Labor Day Designated Legal Public Holiday After 63 Years

May 1st Labor Day has been designated a statutory public holiday after 63 years. The Ministry of Personnel Management and the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that the draft amendment to the 'Act on Public Holidays,' designating Labor Day as a public holiday, was passed by the State Council on the 6th. Starting this year, all citizens, including public officials and teachers, will be able to take this day off together.

Labor Day, established as 'Workers' Day' in 1963 under the 'Act on the Establishment of Workers' Day,' has since been operated as a paid holiday. However, public officials and teachers, to whom the Labor Standards Act does not apply, were excluded from holiday guarantees. The government changed its name to 'Labor Day' through a legal amendment last November and plans to swiftly pursue follow-up measures, such as amending the 'Regulation on Public Holidays for Government Offices,' for immediate application starting this Labor Day.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor is preparing large-scale events to commemorate the name change and public holiday designation. An official ceremony inviting workers and government awardees, along with a '5.1km Walking Event,' are planned.

Choi Dong-seok, head of the Ministry of Personnel Management, stated, "We will create a vibrant public service that allows public officials to recharge and fulfill their responsibilities as servants of the people." Minister of Labor Kim Young-hoon emphasized, "This designation holds significance and symbolism beyond just a holiday," and pledged, "We will do our best to create a society where all working people are respected."