National Liberation Day of Korea (Gwangbokjeol) : History, Meaning & Where to Celebrate

FLip Korea
Aug 12
4 min read

What is National Liberation Day of Korea?

Every year on August 15, South Korea and North Korea celebrate the National Liberation Day of Korea (Gwangbokjeol - 광복절), marking the end of 35 years of Japanese colonial rule in 1945. It’s a day of freedom, remembrance, and national pride, and the only political holiday observed in both Koreas.

In South Korea, it also commemorates the founding of the Republic of Korea in 1948, making it a double celebration of independence and nationhood.

Historical Background

On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces, ending World War II and Japanese rule over Korea. By late September, the last Japanese troops had left southern Korea.

Following liberation, the United States and Soviet Union established a three-year trusteeship to oversee the formation of two governments, eventually leading to the division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South.

Unique Fact: North Korea’s Timezone Change

In 2015, on the 70th anniversary of liberation, North Korea switched from UTC+09:00 to UTC+08:30, naming it Pyongyang Time (PYT) to symbolically break from Japanese “imperialist” time. The change was reversed in May 2018 to match South Korean time for unity.

How South Korea Celebrates Gwangbokjeol

Official Ceremony: The President attends a national ceremony, often held at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan or the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul.
Flag Display: Citizens are encouraged to hang the Taegukgi (national flag) at home and in public spaces.
Free Access for Descendants of Independence Activists: Includes free museum entry, public transport, and intercity train travel.
Patriotic Song: The official “Gwangbokjeol Song” is sung, with lyrics about freedom, resilience, and guarding independence forever.
Special Pardons: The government traditionally issues pardons on this day.

In Seoul’s Jamsil area, streets between the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park are decorated entirely with South Korean flags for the occasion.

Credit: Wikipedia, Best of Korea, Visit Korea

This year, 2025, will be the 80th anniversary

Seoul will host a weeklong celebration leading up to the 80th Liberation Day (Aug. 15), beginning with a proclamation ceremony for Liberation Week on Nodeulseom Island in the middle of the Hangang River. The island will be adorned with symbolic displays, including a large Taegeukgi (national flag), 1,000 pinwheels, and portraits of female independence activists.

On Aug. 15, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will present a liberation-themed concert at the Seoul Arts Center’s concert hall in Seocho-gu. The following day, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will hold a large outdoor performance at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, featuring well-known numbers from the musicals Hero and Les Misérables.

From Aug. 14-15, the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture’s Daehangno Theater Quad will stage Train No. 37, a musical recounting the 1937 forced migration of Koreans to Central Asia. This joint production between Seoul and Kazakhstan will also tour Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The traditional Liberation Day bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Belfry in downtown Seoul, held annually since 1949, will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 15. The bell will ring 33 times in tribute to the nation’s fallen patriots, followed by a performance from a 230-member public choir.

Additional concerts are scheduled at Unhyeongung Palace, Namsangol Hanok Village, and the lobby of the Seoul Museum of History.

Several exhibitions will commemorate liberation and the independence movement. From Aug. 5-31, the Seoul Museum of History will feature an exhibition dedicated to Lee Sang-ryong (1858-1932), the first prime minister of the Korean Provisional Government. Another exhibition running until Nov. 9 will showcase Liberation Day-related artifacts from the public. Long-term displays include one on the provisional government (until April next year) and another exploring the intertwined lives of American journalist Albert Wilder Taylor (1875-1948) and his colleague Kim Ju-sa (until June next year).

Field trips, educational activities, and interactive programs for the public will also be available.

More details, including schedules and preregistration information, can be found on the Seoul Culture Portal (culture.seoul.go.kr).

Top Places to Visit on Gwangbokjeol

1. Independence Hall of Korea (Cheonan)

The largest history museum in Korea, showcasing the nation’s independence movement through artifacts, exhibitions, and patriotic architecture.

📍 230 Namjang-an, Mokcheon-eup, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Tip: Special events are held on August 15, and admission is often free.

2. Seodaemun Prison History Hall (Seoul)

A former Japanese prison turned museum, documenting the stories of independence activists and their struggles.

📍 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Tip: This is a powerful, emotional visit, bring tissues and time to reflect.

Credit: 10mag.com

Travel Tips for August 15 in Korea

Book transportation early, many locals travel for the holiday.
Expect patriotic events, parades, and cultural performances in city centers.
Museums and historical sites may have free or discounted entry.
Learn a few key Korean phrases like “광복절 축하합니다” (Happy Liberation Day).

Why You Should Experience Gwangbokjeol

Whether you’re living in Korea or visiting in mid-August, Gwangbokjeol is a chance to witness the deep pride and resilience of the Korean people. From ceremonies to historic sites, the day offers a unique cultural experience that blends remembrance with celebration.