Gwangbokjeol (Korea's National Liberation Day)

What Is Gwangbokjeol?

August 15 is "Gwangbokjeol," South Korea's national holiday commemorating liberation from Japanese rule in 1945.

A Name That Means "Restoring the Light"

"Gwangbok" means restoring light — reclaiming a sovereignty that had been taken away. In addition to marking liberation on August 15, 1945, the day also holds significance because the government of the Republic of Korea was established on the same date in 1948.

• Origin: Commemorates liberation from Japanese rule on August 15, 1945
• Meaning: "Gwangbok" means reclaiming lost sovereignty
• Additional significance: The government of the Republic of Korea was also established on the same date in 1948
• Status: One of South Korea's official national holidays, designated by the Act on National Holidays enacted on October 1, 1949

A Day to Reflect on History and the Future

On Gwangbokjeol, the government holds official commemorative ceremonies, and citizens are encouraged to raise the national flag, the Taegukgi. It is a day for reflecting on modern Korean history and the value of peace and independence. The central ceremony has been held at venues such as the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, and members of the Liberation Association -- descendants of independence activists and others -- receive free rides on trains and buses and free admission to palaces and parks on this day.

"Liberation Day" in North Korea

In North Korea, too, August 15 is observed as Liberation Day. After liberation in 1945, the peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel, with the United States occupying the south and the Soviet Union the north. The government of the Republic of Korea was proclaimed on August 15, 1948, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on September 9 of the same year -- so the same date also marks the beginning of the division of the peninsula.

How to Spend Today

• Learn about modern Korean history
• Follow the ceremonies and news coverage related to Gwangbokjeol
• Reflect on the meaning behind the word "Gwangbok"
• Deepen your understanding of a neighboring country's history and culture

Passing the Memory of Liberation to the Next Generation

Gwangbokjeol is a meaningful day for South Korea to share the joy of regained sovereignty. On August 15, take a moment to reflect on the weight of history and the value of peace.