Liberation Day in South Korea 2023: Date, History, Facts about Sights in Korea

National Liberation Day in South Korea is celebrated annually on August 15 and is also known as ‘Gwangbokjeol,’ which means ‘bringing back the light.’ This name signifies the end of Japan’s oppressive authority over South Korea. Gwangbokjeol is one of the few national occasions that North Korea also celebrates on August 15. This holiday is celebrated across the nation with festivities, ceremonies, and demonstrations.

The background of Liberation Day

When Korea became a Japanese colony in the first half of the twentieth century, it was one of the most disastrous periods in Korean history. Under Japanese rule, people were compelled to have Japanese names, and large numbers of Koreans were conscripted into the Japanese military at the close of World War II. During the time of Japanese oppression, many Koreans opposed it and frequently paid with their lives for doing so. On March 1, 1919, one of the period’s most significant disturbances occurred. On that day, a number of Korean nationalists proclaimed Korea’s independence; however, the struggle for independence persisted for another 25 years before Korea attained actual independence.

National Liberation Day of Korea or Korean Independence Day commemorates the day when Korea ultimately overthrew its Japanese rulers. Korea was ultimately liberated from Japanese occupation in 1945, and the Republic of Korea was formally established on August 15, 1948, exactly three years later.

South Korea Liberation Day: Wishes, Quotes, Messages, Greetings, and More!

5 IMPORTANT SIGHTS IN KOREA

Alongside the arch is a mural depicting Kim Il Sung delivering a historic speech upon his return to the capital following liberation.

The birthplace and childhood residence of President Kim Il Sung has been preserved for public viewing.

On this hilltop cemetery are the graves of the soldiers who fought against Japanese colonialism.

There are the tallest statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in North Korea at this holy site.

This contains an exhaustive and chronological account of Kim Il Sung’s liberation-era activities.

LIBERATION DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	August 15	Tuesday
2024	August 15	Thursday
2025	August 15	Friday
2026	August 15	Saturday
2027	August 15	Sunday