Cheong Wa Dae is backing away from a plan to make April 11 a one-off national holiday marking the 100th anniversary of the Korean government-in-exile since the idea has found no favor among officials.

A government official said on Tuesday, "The presidential office considered making April 11 a temporary national holiday this year to celebrate the centennial of the provisional government in Shanghai in 1919. But the idea was dropped even before being officially addressed at a Cabinet meeting because a number of officials expressed concerns."

The main objections were that working mothers would have extra trouble on their hands and the negative impact on the economy.

Nonetheless, the official left open the possibility saying that Cheong Wa Dae might still declare the holiday if public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor.

A temporary holiday can be declared by Cabinet decree.

