Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea) - Korean National Holiday!

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August 15th Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea), is an important day where any Korean would know what day it is. It's the day the Korean Peninsula gained independence from the Japanese Empire (Current Day Japan) and is marked as a national holiday. Shall we find out more about Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea)?

Meaning of Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea)

If you write the words Gwangbok in traditional Korean letters '光覆' it has the meaning of 'regaining light' or 'returning light'.

August 15th 1945 is the day during the Second World War when Japan lost to the Allies and the Korean Peninsula gained independence. Korea was under Japan's control for 36 years and during these years, Koreans had to change their names from Korean to Japanese as well as various cultural artifacts being damaged. In an attempt to fight these rules, lots of Koreans either went to jail or lost their lives. Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea) is a day where we remember these people that gave up everything for their country, Korea.

Also, August 15th 1948 on the same day is a day to celebrate the start of an official government in Korea. To remember the day we regained our country and celebrate we remember August 15th as Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea).

Questions regarding Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea)

Q. Why is it a holiday on Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea)?

This is because it is a day where everyone in Korea comes together as one and respects their ancestors and reminds them of the day. This is why the 'law' has made this day a public holiday to celebrate this day. Gwangbokjul (Liberation day of Korea) is during the summer in Korea so many people also go on vacation during this day. But! the editor believes everyone pays their respect in their hearts.   

Q. Why do you hang the Korean flag outside during Gwangbokjul (Liberation Day of Korea)?

Just like how you put candles in a cake during a birthday party, we hang the Korean flag so everyone in Korea can remember and celebrate the day.

When the editor was young almost more than half the apartment units would hang the Korean flag outside but it is hard to see these days. But, the government offices still hang the Korean flag!

Korea's 5 National Holidays

To celebrate historic days in the history of Korea the government by law has made 5 days to be national holidays. Shall we take a short look at them?

1)Samiljul (March 1st)

March 1st 1919 is the day to commemorate the 3.1 movement against Japan's colonial rule and when the Korea announced its independence to the world through the declaration of independence.

2)Jaehunjul(July 17th)

It is a day to celebrate the establishment and promulgation of liberal democracy in Korea. It is the only holiday where Koreans don't get to rest.

3)Gwangbokjul (August 15th)

If you read the text on the top you would know by now what this day is right? It is when we gained independence from Japan and also to celebrate the establishment of the Korean government.

4)Gaechunjul (October 3rd)

It is a day to celebrate the founding of Gojoseon which is the root of Korea and a traditional national holiday that exists only in Korea.

5)  Hangeulnal (October 9th)

This day is to remember the birth of Hangeul the language Koreans use today and to celebrate its greatness.

We have looked at the 5 national holidays in Korea. We wrote this thinking that when touring Korea if you know a little bit about its national holidays and its meanings the trip would be more enjoyable.  

This year's Liberation Day of Korea has bigger implications. It is the 100th year anniversary since the creation of the Provisional government in 1919, added with the current conflict that Korea is going through with Japan. I hope that August 8th is not just a holiday but a day where we truly understand its meaning.

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