ContentsView article sectionsAbout Memorial Day 현충일Celebrating Memorial Day in KoreaPotential Inconveniences on Memorial Day in KoreaHow to Source Additional Information About LocationsWondering about Korean Memorial Day (현충일 Hyunchungil) in Korea? Have a quick look at this national holiday observed on June 6th. The following post doesn’t just explain the holiday meaning, it also provides insight into how the holiday may be celebrated and how you can incorporate the holiday into your life as an ex-pats living in South Korea. About Memorial Day 현충일 In South Korea, Memorial Day referred to as Hyunchungil 현충일 is considered a “red day” or public holiday. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for Memorial Day, June 6. (When this day lands on the weekend, Koreans celebrate on an alternate day such as Friday or Monday). Also, red days are typically days of rest, reflection, and commemoration. Memorial Day or Hyunchungil 현충일 sets aside June 6 to remember and honor the sacrifices and contributions of fallen soldiers and military personnel who died serving their country. In addition, Memorial Day commemorates the sacrifices of those from the Korean War, Vietnam War, the Battle of Bongoh Town, and the Battle of Cheongsanri. Observed annually on June 6, ceremonies, speeches, and tributes to the fallen heroes commemorate the day. Since 1954, Korea dedicated June as the month dedicated to the veterans of war and patriots. However, Korea declared it a public holiday on April 19 of 1956 to honor the sacrifices of military personnel who died defending their country. The day, referred to as Hyunchungil, since Hyunchung 현충 refers to the praise of loyal martyrs and il 일 means day. The following video provides more information on Memorial Day (현충일 Hyunchungil). Celebrating Memorial Day in Korea Korea celebrates June 6, Memorial Day (현충일 Hyunchungil) with memorial ceremonies, speeches, and other events to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. This day reminds Koreans of the sacrifices made by military personnel as they protect and defend their country. The most significant memorial ceremony occurs at Seoul National Cemetery or Daejeon National Cemetery each year. On June 6 at 10 a.m., a siren rings all over Korea. Koreans observe a minute of silence to honor the fallen heroes. The Korean flag is typically raised to half-staff and the memorial song, Song of Memorial Day” (현충일 노래), is played or sung. Also, cars and people on the streets often stop at this moment to pay their respect as well. During Memorial Day, Koreans often attend memorial ceremonies or events to commemorate the day. Furthermore, many Koreans visit war memorials or museums across the country. Moreover, family members and government officials lay flowers or wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers. Businesses often display the Korean national flag on their front doors during the month of June to honor the fallen. Potential Inconveniences on Memorial Day in Korea Obviously, any of the following inconveniences may or may not occur depending on where you live in South Korea and the current social climate. However, the awareness that the following issues may occur may allow you to better plan ahead and avoid stress: How to Source Additional Information About Locations If you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, using apps like Naver can help you navigate with expected traffic times. SOUTH OF SEOUL EDITORIAL INFORMATION Article Information & History Historical Record Originally written by KimchiRednecks Originally published March 6, 2023 Article History March 6, 2023 Article edited Less than 1% of the article changed March 6, 2023 Article edited About 6% of the article changed March 4, 2023 Article edited Less than 1% of the article changed March 4, 2023 Article edited Less than 1% of the article changed March 6, 2023 Originally published Written by KimchiRednecks No formal audit has been recorded for this article under the current South of Seoul editorial process. Historical article: This article has not yet been formally audited under South of Seoul’s current editorial process. It remains available as part of our publishing history and may contain information that has changed since publication. Before You Act South of Seoul articles document information available at a particular point in time. Prices, hours, services, policies, procedures, laws, eligibility requirements, transportation, contact details, and local conditions can change. Use this article as a research starting point and confirm important details using current official resources, direct contact, Naver Maps, Kakao Map, and other reliable sources when appropriate. For consequential immigration, legal, medical, or financial decisions, confirm current requirements with the relevant official authority or an appropriately qualified professional. See something that needs updating? Help us keep practical information useful. Reader reports are reviewed by our editorial team and do not automatically change this article. Website What needs attention? Select a reason Outdated information Business closed or moved Hours changed Price changed Broken link Location or access changed Policy or rule changed Contact information changed Translation issue Other What did you notice? Send to Editorial Team No name or email is required. Please don’t include private or sensitive personal information.