Complete Guide to U.S. Stock Market Trading Schedule: 2025 Opening, Closing, and Holiday Calendar with Korea Time Conversion

Introduction

If you are a retail trader investing in the US market, it is essential to know the exact trading hours to avoid disruptions in your investment plans. Due to daylight saving time and the time difference with Korea, the trading hours for the same securities may feel different. This guide consolidates all information from regular trading hours to pre-market and after-hours trading, as well as the 2025 market holidays and trading hours based on Korea time, for easy reference.

## Overview of US Stock Market Holidays in 2025

Before setting your trading plans, it is important to check the dates when trading is not available this year. The US market closes on federal holidays and special national days, with some days closing early.

Full Market Holidays (No Trading )

| Date | Reason |
|------|--------|
| January 1 (Thu) | New Year's Day |
| January 9 (Thu) | Memorial Service 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 |

Early Close Dates (Close at 1 PM, Korea Time Next Day Early Morning)

| Date | Reason | Korea Time Close |
|------|--------|------------------|
| July 3 (Thu) | Day Before Independence Day | 2 AM next day |
| November 28 (Fri) | Day After Thanksgiving | 3 AM next day |
| December 24 (Wed) | Christmas Eve | 3 AM next day |

## Detailed Trading Hours of the US Market

The major US exchanges—New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ (NASDAQ), and American Stock Exchange (AMEX)—operate during the same hours.

### Regular Trading Hours

Eastern Time (ET): 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Korea Time: 11:30 PM – 6:00 AM (During Daylight Saving Time: 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM)

Regular trading hours are the most active period when both institutional and retail investors participate. High trading volume during this time ensures good liquidity.

### Pre-Market Trading

Eastern Time: 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Korea Time: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM (During Daylight Saving Time: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM)

This session is for investors who want to trade proactively before the regular hours. Trading volume is lower, so volatility may be higher.

### After-Hours Trading

Eastern Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Korea Time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (During Daylight Saving Time: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

This session continues after the regular market close, mainly for investors responding to news or results released after hours.

## Key Trading Regulations and Features of the US Market

Trading Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Trading Unit: 1 share
Minimum Price Fluctuation: None (Unlike Korea, there are no price limit restrictions)
Settlement Period: T+2 (two business days) (T+2)
Fees: Vary by brokerage and intermediary

A major difference from the Korean market is the absence of price limits in the US market. Therefore, thorough risk management strategies are essential to prepare for unexpected sharp declines.

## Features of Major US Stock Exchanges

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

Founded in 1792, it is the largest stock exchange in the world. About 2,400 companies are listed, with a total market capitalization of approximately $23 trillion. It mainly lists mature large-cap companies.

NASDAQ (NASDAQ)

Established in 1971, it is the second-largest exchange globally. It is known for listing many technology and growth-oriented companies, attracting traders interested in innovative firms.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX)

Primarily listing mid-sized and small-cap companies, this exchange tends to have higher volatility.

## Trading Hours Changes During Daylight Saving Time

US markets apply daylight saving time from the second Sunday in March at 2 AM to the first Sunday in November at 2 AM. During this period, Eastern Time shifts forward by 1 hour, and trading hours in Korea are also advanced by 1 hour.

Non-DST Period (November–March):
- Regular: 11:30 PM – 6:00 AM Korea Time
- Pre-market: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM Korea Time
- After-hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM Korea Time

DST Period (March–November):
- Regular: 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM Korea Time
- Pre-market: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM Korea Time
- After-hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM Korea Time

## Other Countries’ Stock Market Trading Hours

If you invest in stocks from other countries besides the US, refer to the following information.

| Exchange | Local Time | Korea Time | Notes |
|------------|------------|------------|--------|
| Korea Exchange | 09:00–15:30 | 09:00–15:30 | - |
| Tokyo Stock Exchange | 09:00–15:00 | (11:30–12:30 Closed for Lunch) | Lunch break included |
| London Stock Exchange | 08:00–16:30 | 17:00–01:30 (During Daylight Saving Time: 16:00–00:30) | DST applied |
| Hong Kong Stock Exchange | 09:30–16:00 (12:00–13:00 Closed for Lunch) | 10:30–17:00 (13:00–14:00 Closed for Lunch) | Lunch break included |
| Shanghai Stock Exchange | 09:30–15:00 (11:30–13:00 Closed for Lunch) | 10:30–16:00 (12:30–14:00 Closed for Lunch) | Lunch break included |

## Conclusion

Understanding the trading hours, holidays, and regulations of the US market is the first step toward successful global investing. Be sure to consider daylight saving time changes and the time difference with Korea when planning your trading schedule.

Regularly check the official exchange websites for the latest holiday information, as updates may occur. Always base your trading strategies on the most current data.