Korean Independence Day–광복절 (Gwangbokjeol)–is celebrated on Aug. 15 each year and it commemorates a couple of significant events in Korea’s history. The literal meaning of "광복절(光復節)" is "the restoration of the light". The entire city is decorated with the Korean flags and it looks quite pretty.
Some of the other events that unfolded include the liberation of Korea from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule when the Japanese army surrendered during WWII, thus ending the Japanese occupation of Korea.Three years later on October 1, 1948, the Republic of Korea was officially established. On Gwangbokjeol, all buildings and homes are encouraged to display the national flag, Taegukki, and most public museums and places are open free of charge. The official Gwangbokjeol song is sung at official ceremonies and the government also traditionally issues special pardons on this day. During it’s time as a Japanese colony, Koreans were required to give up their culture and heritage. They were forced to take on Japanese names, speak Japanese, learn Japanese history, and eat Japanese foods. So when Japan surrendered the Koreans had much to rejoice over.
On Aug. 15, 1948, Syngman Rhee was sworn in as the first president of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Gwangbokjeol was declared public holiday in South Korea on Oct. 1, 1949.
North Korea celebrates the liberation holiday on Aug. 15 as well. Their holiday is called Chogukhaebangui nal (조국해방의 날; literally “Liberation of Fatherland Day”).
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