| Gwangbokjeol | |
|---|---|
Korean independence activists are released, 1945 |
|
| Official name | Gwangbokjeol (South Korea) Jogukhaebangui nal (North Korea) |
| Also called | Liberation Day of Korea |
| Observed by | Koreans |
| Type | National, public |
| Significance | commemorates Victory over Japan Day, which liberated Korea from colonial rule |
| Date | August 15 |
| Liberation Day of Korea | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 광복절 |
| Hanja | 光復節 |
| Revised Romanization | Gwangbokjeol |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kwangbokchŏl |
| Other name | |
| Hangul | 조국해방의 날 |
| Hanja | 祖國解放의날 |
| Revised Romanization | Jogukhaebangui nal |
| McCune–Reischauer | Chogukhaebang'ŭi nal |
Gwangbokjeol, (literally "Restoration of Light Day") celebrated annually on August 15, is one of the Public holidays in South Korea. It commemorates Victory over Japan Day, which liberated Korea from colonial rule. The South Korean government was created three years later, on August 13, 1948, when Syngman Rhee was sworn in as the first President of South Korea and Gwangbokjeol was officially designated a public holiday on October 1, 1949.[1]
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Many activities and events happen during the day, including an official ceremony with the president in attendance that takes place at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan[1] or at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.[2]
All buildings and homes are encouraged to display the national flag Taegukki, and most public museums and places are open free of charge to the descendents of independence activists on the holiday.[1]
The official "Gwangbokjeol song"(광복절 노래) is sung at official ceremonies. The song's lyrics were written by Jeong Inbo(정인보) and the melody by Yoon Yongha(윤용하).[1] The lyrics speak of "to touch the earth again" and how "the sea dances", how "this day is the remaining trace of 40 years of passionate blood solidified" and to "guard this forever and ever".[3]
The government traditionally issues special pardons on Gwangbokjeol.[4][5]
The special pardons given out on Gwangbokjeol are the subject of a comedy movie, Jail Breakers (Korean title Gwangbokjeol Teuksa 광복절특사, literally "Gwangbokjeol special pardon"), where the two main characters break out of prison only to find out later that they were already on the special pardon list.
In North Korea, it is known as Chogukhaebangŭi nal. (조국해방의 날; literally "Liberation of Fatherland Day").[6]