About Korean Children's Day (Eorininal)
Children's Day — Eorininal — is a national public holiday in South Korea celebrated every year on May 5, dedicated to the happiness and dignity of children. Schools and most workplaces close, and families spend the day together. The countdown above shows exactly how many days remain until the next Children's Day in your own timezone.
The day grew from the work of children's writer and independence activist Bang Jeong-hwan, who helped proclaim the first Children's Day in 1923 and popularised the respectful word "eorini" for children. It became an official holiday in 1975. Today parents take children to amusement parks, zoos, museums and parks, give gifts and treats, and the whole country turns its attention to family fun — making it one of the busiest leisure days of the year.
Falling on May 5, the date never moves, landing in the middle of a string of early-May holidays that Koreans often call "Family Month". When it falls on a weekend or next to another holiday, a substitute day off may be granted. Add this Korean Children's Day countdown to your own page to count down to one of Korea's most joyful family days.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Wednesday, May 5, 2027next |
| 2028 | Friday, May 5, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, May 5, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, May 5, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, May 5, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Korean Children's Day?
Korean Children's Day, Eorininal, is held every year on May 5, a fixed national public holiday in South Korea.
Why is Korean Children's Day celebrated?
It honours the happiness, rights and dignity of children, an idea championed by activist Bang Jeong-hwan, who launched the first Children's Day in 1923.
How is Korean Children's Day celebrated?
Families spend the day out together at parks, zoos, museums and amusement parks, giving children gifts and treats; schools and offices close.
Since when has Children's Day been a holiday in Korea?
The first Children's Day was held in 1923, and May 5 became an official national holiday in South Korea in 1975.