Armed Forces Day in South Korea in 2024
The government has designated Armed Forces Day on October 1st 2024 as a temporary holiday to boost troop morale and domestic consumption.
A motion to designate the holiday was passed during a Cabinet meeting and will be sent to President Yoon Suk Yeol for approval.
The designation, which came at the request of the ruling People Power Party, adds an additional public holiday to the current two in October -- National Foundation Day on October 3rd and Hangeul Day on October 9th.
It marks the first time that Armed Forces Day will be celebrated as a public holiday since 1991, when it was excluded from the list of the country's public holidays.
"By designating this year's Armed Forces Day as a temporary holiday, the government plans to heighten public interest in the importance of national security and remember the role of our armed forces and the hard work of our troops," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during the Cabinet meeting, noting the serious security situation at home and abroad due to North Korea's continued provocations and the conflict in the Middle East.
"Strong security is the foundation of a country and a pillar supporting our economy," he added. "I hope our troops, who even at this moment are sweating on the front lines of national defense for the country and the people, will gain a morale boost and a heightened sense of duty amid the people's support."
When is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day in South Korea is an annual event usually celebrated on October 1st to commemorate the service of men and women in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
In 2017, the holiday was celebrated on September 28th rather than the usual date to avoid clashing with the lunar holiday of Chuseok. Similarly, in 2023 the military march was held ahead of the holiday.
What is the History of Armed Forces Day?
It is observed on the day when South Korean forces broke through the 38th parallel in 1950 during the Korean War.
Armed Forces Day was first celebrated in 1956 and later designated as a national holiday in 1976. However, it was scrapped from the list of public holidays in 1991 to boost economic growth.
It is a National Flag Raising Day to recognise and honour the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
