Understanding the significance behind national holidays offers deeper insight into Korean culture and history. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases to help you discuss and comprehend the meaning of various public holidays celebrated in Korea, enriching your cultural awareness and conversational skills.
Table Of Content
Core Concept
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Expression: 국가 공휴일 의미 이해하기
Pronunciation: guk-ga gong-hyu-il ui-mi i-hae-ha-gi
Meaning: Understanding the meaning of national holidays
Essential Holiday Vocabulary
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Expression: 공휴일
Pronunciation: gong-hyu-il
Meaning: Public holiday -
Expression: 국경일
Pronunciation: guk-gyeong-il
Meaning: National holiday (often commemorating national events) -
Expression: 명절
Pronunciation: myeong-jeol
Meaning: Traditional holiday (like Chuseok or Seollal) -
Expression: 기념일
Pronunciation: gi-nyeom-il
Meaning: Anniversary, commemoration day -
Expression: 의미
Pronunciation: ui-mi
Meaning: Meaning, significance -
Expression: 유래
Pronunciation: yu-rae
Meaning: Origin, history -
Expression: 전통
Pronunciation: jeon-tong
Meaning: Tradition -
Expression: 행사
Pronunciation: haeng-sa
Meaning: Event, ceremony -
Expression: 휴일
Pronunciation: hyu-il
Meaning: Holiday, day off -
Expression: 달력
Pronunciation: dal-lyeok
Meaning: Calendar -
Expression: 날짜
Pronunciation: nal-jja
Meaning: Date -
Expression: 역사
Pronunciation: yeok-sa
Meaning: History
Asking About Holiday Meanings
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Expression: 이 공휴일은 어떤 의미가 있나요?
Pronunciation: i gong-hyu-il-eun eo-tteon ui-mi-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the meaning of this public holiday? -
Expression: 삼일절은 무엇을 기념하는 날인가요?
Pronunciation: sam-il-jeol-eun mu-eo-seul gi-nyeom-ha-neun nal-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What does Samiljeol (Independence Movement Day) commemorate? -
Expression: 이 명절의 유래를 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i myeong-jeol-ui yu-rae-reul seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain the origin of this traditional holiday? -
Expression: 왜 이 날이 공휴일로 지정되었나요?
Pronunciation: wae i nal-i gong-hyu-il-lo ji-jeong-doe-eot-na-yo?
Meaning: Why was this day designated as a public holiday? -
Expression: 이 휴일에는 보통 무엇을 하나요?
Pronunciation: i hyu-il-e-neun bo-tong mu-eo-seul ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What do people usually do on this holiday? -
Expression: 이 날과 관련된 특별한 전통이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i nal-gwa gwan-lyeon-doen teuk-byeol-han jeon-tong-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any special traditions related to this day? -
Expression: 광복절의 역사적 배경은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: gwang-bok-jeol-ui yeok-sa-jeok bae-gyeong-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the historical background of Gwangbokjeol (Liberation Day)? -
Expression: 이 공휴일의 중요성에 대해 더 알고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: i gong-hyu-il-ui jung-yo-seong-e dae-hae deo al-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to know more about the importance of this public holiday. -
Expression: 추석은 한국에서 어떤 의미를 가지나요?
Pronunciation: chu-seok-eun han-guk-e-seo eo-tteon ui-mi-reul ga-ji-na-yo?
Meaning: What significance does Chuseok hold in Korea? -
Expression: 현충일에는 어떤 행사가 열리나요?
Pronunciation: hyeon-chung-il-e-neun eo-tteon haeng-sa-ga yeol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of events are held on Hyeonchungil (Memorial Day)? -
Expression: 어린이날은 왜 중요한가요?
Pronunciation: eo-rin-i-nal-eun wae jung-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Why is Children’s Day important? -
Expression: 한글날의 의미를 가르쳐 주세요.
Pronunciation: han-geul-nal-ui ui-mi-reul ga-reu-chyeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please teach me the meaning of Hangeul Day.
Explaining Holiday Significance
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Expression: 이 날은 [역사적 사건]을 기념하는 날입니다.
Pronunciation: i nal-eun [yeok-sa-jeok sa-kkeon]-eul gi-nyeom-ha-neun nal-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This day commemorates [historical event]. -
Expression: 이 공휴일은 [문화적 가치]를 상징합니다.
Pronunciation: i gong-hyu-il-eun [mun-hwa-jeok ga-chi]-reul sang-jing-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: This public holiday symbolizes [cultural value]. -
Expression: 이 명절의 유래는 [전통 이야기]에서 시작되었습니다.
Pronunciation: i myeong-jeol-ui yu-rae-neun [jeon-tong i-ya-gi]-e-seo si-jak-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The origin of this traditional holiday began with [traditional story]. -
Expression: 이 날은 국가적으로 매우 중요한 의미를 가집니다.
