A rare alignment of three national holidays could give South Koreans a rare 10-day stretch off in October, if the government designates Oct 10 as a temporary public holiday.
The possibility has sent overseas travel bookings and airfares soaring, even as business groups and policymakers warn that such a move may hurt the economy.
In October, there is already a seven-day holiday from Oct 3, starting with National Foundation Day, followed by the Chuseok holiday from Oct 4 to 7, a substitute holiday on Oct 8 and Hangeul Day on Oct 9.
If Oct 10 is included, the weekend of Oct 11 to 12 would extend the break to 10 days, making it South Korea’s longest public holiday since 2017.
According to a travel agency, overseas bookings for Oct 3 to 9 are up 28.7%.
However, there are equity concerns. Businesses with fewer than five employees, which employ about 35% of South Korea’s workforce, are not required to grant temporary public holidays.
Schools could also face schedule disruptions, as many plan midterm exams shortly after Chuseok. — The Korea Herald/ANN
