Korean Independence
This holiday is celebrated on August 15th and it commemorates the liberation of Korea from 35 years of Japanese colonization in 1945. In Korean, this day is called Gwangbokjeol. "Gwangbok" means "restoration of light" and "jeol" means "a period of time". This day was officially declared as a public holiday in 1949 and it is one of the few public holidays that is celebrated by both South and North Korea. However, in North Korea it is called "Jogook haebang-ui nal" which means "the liberation day of the motherland".
In South Korea, an official ceremony takes place at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan or at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The South Korean national flag, Taegukki, is displayed in all buildings and homes. Most public museums and places are open free of charge to the descendants of independence activists on this day. They can also travel on public transport and trains for free.
The Korean national anthem is sung at official ceremonies. The government also issues special pardons on the Independence Day.
Comments