Constitution Day in 2026

When is Korean Constitution Day?

Constitution Day is always celebrated on 17th July.

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

It was previously designated as a national holiday and a public holiday along with Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, and March 1st.

However, in 2008, the government adjusted public holidays and excluded the Constitution from the status of public holidays to increase corporate productivity.

At that time, as the number of holidays increased as the five-day work week increased, some holidays were adjusted due to corporate burdens and concerns about productivity decline.

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 17, 1948

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