2025 US Stock Trading Complete Guide: Opening and Closing Times, Holidays, and a Comparison Chart with Korea Time

If you are investing in US stocks, there is something you must know. It’s information about when you can trade and when you cannot. Especially due to the time difference and daylight saving time system different from Korea, trading plans often get mixed up. But don’t worry. Once you read this article, you will fully understand all the trading rules and holidays of the US stock market.

Check Today’s Stock Market Holidays in 2025 in Advance

To plan your investments, you first need to identify the major holidays. The table below shows all the stock market holidays in the US for 2025.

| Date (US Standard) | Reason for Holiday | |---|---| | January 1 (Wed) | New Year’s Day | | January 9 (Thu) | National Day of Mourning for Former President Jimmy Carter | | January 20 (Mon) | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | | February 17 (Mon) | Presidents’ Day | | April 18 (Fri) | Good Friday | | May 26 (Mon) | Memorial Day | | June 19 (Thu) | Juneteenth Day | | July 4 (Fri) | Independence Day | | September 1 (Mon) | Labor Day | | November 27 (Thu) | Thanksgiving Day | | December 25 (Thu) | Christmas Day |

Additionally, on certain days around these dates, early closing is implemented.

| Date (US Standard) | Reason for Early Close and Time | |---|---| | July 3 (Thu) | Day before Independence Day - Early close at 2 AM Korea time (next day) | | November 28 (Fri) | Day after Thanksgiving - Early close at 3 AM Korea time (next day) | | December 24 (Wed) | Christmas Eve - Early close at 3 AM Korea time (next day) |

Overview of the 3 Major US Stock Exchanges

US stocks are traded on three major exchanges. Knowing their characteristics can help you develop more effective investment strategies.

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the largest exchange in the world, established in 1792. About 2,400 companies are listed, with a total market cap of approximately $23 trillion. Traditional large-cap stocks like Berkshire Hathaway, Johnson & Johnson, Visa, and Walmart are mainly traded here.

Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ) was established in 1971 and is the second-largest exchange globally. It is concentrated with IT companies, attracting investors interested in tech stocks like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX) is one of the three major US exchanges, mainly listing mid- and small-cap companies. Investors looking for growth-oriented small and mid-sized stocks pay attention here.

When Does the US Stock Market Trade? Trading Hours in Korea Time

The trading hours are the same across the three exchanges. The key point is that trading hours differ when converted to Korea time, and during daylight saving time, they are moved forward by 1 hour.

| Trading Session | Eastern Time | Korea Time | During Daylight Saving Time | |---|---|---|---| | Regular Trading Hours | 09:30~16:00 | 23:30~06:00 (Next Day) | 22:30~05:00 (Next Day) | | Pre-market | 04:00~09:30 | 18:00~23:30 | 17:00~22:30 | | After-hours | 16:00~20:00 | Next day 06:00~10:00 | Next day 05:00~09:00 |

Regular trading runs from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, which is 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM Korea time. Pre-market and after-hours trading are also available but may have lower liquidity, so caution is advised.

5 Key Trading Rules of the US Stock Market

Important rules to know before trading.

First, the trading currency is (USD). You must exchange Korean won to dollars before trading.

Second, the minimum trading unit is 1 share. Orders can be placed starting from 1 share, lowering the entry barrier.

Third, there are no price limit restrictions in the US stock market. Unlike Korean stocks, there are no upper or lower price limits, so rapid price fluctuations can occur. Since the market operates overnight in Korea time, quick responses are crucial during sharp declines.

Fourth, the settlement period is 2 business days. Stocks bought today will be settled two business days later.

Fifth, fees vary depending on the securities firm or broker. Always check before trading.

Comparison of Trading Hours of Major Global Exchanges

If you trade in multiple countries, refer to their trading hours as well.

| Exchange | Local Time | Korea Time | |---|---|---| | Korea Exchange | 09:00~15:30 | 09:00~15:30 | | Tokyo Stock Exchange | 09:00~15:00 (11:30~12:30 Closed) | 10:00~16:00 | | London Stock Exchange | 08:00~16:30 | 17:00~01:30 (During Daylight Saving Time: 16:00~00:30) | | Hong Kong Stock Exchange | 09:30~16:00 (12:00~13:00 Closed) | 10:30~17:00 | | Shanghai Stock Exchange | 09:30~15:00 (11:30~13:00 Closed) | 10:30~16:00 |

Start Investing in US Stocks Now

Accurately understanding the opening, closing times, and holidays of the US stock market is the first step toward successful investing. Planning your trades considering the time difference and daylight saving time makes your investments more efficient. Since trading hours and holidays can change, always check the latest information.

When you are ready to start trading, follow these three steps: First, create an account and input necessary information. Second, deposit funds quickly using various deposit methods. Third, spot trading opportunities and execute orders immediately. Start now!