Liberation Day

Liberation Day, known in South Korea as Gwangbokjeol (광복절, meaning “the day the light returned”), is observed every year on August 15. It commemorates Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945, when Japan accepted the terms of the Allied surrender at the end of World War II. Korea had been annexed by Japan in 1910, and the colonial period was marked by political repression, cultural restrictions, economic exploitation, and efforts to suppress Korean national identity. The date therefore carries deep historical significance as a symbol of independence, national resilience, and the restoration of Korean sovereignty.

Families may observe the day quietly at home or take part in public events, educational exhibitions, concerts, and historical reenactments. Traditional Korean foods are not prescribed specifically for Gwangbokjeol, although families may share Korean home cooking and festive dishes during gatherings. Common greetings include “광복절을 축하합니다” (Gwangbokjeoreul chukhamnida, “Happy Liberation Day”) and “광복절을 뜻깊게 보내세요” (“Have a meaningful Liberation Day”). The holiday is also a time to remember activists who sacrificed their lives for independence and to reflect on Korea’s modern history, the division of the peninsula after 1945, and the continuing importance of peace and national identity.