2027 Children's Day

Children's Day in Korea falls on May 5 and was established in 1923 by children's rights pioneer Bang Jeong-hwan and his Saekdonghoe society to promote respect for children and their happiness; it has been a public holiday since 1975. Families spend the day at theme parks, zoos, museums and parks, many of which offer free admission or special programmes, and children receive presents — it is the busiest date of the year for theme parks and zoos. Singing the Children's Day song and reciting the Children's Charter remain part of school and community events. A substitute holiday is designated when May 5 falls on a weekend, and in some years it joins Buddha's Birthday to create a multi-day break, so popular destinations and restaurants book up early. Traffic around amusement parks is heavy, so arrive at opening time or use public transport. This countdown ticks to midnight Korea Standard Time on May 5.