Monday, August 14, 2017

Korean Independence Day on August 15


The National Liberation Day of Korea will be held on August 15 in Korea.

The National Liberation Day of Korea or Korean Independence Day is called Gwangbokjeol in Korean. It is written in Hangeul or Korean letters as 광복절. 광복 (gwangbok) means ‘the restoration of light’ and (jeol) means ‘time or period.’ North Korea also celebrates the same event but is called differently: Jogookhaebang-ui Nal (조국해방의 날) which literally translates to ‘Liberation of the Fatherland Day.’

Gwangbokjeol commemorates the liberation of Korea in 1945 after 35 years of Japanese colonization. The same date also celebrates the establishment of the Korean government.

During this holiday, a number of public events are being held in South Korea to celebrate the occasion. One highlight is an official ceremony attended by the President together with officials at the Independence Hall of Korea. Meanwhile the public celebrates the event with special cultural events and all citizens are encouraged to display their national flag ‘Taegukgi’ in almost all places including private homes.

Another good thing during this day is that descendants of independence activists supposedly receive a lot of free things. On August 15 most public museums and places are free of charge to these selected people. Also, public transport and intercity trains are also reportedly free for them.

Gwangbokjeol was officially designated as a public holiday in 1949, and has since been celebrated annually on August 15. This year marks the 72nd year of Korea’s liberation day.


(Photo Credits: World Wallpaper Blogspot)

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