Today, Monday, August 17, is a substitute holiday applied because Liberation Day on the 15th fell on a Saturday. With many people looking to handle routine tasks or visit hospitals unexpectedly on the last day of the long weekend, here is a summary of lifestyle-related information that changes for today.

The most important thing to be aware of is medical expenses. If you use a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy that is open today, a public holiday surcharge system applies, adding 30% to basic medical and prescription fees. If your visit isn't urgent, it's wiser to wait until tomorrow. If you need urgent care and must find an open facility, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Emergency Medical Portal (E-Gen) website or smartphone app makes searching for one convenient.

Financial markets and government offices will also be closed. Domestic stock markets, including the KOSPI, KOSDAQ, and KONEX operated by the Korea Exchange, as well as the alternative trading system Nextrade, will be closed for the entire day. Commercial bank branches and post offices will also be shut. While mobile app transfers and payments are available, tasks requiring in-person consultation or document issuance should be postponed until tomorrow, the 18th.

You should also check logistics and labor regulations. Due to the combination of the "No Delivery Day" on the 14th, the weekend, and this substitute holiday, delivery volumes are significantly backed up, so expect potential shipping delays for the time being. Additionally, under the Labor Standards Act, for workplaces with 5 or more regular employees, those working today are entitled to holiday work pay: 50% extra for up to 8 hours and 100% extra for hours exceeding 8. Furthermore, employers cannot unilaterally force the use of annual leave.

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