By Yoon Sojung

Oct. 2 has become a one-time holiday.

President Moon Jae-in passed a bill that turned Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, into a temporary holiday, in a cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on Sept. 5.

Despite the serious security conditions facing the Korean Peninsula due to North Korea's recent sixth nuclear weapons test, President Moon stated that, “It would have been hard for people to have fully used the holiday if the designation had been made any closer to the date itself.”

“Designating it later in September would have also caused unexpected difficulties and inconveniences for some industries, exporters or workers, due to the unplanned closing of childcare centers,” said the president, explaining the reasons for making the announcement this week. .

“If Oct. 2 were a temporary, one-off holiday, people could enjoy an unprecedented 10-day holiday thanks to the regular Chuseok holidays,” said President Moon.

“I hope people can enjoy their time off and take the time to rest and relax,” he said.

Thanks to the one-time holiday, the nation will enjoy a 10-day vacation from Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, through to Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, inclusive.

The 10-day vacation includes the Gaecheonjeol National Foundation Day on Tuesday, Oct. 3, which marks the foundation of the first ancient Korean kingdom on the peninsula, Chuseok, or Hangawi, one of the main national holidays, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, and Hangeul Day, which marks the creation of the Korean alphabet, on Monday, Oct. 9.

arete@korea.kr