When did the National Foundation Day in South Korea start?
About National Foundation Day in South Korea Holiday
Happy National Foundation Day, South Korea!
As we celebrate the nation's foundation, let's take a moment to remember the long history of our beloved nation. National Foundation Day, or National Day of Foundation of South Korea, is a national holiday that celebrates South Korea's establishment as a unified nation under the Silla Kingdom in 668 AD. This holiday is an important date in South Korea's history and commemorates the unity of the three kingdoms of Korea and the establishment of the nation of South Korea. It is also a time to reflect on the accomplishments of South Koreans in modern times and to recognize the hard work and progress that has been made since the nation's unification.
National Foundation Day is an opportunity to celebrate our nation's progress and to show gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy each day. Each year, the citizens of South Korea come together to remember and pay tribute to the contributions of past generations. On this day, many people visit historic sites to learn more about the country's history, while others take part in patriotic demonstrations and events. This year, it is also important to recognize the struggles and hardships faced during the process of Korean unification.
National Foundation Day is an important day in South Korea, and a time for us all to come together and reflect on our history. Let us show appreciation for the sacrifices of the past, and to strive for the continued success of our nation.
History and Origin of National Foundation Day in South Korea
National Foundation Day or Gukjegeum Yeolcha in South Korea is a holiday celebrated to commemorate the founding of the nation. It is an important national holiday and falls on October 3rd each year and South Koreans celebrate it in a variety of different ways.
The original name of the National Foundation Day in South Korea came from the Chinese characters 癸桓復建. It was created as part of an effort to unify the three ancient kingdoms of Korea, namely, the Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. The unification occurred in 676 CE and was completed by Silla’s King Taejo of Wang Geon. Since then, this unification is often celebrated as the founding of Korea and is commemorated by National Foundation Day.
National Foundation Day as a holiday began to be celebrated in the late 19th century, under the rule of Emperor Gojong. Gojong’s world view was heavily influenced by his interactions with Japanese representatives and western powers of the time. In an effort to express solidarity with other nations, Gojong established Korea’s first National Foundation Day in October 1895 on Gwangmu 3, a day that was believed to be the mythical birth date of the founder of Gojoseon in 2333 BCE.
January 15th has since become the official day to celebrate Korea’s independence from the Japanese empire in February 1945. However, the celebration of National Foundation Day continues in South Korea.
Significance and Meaning
National Foundation Day holds a special place in the history and culture of South Korea. It marks a day that was seen as revolutionary in unifying the three kingdoms into one nation. That spirit of national unity can be seen in many of the celebrations that take place on this day.
It provides a chance for people to review the nation’s history and take pride in the accomplishments that it has achieved. National Foundation Day also serves as a reminder to citizens of the need for mutual understanding and peace, as well as respect for the numerous cultures that make up South Korea today.
Traditions and Celebrations
National Foundation Day is celebrated in many different ways in South Korea. In Seoul, the main celebration takes place in the large Gyeongbokgung Palace complex, where either the president or another high-ranking official gives an address. This ceremony is usually followed by a traditional style parade.
Other cities and towns in the country typically celebrate the day in a much smaller scale. In Jeonju, for instance, the day is celebrated with a parade of traditional Korean houses, which is known as a Hanok parade. This parade is often accompanied by traditional Korean music and dancing.
Other activities during National Foundation Day include local events such as fireworks displays, art exhibitions, traditional music performances and speeches by local officials on the history and significance of the nation’s founding.
Geographical Spread
National Foundation Day is celebrated all over the country but the largest celebrations are in Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju, and mountainous areas such as Gangwon province and Boseong county. The holiday is celebrated with larger and more elaborate ceremonies in the major cities, while smaller towns and villages have simpler and fewer activities.
Depending on the region, some areas celebrate the day differently. In the mountainous region of Gangdon-do, for instance, the holiday is celebrated by exchanging a type of dough cake called “baekseolgi”. In Busan, a special tradition of eating “simpobap”, cooked rice with beans, is common.
Modern Day Observances
Modern-day celebrations of National Foundation Day differ from those of the past, as more and more people are now participating in the festivities. Special events are often held to commemorate the event such as marathon races, paper lantern festivals, kite festivals, as well as parades and fireworks displays.
