Korea's Independence Day (15th August)

\

Children voice their support for Korea’s 66th Liberation Day during a visit to Seodaemun Prison History Hall yesterday. The museum is located inside a former jail that colonial Japan used to imprison Korean independence fighters. (Photo:Joongang Ilbo)

 Korean Independence Day–광복절 (Gwangbokjeol: Restoration of light day) as it is called is the day when on August 15 in 1945 Japan surrendered to the Allied forces during World War II, thus ending the Japanese occupation of Korea. It is also called the Liberation Day. On this day, three years later in 1948, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was officially established and Syngmen Rhee took oath as the first president of South Korea.

Many festivities and activities will be held today. All museums have free entry today. Concerts and programs will be held all over Seoul.  People  will hang national flag outside their main doors. It is a national holiday. I guess you would have noticed google's opening page that is showing Korea's flag also callled Taekukgi (Hangul: 태극기 /Hanja: 太極旗 )- in a googlish way!

On this day, I wish all Koreans Happy Independence Day!