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National Liberation Day of Korea (Gwangbokjeol / 광복절), celebrated annually on August 15, commemorates the restoration of Korean sovereignty in 1945 following the surrender of imperial Japan and the end of World War II, as well as the formal inauguration of the Republic of Korea government on 15 August 1948.
The name Gwangbokjeol literally translates as 'Restoration of Light Day' (광복절 / 光復節), signifying the emergence from thirty-five years of harsh Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945). On 15 August 1945, the Emperor of Japan broadcast the Imperial Rescript on Surrender. Millions of Koreans flooded public squares from Seoul to Busan, waving the forbidden Taegeukgi national flag and celebrating liberation in joyous tears. Three years later on 15 August 1948, the Republic of Korea was officially inaugurated with Syngman Rhee taking the presidential oath.
Under the Regulations on Holidays of Public Agencies administered by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Gwangbokjeol is codified as an official statutory public holiday across South Korea. All commercial banks, government offices, judicial courts, and schools remain closed nationwide. Under Korea's substitute holiday regulations (대체공휴일제), when August 15 falls on a weekend, the following Monday is designated as a mandatory paid public holiday.
The official national ceremony is held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul or the Independence Hall of Korea (독립기념관) in Cheonan. The President of South Korea delivers an address honoring independence patriots and addressing inter-Korean relations. At noon, the historic bronze bell inside the Bosingak Belfry on Jongno avenue in Seoul is rung 33 times by civic leaders and descendants of independence fighters.
Across South Korea, households and residential apartment complexes prominently display the Taegeukgi (태극기) along balconies and boulevards. Families visit historic sites such as Seodaemun Prison History Hall and the Seoul National Cemetery, sharing traditional Korean holiday delicacies including chilled kongguksu (soy milk noodle soup), savory jeon pancakes, and summer watermelons.
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National Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) is scheduled for August 15, 2027. The countdown timer at the top of the page updates the days remaining in real time.
Celebrated annually on August 15, Gwangbokjeol (광복절, literally 'Restoration of Light Day') commemorates the unconditional surrender of Imperial Japan on 15 August 1945, which ended 35 years of brutal Japanese colonial occupation (1910–1945). It also marks 15 August 1948, the formal constitutional inauguration of the Government of the Republic of Korea.
The central state ceremony is hosted either at the Independence Hall of Korea (독립기념관) in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, or at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (세종문화회관) in central Seoul. It is presided over by the President of South Korea and attended by surviving independence patriots, civic leaders, and diplomatic envoys.
At midday on August 15, the historic Bosingak Belfry (보신각) in Jongno, Seoul, is ceremonially struck 33 times by the Mayor of Seoul, descendants of independence martyrs, and honorary citizens, echoing the 33 national signatories of the 1919 March 1st Declaration of Independence.
Established in 1919 in Shanghai following the March 1st Movement, the Provisional Government (대한민국 임시정부), led by leaders like Kim Gu (김구), Yi Dong-nyeong, and Yi Sang-ryong, coordinated overseas diplomatic campaigns, published anti-colonial gazettes, and directed armed resistance operations through the Korean Independence Army (한국광복군).
Under South Korean national flag protocol, the Taegeukgi (태극기) is flown at the full top of flagpoles outside residential apartments, public buildings, and along major urban boulevards from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM to celebrate national sovereignty and honor fallen freedom fighters.
The nation honors martyrs of the anti-colonial resistance, including patriot Ahn Jung-geun (who executed Hirobumi Ito at Harbin Station in 1909), martyr Yun Bong-gil (Hongkou Park bomb attack in 1932), teenage activist Yu Gwan-sun (March 1st Movement), and General Hong Beom-do (Battle of Fengwudong).
Yes, the Cultural Heritage Administration opens Seoul's Five Grand Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung), Jongmyo Shrine, the Joseon Royal Tombs, and national art museums with free public admission for all visitors.
Written by historian Jeong In-bo and composed by Yoon Yong-ha, the official Gwangbokjeol Song (광복절 노래) conveys the emotional weight of regaining sunlight and national soil ('Touch the earth again, the east sea waters dance...'). It is sung in unison at the conclusion of official ceremonies while raising three cheers of 'Manse!' (만세).
Yes, August 15 is one of the few national holidays observed in both South Korea (as Gwangbokjeol) and North Korea (as Jogukgwangbok-ui Nal / Fatherland Liberation Day), commemorating their shared historical liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945.
Yes, Gwangbokjeol is one of South Korea's five premier National Celebration Days (Gukgyeong-il) and a paid public holiday. Banks, government agencies, schools, and corporate offices are closed across the country.