Constitution Day in 2026

When is Korean Constitution Day?

Constitution Day is always celebrated on July 17th.

Constitution Day is a holiday that honours the first constitution of South Korea which was declared by the first National Assembly on July 17th 1948.

Constitution Day on July 17th 2026 will become a public holiday next year, marking the first time since 2008.

Constitution Day was a public holiday from 1950 under laws such as the 'Act on National Holidays' enacted in 1949. However, it was excluded from public holidays starting in 2008 following amendments to related regulations during the Roh Moo-hyun administration in 2005.

This reflected demands from the business community, which was concerned about decreased corporate productivity after the introduction of the five-day workweek in 2004. 

History of Korean Constitution Day

Following the end of World War II and liberation from Japanese Rule, Korea was split in two by the occupation of Allied and Soviet forces.

In April 1948 a democratic election for National Assembly members was held in Allied-controlled South Korea. The elected assembly members then created a constitution, based on a presidential and unicameral system.

This constitution was formally adopted by President Syngman Rhee on July 17th 1948

On August 15th 1948, the Republic of Korea was established, with Syngman Rhee as the first president. On September 9th 1948, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) was established under Kim Il-sung.