Pronunciation: i nal-eun guk-ga-jeok-eu-ro mae-u jung-yo-han ui-mi-reul ga-jim-ni-da.
Meaning: This day holds very important national significance. -
Expression: 이 휴일에는 가족들이 모여 [전통 음식]을 먹습니다.
Pronunciation: i hyu-il-e-neun ga-jok-deul-i mo-yeo [jeon-tong eum-sik]-eul meok-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: On this holiday, families gather and eat [traditional food]. -
Expression: 이 기념일은 [인물]의 업적을 기리기 위한 날입니다.
Pronunciation: i gi-nyeom-il-eun [in-mul]-ui eop-jeok-eul gi-ri-gi wi-han nal-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This commemoration day is to honor the achievements of [person]. -
Expression: 이 날의 핵심 가치는 [가치]입니다.
Pronunciation: i nal-ui haek-sim ga-chi-neun [ga-chi]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The core value of this day is [value]. -
Expression: 많은 사람들이 이 날 [특별한 활동]을 합니다.
Pronunciation: man-eun sa-ram-deul-i i nal [teuk-byeol-han hwal-dong]-eul ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Many people do [special activity] on this day. -
Expression: 이 공휴일은 한국의 정체성을 보여주는 중요한 날입니다.
Pronunciation: i gong-hyu-il-eun han-guk-ui jeong-che-seong-eul bo-yeo-ju-neun jung-yo-han nal-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This public holiday is an important day that shows Korean identity. -
Expression: 이 날은 조상들에게 감사하는 의미를 담고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: i nal-eun jo-sang-deul-e-ge gam-sa-ha-neun ui-mi-reul dam-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This day carries the meaning of giving thanks to ancestors. -
Expression: 이 휴일은 과거를 기억하고 미래를 생각하는 시간입니다.
Pronunciation: i hyu-il-eun gwa-geo-reul gi-eok-ha-go mi-rae-reul saeng-gak-ha-neun si-gan-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This holiday is a time to remember the past and think about the future. -
Expression: 이 날의 정신은 [정신]입니다.
Pronunciation: i nal-ui jeong-sin-eun [jeong-sin]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The spirit of this day is [spirit/ethos].
Common Holiday Activities & Phrases
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Expression: 가족들과 시간을 보내다
Pronunciation: ga-jok-deul-gwa si-gan-eul bo-nae-da
Meaning: To spend time with family -
Expression: 고향에 내려가다
Pronunciation: go-hyang-e nae-ryeo-ga-da
Meaning: To go down to one’s hometown -
Expression: 차례를 지내다
Pronunciation: cha-rye-reul ji-nae-da
Meaning: To perform ancestral rites (Charye) -
Expression: 성묘를 가다
Pronunciation: seong-myo-reul ga-da
Meaning: To visit ancestral graves -
Expression: 전통 놀이를 하다
Pronunciation: jeon-tong nol-i-reul ha-da
Meaning: To play traditional games -
Expression: 특별 행사에 참여하다
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol haeng-sa-e cham-yeo-ha-da
Meaning: To participate in special events -
Expression: 휴식을 취하다
Pronunciation: hyu-sik-eul chwi-ha-da
Meaning: To take a rest -
Expression: 여행을 가다
Pronunciation: yeo-haeng-eul ga-da
Meaning: To go on a trip -
Expression: 맛있는 음식을 먹다
Pronunciation: mat-it-neun eum-sik-eul meok-da
Meaning: To eat delicious food -
Expression: 기념식에 참석하다
Pronunciation: gi-nyeom-sik-e cham-seok-ha-da
Meaning: To attend a commemoration ceremony -
Expression: 태극기를 게양하다
Pronunciation: tae-geuk-gi-reul ge-yang-ha-da
Meaning: To hoist the national flag (Taegeukgi) -
Expression: 공휴일을 즐기다
Pronunciation: gong-hyu-il-eul jeul-gi-da
Meaning: To enjoy the public holiday
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding Korean holidays involves more than just knowing the dates. Many holidays are deeply rooted in history, Confucian traditions, or agricultural cycles. For instance, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Harvest Festival) are the two most significant traditional holidays where families gather, pay respects to ancestors, and share special foods.
Some national holidays, like Samiljeol (March 1st Movement Day), Gwangbokjeol (Liberation Day), and Hangeul Day (Korean Alphabet Day), commemorate pivotal moments or achievements in Korean history and culture. Observing how Koreans celebrate these days, such as hoisting the national flag or attending ceremonies, provides insight into national identity and values.
