Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Companies cannot offer substitute time off to employees who work Labor Day, says gov't

Companies must pay employees more than double their daily wages if they work on Labor Day this year, the Ministry of Employment and Labor said Thursday.

2026-04-16

Bill approved to designate May 1 Labor Day as public holiday for all workers

Korea’s parliament on Tuesday approved a bill to designate May 1, Labor Day, as a public holiday for all workers, extending the right to paid leave to groups previously excluded, such as public officials, teachers and gig workers.

2026-03-31

May 1 Workers' Day observance set to become official public holiday

Korea is set to designate Workers' Day on May 1 as a public holiday after a parliamentary subcommittee passed a related bill on Tuesday. The bill still requires approval by the full committee and the National Assembly.

2026-03-24

5 million vehicles expected to hit the road on last day of Lunar New Year holiday

Traffic congestion continued on highways heading toward Seoul on Wednesday, the final day of the holiday, as large numbers of vehicles returned to the capital. Traffic is expected to peak between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. before easing late at night.

2026-02-18

Staying healthy this Seollal: Tips for eating right while keeping tradition

Seollal, or Lunar New Year, is a time for bonding with family, and also an occasion to indulge in tasty traditional dishes and delicacies.

2026-02-16

Shine Muscat grapes go from premium to clearance as oversupply, quality control woes take toll

The price of Shine Muscat grapes has dropped over 80 percent due to oversupply and quality issues, prompting calls for quality control and market diversification in North Gyeongsang.

2026-02-16

Lunar New Year traffic from Seoul to peak Sunday

Outbound traffic was expected to peak on Sunday as more people head to their hometowns on the second day of the Lunar New Year holiday.

2026-02-15

North to combine Lunar New Year with late leader’s birthday for longer holiday

North Korea is expected to observe a longer Lunar New Year holiday this year, as it immediately follows the national holiday marking the birthday of the late former leader Kim Jong-il.

2026-02-15

Mild weather, fine dust expected during Lunar New Year holiday

Mild weather will continue through the Lunar New Year holiday, though thick fog and elevated fine dust levels may affect parts of Korea, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Thursday.

2026-02-12

Seoul to extend public transportation to 1 a.m. during Lunar New Year holiday

Seoul will extend late-night subway and bus services during the Lunar New Year holiday to ease congestion for travelers heading home and returning to the capital, the city government said on Monday.

2026-02-09