August 15th is one of the most meaningful holidays in Korea. Gwangbokjeol, also known as the National Liberation Day of Korea or Korean Independence Day, is an annual holiday celebrating the end of Japanese occupation after World War II. On Gwangbokjeol, you will see many buildings and streets flying the Korean national flag, called “Taegeukgi”, and people everywhere enjoying the day off.
Join us on a journey through history as we delve into the significance, traditions, and celebrations surrounding Gwangbokjeol!
>> Experience Korea’s Independence Trail for yourself <<
1. Why is Gwangbokjeol Special?
On August 15th, 1945, the Korean Peninsula was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule following their unconditional surrender to the Allied forces in World War II. Exactly 3 years later, the South Korean government was established in 1948.
‘Gwangbokjeol‘ or 광복절 in Korean, directly translates to ‘The Day the Light Returned’. Interestingly, it uses the Korean word ‘복’ (bok) meaning restoration, instead of the word ‘독립’ meaning independence, to emphasize the country’s over millennia of independence prior to the occupation.
2. People Who Fought for Independence
Many people suffered and were killed during the Japanese colonial rule of Korea. Some even voluntarily gave their lives to aid the liberation efforts. As Koreans celebrate Gwangbokjeol, they also remeber the figures in Korean history that made it possible.
Ryu Gwansun
Ryu Gwansun (1902~1920) is the most famous such figure. She became a symbol of the March 1 Movement (1919) that was pivotal in taking back Korea’s independence. Although only 16 years old, she organized a non-violent protest in her hometown that quickly spread throughout Korea. Unfortunately, in the demonstration, her family members were killed, and she was imprisoned by the occupying forces. Despite this, she continued to speak out for the liberation of Korea and ultimately passed away in prison due to the harsh conditions.
Ahn Jung Geun
Ahn Jung Geun (1876~1910) was a Korean independence activist widely recognized as a martyr after assassinating Ito Hirobumi, the former prime minister of Japan and Japanese Resident-General of Korea. He was imprisoned and executed by Japanese authorities on March 26th, 1910, and awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation posthumously in 1962. You can visit Ahn Jung Geun’s Memorial Museum located in Seoul.
Kim Gu
Kim Gu (1876~1949) is another historical figure who cannot be excluded when talking about Korean independence. During the Japanese colonial period, he moved to China to establish the provisional government of Korea. This government worked as a main hub for the liberation movement and made him a significant target for the opposing forces. As such, he moved around frequently to avoid capture but never gave up fighting for liberation.
3. The Places of Despair and Will
When Korean independence activists in Seoul were captured, they were sent to the Seodaemun prison. Although many Koreans suffered greatly in this prison, it is now used as an educational memorial to remember the victims & prevent further tragedies. For those who are interested in learning about Korean history, this place is definitely worth a visit.
- Korea’s Independence Trail Half Day Tour
- Check out Seoul Ghost Walking Tour – The Dark Side of Seoul!
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You can also learn more about the Korean independence movement and historical figures from the Japanese colonial period by visiting the Independence Hall of Korea, located in Cheonan.
Check Out History-Related Tours in Korea!
- Seoul Walking Tour: War Memorial of Korea Walking Tour
- DMZ Tour from Seoul (+ DMZ Gondola/ Gallery Greaves/ Suspension Bridge option)
- DMZ Half-day Tour – Experience One of the Deepest Tragedies in Korean History
- DMZ Tour + Q&A Session with a North Korean Defector
Stay tuned for more travel updates on our blog, or simply visit our website, Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for all the latest things to do in South Korea!
[Photo Credits]
- Ahn Jung Geun Memorial Museum Official Page (http://thomasahn.org/)
Reblogged this on LISA BOND PHOTOGRAPHY and commented:
Happy Liberation Day South Korea!
Thank you. 🙂
Happy Gwangbokjeol my Korean friends!