August 15, 2014, SEOUL - August 15 marks one of the most important public holidays in the Korean calendar, Independence Day or Gwangbokjeol as it is known locally. Translated literally, it means "Restoration of Light Day”, and celebrates the victory over Japan which liberated Korea from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. On March 1st Independence Movement Day, the bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion pays tribute to the patriotic spirit and nationalistic ideals of the martyrs from the March 1st Independence Movement. 77th Independence Day 2025 Celebrations In Seoul. Enjoy this patriotic holiday with top-rated events & activities in Seoul from parades to cooking classes, from rallies to hikes, there is a lot to do on 15th August 2025 in Seoul. Every year on August 15, South Koreans and the Korean population worldwide commemorate Korean Independence Day, which is deeply meaningful to both groups. This day honors the 1945 independence of Korea from Japanese colonial authority, which was a turning point in the history of the nation. National Liberation Day of Korea (also known as Korean Independence Day) is probably one of the more important National holidays in South Korea. It’s a holiday that’s marked with stories of perseverance, nationalism, and national pride. March 1st Independence Movement Day is a national holiday in Korea that commemorates the spirit of independence, fostering national unity and patriotism. This day commemorates the March 1st Independence Movement, a nationwide movement that began on March 1, 1919, as part of Korea’s fight for liberation. National Liberation Day of Korea, sometimes known as Korean Independence Day, is celebrated every year on the 15th of August. Korean Independence Day. Despite the holiday being sometimes called Korean Independence Day, the word “restoration” is used rather than the word for “independence”, which is 독립 (dongnip). Korea.net explores three historical sites in the district to reflect on the spirit of the March First Independence Movement. 1. Tapgol Park. Jeong Jae-yong (1886-1976) on March 1, 1919, read out loud the country's Declaration of Independence at Tapgol Park in Seoul's Jongno-gu District, marking the beginning of the national independence movement. The National Liberation Day of Korea is a public holiday celebrated annually on 15 August in both North Korea and South Korea. It commemorates the day when Korean Peninsula was liberated by the Allies in 1945 from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. The day also coincides with the anniversary of the founding of South Korea in 1945. [1] Celebrating Korean Independence Day: A Festive Extravaganza. Every year on August 15th, South Korea comes alive with the spirit of freedom as the nation celebrates Korean Independence Day, known as Kwang Bok Jul. This day marks the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945 and is a time for reflection, gratitude, and exuberant Every year on August 15th, South Koreans come together to celebrate Kwang Bok Jul, also known as the National Liberation Day of Korea. This day marks the country’s independence from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Embracing the Spirit of Independence in the Heart of Seoul As the sun rises on the bustling streets of Seoul, the air crackles with a palpable energy – a mixture of excitement, patriotism, and a deep sense of cultural pride. It’s the eve of Korean Independence Day, and the city is gearing up to celebrate this momentous occasion in grand Kwang Bok Jul, also known as Korea’s Independence Day, celebrated on August 15th, is one of South Korea’s most significant national holidays. This day marks the end of Japanese colonial rule over Korea in 1945. Opened in 1897, Seoul Tapgol Park was one of Korea’s first Western-styled parks and the site where Korea’s Declaration of Independence was read in 1919. These days celebrate events considered joyous to Korea. In the beginning, Independence Declaration Day (March 1) was first stipulated in 1946. [9] After the establishment of the Government of the Republic of Korea in 1948, four major National Celebration Days (Independence Declaration Day, Constitution Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day) were provided by "The Law Concerning the About Independence Movement Day 삼일절. Independence Movement Day (삼일절) is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for Independence Movement Day, a Korean public holiday celebrated on March 1. (When this day lands on the weekend, it is often celebrated This day signifies the end of Japanese rule and the country’s journey toward independence and democracy. Therefore, Koreans observe National Liberation Day on August 15 annually. Although National Liberation Day is often referred to as Independence Day for Korea, it should not be confused with Independence Movement Day (celebrated March 1 The 3.1 Movement (Samiljeol), also known as the March 1st Movement, was a key event in the struggle for independence from Japanese colonial rule in Korea. It took place on March 1st, 1919, when a group of Korean independence activists issued a declaration of independence in Seoul, calling for an end to Japanese colonial rule [] Experience Kwang Bok Jul in Seoul, Korea's Independence Day, with this complete guide to festivities, historical sites, cultural events, and more. To mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will erect a massive monument themed after the Taegeukgi, or Korea’s national flag, in front of City Hall in central Seoul and honor independence fighters with public events.
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