedule their wedding days on important national holidays. [7]

North Korea regularly carries out missile and nuclear tests on such important anniversaries. [8]

List of annual holidays

DateEnglish nameNotesRemarksLocal name
1 January New Year's Day [9] Celebrates the opening of the Gregorian New Year.
15 January Chosongul Day The day commemorates the invention (1443) and the proclamation (1446) of Chosongul, the native alphabet of the Korean language. King Sejong the Great, inventor of Chosongul, is one of the most honored rulers in Korean history.
8 February Army Day [10] The Korean People's Army was established on 8 February 1948, and that day was celebrated as Army Day until 1978, when it was moved to 25 April (q.v.). It was reinstated as a public holiday in 2015. [11]
16 February Day of the Shining Star [9] Kim Jong Il's birthday. [12] 2 days
2 March Tree Planting Day People across the country plant trees. [13] [14] [15]
8 March International Women's Day [16] Commemorates the history of women across the country.
last day of 12th lunar month Seotdal Geumeum Korean New Year, based on the Korean calendar.
1st day of 1st lunar month Seolmyeongjeol Korean New Year, based on the Korean calendar.
15 April Day of the Sun [9] Birthday of Kim Il Sung.3 days태양절
21 April Kang Pan Suk's birthdayCommemorates the birth of Kim Il Sung's mother.
25 April Military Foundation Day [9] Kim Il Sung moved the date from 8 February to the date of establishment of his guerilla army in 1932, considered the predecessor of the Korean People's Army.인민군 창건일
15th day of 1st lunar month Daeboreum Based on the Korean calendar.
1st day of 2nd lunar month Meoseumnal  [ ko ]Based on the Korean calendar.
3rd day of 3rd lunar month Samjinnal Based on the Korean calendar.
105th day after Winter Solstice Hansik Based on the Korean calendar.
8th day of 4th lunar month Chopail Based on the Korean calendar.
1 May International Workers' Day (Labor Day) [17] Celebrates the economic and social achievements of workers.
1 JuneInternational Children's Day [9]
6 June Korean Children's Union Foundation Day [9] Public holiday marking the 1946 foundation of the Korean Children's Union.
19 JuneAnniversary of Kim Jong Il's commencement of work in the Workers' Party Central CommitteeOfficially a public holiday since 2015 but celebrated unofficially before, this holiday marks Kim Jong Il's 1964 graduation from Kim Il Sung University and start of work in the party organization. [17]
5th day of 5th lunar month Surinal Based on the Korean calendar.
3 JulyDay of the Strategic Forces [1] A new holiday established on 24 June 2016 by Ordinance No. 1177 of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly which commemorates the foundation of the Korean People's Army Strategic Force on 3 July 1999.
27 July Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War [9] The 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement 조국해방전쟁 승리 기념일
15 August Liberation Day [9] Established after the liberation of Korea in 1945.조국해방기념일
25 August Day of Songun [9] A new holiday established in 2013 commemorating Kim Jong Il's inspection visit to the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Armored Division of the Korean People's Army on August 25, 1960, which is always regarded as the "start of the Songun revolutionary leadership" by the North Korean government.광명성절
28 AugustYouth Day조국해방기념일
9 September Day of the Foundation of the Republic [9] Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 1948.인민정권 창건일
15th day of 6th lunar month Yudu  [ ko ]Based on the Korean calendar.
7th day of 7th lunar month Chilseok Based on the Korean calendar.
15th day of 7th lunar month Baekjung Based on the Korean calendar.
15th day of 8th lunar month Chuseok Based on the Korean calendar, North Korean Mid-Autumn Festival.
10 October Party Foundation Day [9] Founding of the Workers' Party of Korea in 1945.노동당 창건일
9th day of 9th lunar month Jungyangjeol Based on the Korean calendar.
16 November Mother's Day [9] [17] A new holiday from 2012 onward honoring all mothers.
18 NovemberMissile Industry Day [18] Dedicated to celebrating a Hwasong-15 ICBM launch that took place on Nov. 29, 2017로케트공업절
20 December Dongji Winter solstice, based on the Korean calendar.
24 December Kim Jong Suk's birthdayCommemorates the birth of Kim Jong Il's mother.
27 December Constitution Day [9] Enactment of the Socialist Constitution of North Korea in 1972.
31 December New Year's Eve Celebrates the closing of the Gregorian New Year.

Momentous changes in political holidays in North Korean calendars

During some years, certain dates related with the Kim regime are additionally designated as public holidays for propaganda purposes.

