Korean Constitution Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about South Korea

Constitution Day, also known as Jeheonjeol, is annually observed on July 17 in South Korea. This is to commemorate the establishment of the Republic of Korea’s Constitution. In 1949, Constitution Day was proclaimed a national holiday, but as of 2008, it is no longer a day off. Despite this, Constitution Day continues to be a national holiday. South Korean Constitution Day is commemorated with a ceremony at the National Assembly Building, the display of national flags by citizens, and events such as marathons.

The background of Korean Constitution Day

Constitution Day, or Jeheonjeol, was first proclaimed a national holiday in South Korea on October 1, 1949. Since 2008, Constitution Day in South Korea has not been a non-working day due to a restructured law regarding working hours. Despite this, a commemorative ceremony is held on Constitution Day at the National Assembly Building in Seoul, with the President, Chairman of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and constituent assembly members in attendance. In addition, citizens hoist national flags and elementary and middle schools host marathons, college student debates, and events related to lawmaking.

From August 22, 1910, until September 2, 1945, Japan had control of the Korean peninsula. The Soviet Union occupied the northern half of the peninsula, while the United States occupied the southern half. In 1948, South Korea held its first democratic elections for members of the National Assembly, and the elected representatives drafted a national constitution. The Constitution of the Republic of Korea was ratified on July 12, 1948, and President Syngman Rhee proclaimed it on July 17, 1948.

On August 15, 1948, the first Republic of Korea was established, with Syngman Rhee as its first president. Kim Il-sung founded the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) on September 9, 1948. On December 12, 1948, however, the Republic of Korea was officially recognised as the sole legal government of Korea by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) via Resolution 195. South Korea and North Korea are two distinct countries despite being the same people on the same peninsula.

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5 FACTS ABOUT SOUTH KOREA YOU NEED TO KNOW

South Korea has a robust drinking culture compared to its Asian neighbours, with most holidays being celebrated with alcohol.

Teenagers in South Korea need not fret about parental approval for plastic surgery, as their parents frequently encourage and even pay for the procedure.

In South Korea, as in Japan, it is common to inquire about a person’s blood type due to the belief that it influences their personality and characteristics.

In South Korea, newborns are naturally one year old, so when a baby is born, he or she is already one year old.

South Korea is one of the countries with the highest credit card usage, as the majority of establishments are equipped to accept credit cards.

KOREAN CONSTITUTION DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	July 17	Monday
2024	July 17	Wednesday
2025	July 17	Thursday
2026	July 17	Friday
2027	July 17	Saturday