The National Day of South Korea in on the 15 August (both the liberation from Japanese rule 1945 (Gwangbokjeol) and the declaration of the South Korean state 1948) and 3 October (Gaecheonjeol, the ancient Korea founded in 2333 BC). See a brief history behind the national day of South Korea.
National Day of South Korea
Korean Independence Day or Gwangbokjeol is celebrated annually on the 25th August. This day is to celebrate the anniversary from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. The name “Gwangbokjeol” means “the day the light returned,” symbolizing the end of the dark era of Japanese colonialism and the beginning of a new era of independence and sovereignty for South Korea.
South Korea has many hero’s at that time for their independence movement. Leaders such as Kim Gu who was the leader of the Korean independence movement. After Korea gained independence he became the first president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. There was also An Jung-geun who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, a Japanese statesman and Resident-General of Korea, in 1909. He was executed by the Japanese government, but is remembered in Korea as a national hero for his sacrifice and dedication to the cause of Korean independence.
See also the National Day of Laos as well as the National Day of North Korea and the National Day of Thailand.
Public Holidays in South Korea
South Korea has several public holidays throughout the year, which are observed by both the government and private sector. The following are the major public holidays in South Korea:
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Seollal (Lunar New Year): The first day of the Lunar Calendar (usually between late January and mid-February)
- Independence Movement Day: March 1st
- Labor Day: May 1st
- Buddha’s Birthday: The eighth day of the fourth lunar month (usually in May)
- Memorial Day: June 6th
- Liberation Day: August 15th
- Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): The 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October)
- National Foundation Day: October 3rd
- Christmas Day: December 25th