In the 2014 version of the North Korean calendar, "Generalissimo Day" (대원수추대일) briefly became a holiday that honors when Kim Jong Il posthumously received the title "Generalissimo of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" in 2012. [16]

In the 2015 calendar, a new public holiday was to be celebrated on June 19, marking the date in 1964 when Kim Jong Il graduated from Kim Il Sung University and began working as part of the Party’s organizational leadership. Various events related to the commemorative day take place every year on this date in North Korea, but this was the first time it has been recognized as a national holiday.  [19]

In the 2017 calendar, July 3 became a public holiday called "Day of the Strategic Forces" (전략군절). [20]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ko Yong-hui</span> Mother of Kim Jong-un (1952–2004)

Ko Yong Hui, also spelled Ko Young-hee, was the mistress of North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Il and the mother of his successor, Kim Jong Un. Within North Korea, she is only referred to by titles, such as "The Respected Mother who is the Most Faithful and Loyal 'Subject' to the Dear Leader Comrade Supreme Commander", "The Mother of Pyongyang", and "The Mother of Great Songun Korea".

Taewonsu is the highest possible military rank of North Korea and is intended to be an honorific title for Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. It is often confused with Marshal of the Republic and Marshal of the Korean People's Army, but ranks above both. The rank is senior to that of Wonsu. The title also exists in Chinese military history as dàyuánshuài, and was briefly taken by Sun Yat-sen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Liberation Day of Korea</span> National holiday in Korea

The National Liberation Day of Korea is a public holiday celebrated annually on 15 August in both South and North Korea. It commemorates the day when Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. The day also coincides with the anniversary of the founding of South Korea in 1948.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Jong Un</span> Supreme Leader of North Korea since 2011

Kim Jong Un is a North Korean politician who has been supreme leader of North Korea since 2011 and the leader of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) since 2012. He is the third son of Kim Jong Il, who was the second supreme leader of North Korea, and a grandson of Kim Il Sung, the founder and first supreme leader of the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Ok</span> Kim Jong-Ils personal secretary

Kim Ok is a former North Korean government employee who served as Kim Jong Il's personal secretary from the 1980s until his death. After the death of Ko Yong-hui in August 2004, she regularly met with foreign officials as de facto first lady, and was rumored to be the supreme leader's fourth wife.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jang Song-thaek</span> North Korean government official (1946–2013)

Jang Song-thaek was a North Korean politician. He was married to Kim Kyong-hui, the only daughter of North Korean premier Kim Il Sung and his first wife Kim Jong-suk, and only sister of North Korean general secretary Kim Jong Il. He was therefore the uncle of the current leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birthday</span> Anniversary of the birth of a person (or an institution)

A birthday is the anniversary of the birth of a person, or figuratively of an institution. Birthdays of people are celebrated in numerous cultures, often with birthday gifts, birthday cards, a birthday party, or a rite of passage.

Kim Kyong-hui is the aunt of current North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. She is the daughter of the founding North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and the sister of the late leader Kim Jong Il. She currently serves as Secretary for Organization of the Workers' Party of Korea. An important member of Kim Jong Il's inner circle of trusted friends and advisors, she was director of the WPK Light Industry Department from 1988 to 2012. She was married to Jang Song-thaek, who was executed in December 2013 in Pyongyang, after being charged with treason and corruption.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Choe Ryong-hae</span> North Korean politician and military officer

Choe Ryong-hae is a North Korean politician and military officer who currently serves as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly and First Vice President of the State Affairs Commission, holding both positions since April 2019. Due to holding the first office, he was considered the head of state of North Korea before the country's constitution was amended to transfer this position to the President of the State Affairs Commission, Kim Jong Un. He is also a member of the Presidium of the Politburo and Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). He also served as Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un's military second-in-command, currently being third top-ranking official in North Korea after Kim Jong Un and premier Kim Tok-hun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hyon Song-wol</span> Musical artist

Hyon Song-wol is a North Korean singer, band leader, and politician. She is the leader of the Moranbong Band and of the Samjiyon Orchestra. She was formerly a featured vocalist for the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble in the early 2000s, a pop group which found fame in North Korea in the late 1980s and 1990s. She has been a member in the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea since 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Korean cult of personality</span> Veneration of the ruling Kim family in North Korea

The North Korean cult of personality surrounding the Kim family has existed in North Korea for decades and can be found in many examples of North Korean culture. Although not acknowledged by the North Korean government, many defectors and Western visitors state there are often stiff penalties for those who criticize or do not show "proper" respect for the former leaders of the country, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, officially referred to as "eternal leaders of Korea". The personality cult began soon after Kim Il Sung took power in 1948, and was greatly expanded after his death in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Yo-jong</span> North Korean politician (born 1987)

Kim Yo Jong is a North Korean politician and diplomat, and sister of Kim Jong Un. She is the Deputy Department Director of the Publicity and Information Department of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). Since September 2021, she has been a member of State Affairs Commission of North Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Day of the Sun</span> National holiday on April 15 in North Korea