More importantly, the celebration of National Foundation Day in South Korea today is focused on the need to promote national unity as well as a desire to celebrate the diversity and unique culture of the country.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• National Foundation Day in South Korea is also known as Gaecheonjeol or gaecheon, which means “open heaven” in Korean.
• The Gangneung Danoje Festival held in Gangneung in late May is one of the most significant festivals on National Foundation Day. It is a seven-day festival with performances, reenactments of historical events, traditional marriage ceremonies and other activities.
• Throughout the country, temples and shrines offer special services and prayers to commemorate National Foundation Day, as believers express their gratitude for the founders of their nation.
• The National Foundation Day holiday normally falls on the same date as the Harvest Moon Festival in South Korea, which is celebrated around the same time as the Mid-Autumn Festival in several other Asian countries.
• Every year, the National Foundation Day Parade is held in Seoul and involves cultural performances and displays of traditional architecture, costume and music.
• In recent times, some South Koreans have called for the celebration of National Foundation Day to be moved from October 3 to January 15th, to mark Korea’s independence from Japanese rule in 1945.
• A memorial ceremony honoring the founders of the nation is held in Seoul on National Foundation Day.
• There is a dance called Eorini Nallari, which is performed on National Foundation Day and is a traditional dance performed at the Gaecheonjeoljeong (the National Foundation Day ceremony) in Korea.
• The Korean version of the popular board game, Baduk, was created by King Taejo, the founder of Silla. It is a national pastime and is thought to have originated between 686 and 719 AD, with some sources citing the day National Foundation Day as the date of its invention.
• The memorial service at Seonggyungwan Confucius Shrine is held in Seoul on National Foundation Day and includes a performance of the Seonggyungwan ceremonial chant.
Holiday Wishes
• Wishing you peace, happiness, and good luck this National Foundation Day
• Celebrating the marvels of South Korea’s nationhood
• May you find joy in our nation’s many successes
• Wishing you an unforgettable National Foundation Day celebration
• May there be peace, joy and happiness all around you
Holiday Messages
• It is an honor to celebrate the spirit of National Foundation Day and the freedom it brings.
• Have a wonderful National Foundation Day, and may all your dreams and hopes come true.
• In honor of National Foundation Day, let us all come together in unity and celebrate the spirit of our great nation.
• On this National Foundation Day, remember the elders who sacrificed their lives for our nationhood and freedom.
• On this National Foundation Day, let us remember the ideals of peace, harmony, and understanding that are the cornerstone of our nation.
Holiday Quotes
• “This day does not just commemorate a moment in history—it celebrates the spirit of our nation.”— President Moon Jae-in
• “National Foundation Day marks a new beginning for all of us to continue to build a stronger and brighter future for our nation.”—President Moon Jae-in
• “National Foundation Day is a symbol of dignity and pride, which reminds us of how far we’ve come since the beginning of the founding of our nation.”— Im Jong-Seok
• “Let us remember that the birth of our nation was not only an event, but also the start of our journey as a people bonded together by history, culture, and language.”—Kim Jong-un
• “The nationhood of South Korea marks the start of a journey that will lead us to a brighter future.”— President Lee Myung-Bak
Other Popular Holiday Info
On National Foundation Day, some people in South Korea observe a more specific ritual called Juseonche. This is a traditional ritual where families offer a bowl of rice with nine side dishes and a plate of fruit to their ancestors. This ritual is still practiced today, and its purpose is to show gratitude and respect towards their ancestors.
In addition, the celebration of National Foundation Day is becoming even more popular because of the increasing prevalence of Korean Hallyu, or the Korean Wave of popular culture in other parts of the world. Many people in non- Asian countries have also been commemorating the holiday as a way to express solidarity with and appreciate the culture of South Korea.
Finally, while the celebrations of National Foundation Day have greatly changed over the years, it has endured as a way to celebrate the nation’s history, the importance of freedom and national unity, and the accomplishments of its citizens. It is a day to recognize the beauty and strength of South Korea and what it has meant to its people.
National Foundation Day in South Korea Also Called
Korean Foundation Day or Gaecheonjeol.Countries where "National Foundation Day in South Korea" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1948, National Foundation Day in South Korea is celebrated on October 3 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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