Quick Answer: 2026 Time Change Dates
⚠️ South Korea does not observe Daylight Saving Time
Clocks in South Korea remain on the same time year-round.
Countdown to Next Time Change
Economic Impact of DST in South Korea
The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in South Korea are significant and multifaceted. Retail businesses often report increased sales during DST months due to extended evening daylight hours, which encourages shopping and dining out. The tourism and recreation industries particularly benefit, with golf courses, theme parks, and other outdoor venues seeing revenue increases of up to 6%.
However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $469 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.
Energy Consumption Patterns in South Korea
Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in South Korea show modest savings of approximately 0.5% in electricity usage. However, these savings are offset by increased gasoline consumption as people take advantage of extended daylight for travel and recreation. The net energy impact remains a subject of ongoing research and debate among policy makers.
Historical Context
- Germany and Austria-Hungary were the first countries to use DST in 1916 during World War I.
- Daylight Saving Time was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 as a way to conserve candles.
- DST was extended in the US in 2007, adding 4 weeks to the DST period.
Tips for South Korea Residents
Use the phrase 'Spring forward, fall back' to remember which direction to change your clocks.
Remember that not all countries change on the same date - check international meeting times carefully.
Update your car clock, microwave, and other manual clocks that don't auto-update.
Use the extra evening daylight in summer for outdoor activities and vitamin D.
Why do we change clocks?
Daylight Saving Time was implemented to make better use of daylight during summer months, theoretically saving energy and providing more evening daylight for activities.
Do all states observe DST?
No, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Some territories also opt out of the time change.
Is DST being eliminated?
While there have been various proposals to eliminate DST, as of 2026, most regions continue to observe the biannual time change.