The Day of the Sun is an annual public holiday in North Korea on 15 April, the birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung, founder and Eternal President of North Korea. It is the most important national holiday in the country, and is considered to be the North Korean equivalent of Christmas. Kim's birthday, which had been an official holiday since 1968, was renamed Day of the Sun in 1997, three years after his death. The name takes its significance from his name: Il-sung.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Party Foundation Day</span> Annual public holiday in North Korea

The Party Foundation Day is an annual public holiday in North Korea marking the 10 October 1945 foundation of the "Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of North Korea", known as the "North Korea Bureau of the Communist Party of Korea" in the West and considered a predecessor to the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Day of the Shining Star</span> Annual observance in North Korea celebrating the birth of Kim Jong-il

The Day of the Shining Star is a public holiday in North Korea falling on 16 February, the anniversary of the birth of the country's second leader, Kim Jong Il. Along with the Day of the Sun, the birthday of his father Kim Il Sung, it is the most important public holiday in the country.

Day of <i>Songun</i> Public holiday in North Korea (25 August)

The Day of Songun is a public holiday in North Korea celebrated on 25 August annually to commemorate the beginning of Kim Jong Il's Songun (military-first) leadership in 1960.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cuba–North Korea relations</span> Bilateral relations

Cuba–North Korea relations are the bilateral relations between Cuba and North Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Day of the Foundation of the Republic</span> Annual observance in North Korea

Day of the Foundation of the Republic is the Republic Day and National day of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, held on 9 September.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il badges</span> Lapel pins depicting Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il

Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il badges are lapel pins with portraits depicting either one or both of the Eternal Leaders of North Korea, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. The badges have been common since the late 1960s, and are produced by the Mansudae Art Studio. There are more than 20 different designs, some of which are more common than others. Common examples include red flag-shaped pins depicting either Eternal President Kim Il Sung or Eternal General Secretary Kim Jong Il, smaller circular pins with the same portraits on white backgrounds, and larger flag-shaped pins depicting both leaders.

2018 in North Korea was marked by attempts by the government to develop its international relationships, particularly in regards to South Korea. In February, North Korean athletes marched alongside their South Korean counterparts under the Korean Unification Flag at the 2018 Seoul Olympic Games. North Korea's Kim Jong-Un met with South Korea's Moon Jae-in three times during the year. Kim also travelled to Beijing to meet with China's paramount leader Xi Jinping, and to Singapore for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

References

  1. 1 2 Kang Mi Jin (13 January 2017). "Official 2017 Calendar Seen as out of Touch" . Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  2. "North Koreans make the most of Liberation Day". dailynk.com. 16 August 2016. Retrieved 2016-08-18.
  3. Calum MacLeod (26 April 2013). "Korean defectors recall 'Day of the Sun'". USA TODAY. Contributing: Jueyoung Song, Duck Hwa Hong. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  4. Barbra Kim (21 February 2012). "What Really Glimmers Behind the 'Day of the Shining Star'". cogitASIA. CSIS Asia Program. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  5. "Kim Jong-un's birthday remains unmarked in 2019 calendars". The Korean Herald. Yonhap. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  6. Yonhap News Agency, Seoul (27 December 2002). North Korea Handbook. M.E. Sharpe. pp. 451–452. ISBN   978-0-7656-3523-5.
  7. Toimela, Markku; Aalto, Kaj (2017). Salakahvilla Pohjois-Koreassa: Markku Toimelan jännittävä tie Pohjois-Korean luottomieheksi (in Finnish). Jyväskylä: Docendo. p. 40. ISBN   978-952-291-369-2.
  8. Shinkman, Paul D. (4 October 2017). "CIA Official Predicts North Korean Provocation on Columbus Day". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Seol Song Ah (7 December 2015). "Kim Jong Un's birthday still not a holiday". Daily NK. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  10. Johnson, Gareth. "What's the difference between North Korea's February 8th Army Day and April 25th Military Foundation Day?". Young Pioneer Tours. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  11. "A Few Facts on North Korea's Army Day | 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea". February 2018.
  12. "Day of Shining Star to Be Marked in Norway". Korean Central News Agency. February 12, 2015. Archived from the original on February 13, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  13. "Tree-Planting Day in the DPR-Korea embodies Socialist and traditional Asian Cultural Values". Archived from the original on 2013-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  14. "Tree-planting Day Marked in DPRK". Archived from the original on 2013-04-03. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  15. North Korea Tree-planting Day on YouTube
  16. 1 2 Cho Jong Ik (December 25, 2013). "2014 Calendar Reveals Few Surprises". DailyNK. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 Lee Sang Yong (16 December 2014). "North Korea's Official 2015 Calendar Revealed". Daily NK. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  18. Anton Sokolin (2023-11-06). "North Korea debuts new holiday to mark launch of largest nuclear missile". NK News. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  19. "North Korea's Official 2015 Calendar Revealed". dailynk.
  20. "Official 2017 calendar seen as out of touch". dailynk.