Origin & history
Local Election Day was established in South Korea following the democratization movements of the 1980s, particularly the June Democratic Struggle in 1987, which led to direct presidential elections and greater local autonomy. The first local elections were held in 1991 under the Local Autonomy Act, restoring local self-governance that had been suspended since the 1961 military coup. To encourage voter turnout, the government designated election days as temporary public holidays, a practice formalized in the 1990s with the Public Official Election Act. The holiday underscores South Korea's transition from authoritarian rule to a vibrant democracy, with local elections becoming a cornerstone of grassroots governance.
Customs & traditions
On Local Election Day, polling stations are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and voters cast ballots for local council members, mayors, and superintendents of education. Many workplaces and schools are closed to facilitate voting, and citizens often wear casual clothes or traditional hanbok to the polls. Campaigning is prohibited on election day, creating a calm atmosphere. In recent years, early voting has been introduced, allowing absentee voting on the Friday and Saturday before the election. Voter turnout typically sees a boost due to the holiday, with families sometimes going to the polls together and making a day of it by visiting local restaurants or parks afterward.
Why it is celebrated
Local Election Day is celebrated as a festival of democracy, giving citizens direct control over local policies and services that affect daily life, such as education, public transportation, and urban development. It reinforces the principle of decentralization and community engagement, reminding Koreans of their hard-won democratic rights. The holiday also serves as a check on central government power, fostering accountability and responsiveness among local leaders. By making it a public holiday, the state underscores the importance of voting as both a right and a duty, encouraging broader participation and political awareness.