When did the National Liberation Day in South Korea start?
About National Liberation Day in South Korea Holiday
South Korea's National Liberation Day (also known as Gwangbokjeol) is an important national holiday celebrated on August 15th each year. It marks the day, in 1945, that Japan, who had held control over the country since 1910, surrendered to the Allies at the end of World War II and Korea gained its independence. The holiday is a time for Koreans to express their pride in the accomplishments of their ancestors and their appreciation for the brave soldiers who fought for their freedom.
Throughout the day, South Koreans hold a variety of celebratory events to commemorate their freedom. These include festivals, concerts, parades, and fireworks displays. People also hold various cultural activities such as traditional music, traditional Korean dress, and a family pilgrimage to monuments and memorial sites to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the cause. Additionally, many South Koreans take this as an opportunity to visit historical sites such as the National Museum of Korea and the Cheonggye Stream where the Gwangbokjeol Declaration was read aloud on August 15th, 1945.
Introduction to National Liberation Day, South Korea
National Liberation Day is a national holiday celebrated in South Korea on August 15th every year. The holiday marks the day when Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, when World War II ended. It commemorates the sacrifices made by Koreans in the fight for independence and freedom from foreign rule. The holiday has become a way for people to remember their shared history, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the good fortune of freedom and independence they now enjoy.
History of National Liberation Day, South Korea
The history of National Liberation Day in South Korea dates back to the early 20th century, when Korea was under Japanese rule. Prior to 1910, Korea had been a unified kingdom, but the country was eventually annexed by Japan in 1910 and remained under its control until 1945. During this time, a growing nationalist sentiment among Koreans led to several uprisings and a general protest against the occupation of their country.
The end of World War II in 1945 eventually put an end to Japan’s rule in Korea. This event was followed by the official announcement by the Americans and the Soviets that they had agreed to divide Korea into two occupation zones. On August 15th, 1945, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur announced that Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule and declared it a free and independent country.
Following this declaration, South Koreans began celebrating their liberation on August 15th every year. This day was eventually officially declared as a national holiday in 1949 and it marked the start of National Liberation Day in South Korea.
Celebrations of National Liberation Day in South Korea
National Liberation Day in South Korea is a day for celebration and reflection. On this day, people get together to reflect on the history of Korean liberation and to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of past generations in securing freedom. On August 15th, the South Korean government typically holds various events and ceremonies across the nation as part of this celebration.
In Seoul, the traditional celebration of National Liberation Day takes place at the Mera Park in Yongsan District. During this event, the ceremony includes a wreath laying ceremony led by the president of South Korea in honor of those who participated in the independence movement and the Korean War.
In addition to government-sanctioned ceremonies, many individuals and organizations also organize their own events to commemorate the day. These can range from large-scale performances and exhibitions to small-scale concerts and gatherings. One of the most popular events is the rally held in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, which attracts thousands of people every year.
Furthermore, in the weeks leading up to National Liberation Day, many schools and universities host educational seminars and workshops to discuss the history and significance of the holiday. The day is also an opportunity for those living in South Korea to learn about the struggles and sacrifices that went into liberating their nation and gaining freedom.
Conclusion
National Liberation Day is an important day for South Koreans to remember and honor those who fought for the nation’s independence and freedom from foreign rule. This day is a day to celebrate the hopes and dreams of past generations, and to reflect on the progress that has been made towards living in a free, independent nation.
How to Say "National Liberation Day in South Korea" In Different Languages?
- Afrikaans
- Nasionale Befrydingsdag, Suid-Korea (af-ZA)
- Chinese
- 韓國民族解放日 (zh-TW)
- Chinese
- 韩国国民解放日 (zh-CN)
- English
- National Liberation Day, South Korea (en-SG)
- English
- National Liberation Day, South Korea (en-US)
- English
- National Liberation Day, South Korea (en-GB)
- Hebrew
- יום השחרור הלאומי, דרום קוריאה (he-IL)
- Indonesian
- Hari Kemerdekaan Nasional, Korea Selatan (id-ID)
- Japanese
- 韓国国民解放日 (ja-JA)
- Malay
- Hari Kebebasan Negara, Korea Selatan (ms-MY)
- Polish
- Narodowe Święto Wyzwolenia, Korea Południowa (pl-PL)
- Portuguese
- Dia da Libertação National, Coreia do Sul (pt-BR)
- Romanian
- Ziua Națională a Eliberării, Coreea de Sud (ro-RO)
- Russian
- Национальный День Освобождения, Южная Корея (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Día de la Liberación Nacional, Corea del Sur (es-ES)
- Thai
- วันกฅทลี่แห่งชาติ เกาหลีใต้ (th-TH)
- Turkish
- Ulusal Kurtuluş Günü, Güney Kore (tr-TR)
- Ukrainian
- Національний День Визволення, Південна Корея (uk-UA)
- Vietnamese
- Ngày Giải Phóng Quốc Gia Hàn Quốc (vi-VN)
National Liberation Day in South Korea Also Called
Gwangbokjeol (광복절), which translates to “Liberation Day”.Countries where "National Liberation Day in South Korea" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1948, National Liberation Day in South Korea is celebrated on August 15 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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