Gov’t Likely to Reduce Number of Public Holidays

The government is now mulling over reducing the number of public holidays ahead of the scheduled enactment of a five-day workweek system.

The Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs (MOGAHA) said on August 22 that it is considering scrapping some of government-designated holidays to keep the number of holidays in line with the international level after the five-day workweek system is implemented.

It is reportedly weighing an option that switches the dates of some holidays to Saturday. Arbor Day, Children’s Day and Memorial Day are most likely to be moved to Saturday.

MOGAHA plans to consult with such related ministries as Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Education and Human Resources and Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on the matter.

“Once the five workweek system is in place, the number of holidays will increase by 52 a year. We need to adjust the number of holidays and monthly and annual leaves,” said an MOGAHA official. “Since this is an touchy issue, however, we will accommodate diverse opinions before making a final decision.”

Ki-Dae Yang kee@donga.com