The dates for traditional holidays like Seollal, Chuseok, and Buddha’s Birthday are based on the lunisolar calendar, so they fall on different dates on the Gregorian calendar each year. It’s helpful to check a Korean calendar to know when these holidays occur.
Gift-giving is common during major holidays like Seollal and Chuseok. Gifts often include practical items like food sets (fruit, Spam, cooking oil), toiletries, or cash, reflecting the importance of sharing and generosity during these festive times.
While holidays are often times for rest or travel, major traditional holidays like Seollal and Chuseok can involve significant travel congestion as many people visit their hometowns. Understanding this aspect is practical for planning travel during these periods.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Anna, a foreigner living in Korea, asks her Korean friend Minjun about the upcoming Chuseok holiday.
Characters:
- A: Anna
- B: Minjun
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Expression: A: 민준 씨, 다음 주 추석 연휴에 뭐 하세요? 추석은 어떤 의미가 있는 날이에요?
Pronunciation: min-jun ssi, da-eum ju chu-seok yeon-hyu-e mwo ha-se-yo? chu-seok-eun eo-tteon ui-mi-ga it-neun nal-i-e-yo?
Meaning: Minjun, what are you doing during the Chuseok holiday next week? What kind of meaning does Chuseok have? -
Expression: B: 아, 추석은 한국의 가장 큰 명절 중 하나예요. 가을 수확을 감사하고 조상님께 차례를 지내는 날이죠. 가족들이 다 같이 모여서 송편 같은 맛있는 음식도 먹고요.
Pronunciation: a, chu-seok-eun han-guk-ui ga-jang keun myeong-jeol jung ha-na-ye-yo. ga-eul su-hwak-eul gam-sa-ha-go jo-sang-nim-kke cha-rye-reul ji-nae-neun nal-i-jyo. ga-jok-deul-i da ga-chi mo-yeo-seo song-pyeon ga-teun mat-it-neun eum-sik-do meok-go-yo.
Meaning: Ah, Chuseok is one of Korea’s biggest traditional holidays. It’s a day to give thanks for the autumn harvest and perform ancestral rites. Families all gather together and eat delicious food like Songpyeon. -
Expression: A: 그렇군요. ‘수확을 감사한다’는 의미가 중요하네요. 그럼 민준 씨도 고향에 가세요?
Pronunciation: geu-reot-kun-yo. ‘su-hwak-eul gam-sa-han-da’-neun ui-mi-ga jung-yo-ha-ne-yo. geu-reom min-jun ssi-do go-hyang-e ga-se-yo?
Meaning: I see. The meaning ‘giving thanks for the harvest’ is important. Then are you going to your hometown too, Minjun? -
Expression: B: 네, 부모님 댁에 내려가서 가족들과 시간을 보낼 거예요. 안나 씨는 특별한 계획 있어요?
Pronunciation: ne, bu-mo-nim daek-e nae-ryeo-ga-seo ga-jok-deul-gwa si-gan-eul bo-nael geo-ye-yo. an-na ssi-neun teuk-byeol-han gye-hoek it-seo-yo?
Meaning: Yes, I’m going down to my parents’ house to spend time with family. Do you have any special plans, Anna? -
Expression: A: 저는 친구들이랑 서울에 남아서 고궁이나 박물관에 가보려고요. 추석 관련 행사도 한다고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun chin-gu-deul-i-rang seo-ul-e nam-a-seo go-gung-i-na bak-mul-gwan-e ga-bo-ryeo-go-yo. chu-seok gwan-lyeon haeng-sa-do han-da-go deul-eot-seo-yo.
Meaning: I plan to stay in Seoul with friends and visit old palaces or museums. I heard they have Chuseok-related events too. -
Expression: B: 좋은 생각이네요! 추석 연휴 잘 보내세요!
Pronunciation: jo-eun saeng-gak-i-ne-yo! chu-seok yeon-hyu jal bo-nae-se-yo!
Meaning: That’s a good idea! Have a great Chuseok holiday!
Practice Tips
Learning about Korean holidays is a great way to connect with the culture! Try looking at a Korean calendar and identifying the upcoming public holidays (공휴일 – gong-hyu-il). Pick one holiday and research its meaning (의미 – ui-mi) and origin (유래 – yu-rae). You can practice asking questions like “이 공휴일은 어떤 의미가 있나요?” (i gong-hyu-il-eun eo-tteon ui-mi-ga it-na-yo?) to your Korean friends or language partners~!
Listen to news reports or read articles about specific holidays as they approach. Pay attention to the vocabulary used to describe the holiday’s significance and related events (행사 – haeng-sa). Discussing holiday plans using phrases like “휴일에 뭐 하세요?” (hyu-il-e mwo ha-se-yo? – What are you doing on the holiday?) is also excellent practice. Enjoy exploring the rich meanings behind Korea’s national holidays!
