Every May 1st, it always felt like a day off, but then there were all sorts of rumors: ‘It’s Workers’ Day, so civil servants don’t get it off,’ ‘Deliveries still come’… I was honestly confused every year too. But from 2026, all this confusion is set to be neatly resolved. Did you know that Labor Day is finally becoming a true ‘red day’ for everyone? It’s no exaggeration to say this is a historic change.
I’m going to honestly delve into why this day, previously called ‘Workers’ Day,’ is changing to ‘Labor Day,’ and why it’s only now becoming a public holiday for the entire nation, exploring its background and hidden stories. It’s not just about one more day off; it’s a moment that shows a significant change in our society. Aren’t you curious?
Labor Day, Not Just a Simple Holiday? Its Origin and Hidden Meaning
To be honest, many people probably just thought of May 1st as ‘a day off.’ I did too. But once you know that this day isn’t just a simple holiday, you’ll feel a bit more solemn. The origin of this day is the general strike that took place in Chicago, USA, in 1886. At that time, workers suffered from poor conditions, working 10, or even over 14 hours a day. They then held large-scale demonstrations demanding ‘eight-hour workdays,’ which became the starting point of the global labor movement.
- May 1, 1886, Chicago General Strike, USA: A historic event where workers rose up demanding ‘eight-hour workdays.’
- 1889 Second International Declaration: In commemoration of the Chicago general strike, May 1st was officially declared ‘International Workers’ Day’ every year.
- Global Spread: Since then, many countries have celebrated May 1st as a day to strengthen workers’ rights and solidarity.
2026, A Major Change for Labor Day in Korea
Korea also celebrated May 1st early on, starting in 1923. But it has had many twists and turns. Even after liberation, it was celebrated on May 1st, but in 1958, it was changed to March 10th, the founding day of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions. Crucially, in 1963, it was changed to ‘Workers’ Day,’ which has continued until now. There was much controversy that the word ‘근로’ (geunro, meaning ‘labor’ or ‘work’) was a remnant of the Japanese colonial period, but finally, from 2026, the name will be reverted to ‘Labor Day.’ Isn’t this truly great news?
- Name Change from ‘Workers’ Day’ to ‘Labor Day’: The name ‘Workers’ Day,’ used until 2025, will officially change to ‘Labor Day’ from 2026.
- Designated as a National ‘Legal Public Holiday’: Labor Day, which was previously a paid holiday for private companies, became a legal public holiday for all citizens, including civil servants, teachers, and special employment workers, by a Cabinet meeting resolution on April 6, 2026.
- Change after 63 Years: This is a major change that has come after 63 years since the name was changed to ‘Workers’ Day’ in 1963, and it holds the meaning of ‘The 1st Labor Day’ as a legal commemorative day in Korea.
Labor Day, How Should We All Enjoy and Remember It?
Now, May 1st has truly become a day off for all of us. Rather than just thinking of it as one more red day on the calendar, how about reflecting on the true meaning of this day? In fact, there are countless workers around us who work in various forms. I hope we can take this opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and collectively consider better working conditions.
- Reflect on the Value of Labor: Take time to think about all forms of labor that sustain our society and respect their value.
- Rest and Recharge: It’s also important to take advantage of this rare full holiday to reflect on yourself and recharge.
- Express Gratitude to Workers Around You: How about expressing a small thank you to those who perform essential labor in our daily lives, such as delivery drivers, sanitation workers, and service industry professionals?
Labor Day 2026 will not just be a day off, but an important turning point for our society to more broadly recognize the value of labor and move forward together. I sincerely hope that everyone understands the true meaning of this day and spends it meaningfully.