Gwangbokjeol
Encyclopedia
Gwangbokjeol, celebrated annually on August 15, is one of the Public holidays in South Korea
. It commemorates Victory over Japan Day
, which liberated Korea from colonial rule
. The South Korean government was created three years later, on August 13, 1948, when Syngman Rhee
was sworn in as the first President of South Korea
and Gwangbokjeol was officially designated a public holiday on October 1, 1949.
in Cheonan
or at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
.
All buildings and homes are encouraged to display the national flag Taegukki, and most public museums and places are open free of charge to the descendents of independence activists on the holiday.
The official "Gwangbokjeol song"(광복절 노래) is sung at official ceremonies. The song's lyrics were written by Jeong Inbo(정인보) and the melody by Yoon Yongha(윤용하). The lyrics speak of "to touch the earth again" and how "the sea dances", how "this day is the remaining trace of 40 years of passionate blood solidified" and to "guard this forever and ever".
The government traditionally issues special pardons on Gwangbokjeol.
(Korean title Gwangbokjeol Teuksa 광복절특사, literally "Gwangbokjeol special pardon"), where the two main characters break out of prison only to find out later that they were already on the special pardon list.
, it is known as Chogukhaebangŭi nal. .
Public holidays in South Korea
Public holidays in South Korea each belong to one or more of three categories:*National Celebration Day *National Flag Raising Day *Public Day Off...
. It commemorates Victory over Japan Day
Victory over Japan Day
Victory over Japan Day is a name chosen for the day on which the Surrender of Japan occurred, effectively ending World War II, and subsequent anniversaries of that event...
, which liberated Korea from colonial rule
Korea under Japanese rule
Korea was under Japanese rule as part of Japan's 35-year imperialist expansion . Japanese rule ended in 1945 shortly after the Japanese defeat in World War II....
. The South Korean government was created three years later, on August 13, 1948, when Syngman Rhee
Syngman Rhee
Syngman Rhee or Yi Seungman was the first president of South Korea. His presidency, from August 1948 to April 1960, remains controversial, affected by Cold War tensions on the Korean peninsula and elsewhere. Rhee was regarded as an anti-Communist and a strongman, and he led South Korea through the...
was sworn in as the first President of South Korea
President of South Korea
The President of the Republic of Korea is, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, chief executive of the government, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and the head of state of the Republic of Korea...
and Gwangbokjeol was officially designated a public holiday on October 1, 1949.
Public holiday
Many activities and events happen during the day, including an official ceremony with the president in attendance that takes place at the Independence Hall of KoreaIndependence Hall of Korea
The Independence Hall of Korea is a history museum in Cheonan, South Korea. Opened on August 15, 1987, it has the largest exhibition facility in Korea with total floor area of 23,424 m²...
in Cheonan
Cheonan
Cheonan is a city located in the northeast corner of South Chungcheong, a province of South Korea, and is 83.6 km south of the capital, Seoul...
or at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Sejong Center
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is the largest arts and cultural complex in Seoul, South Korea. It has an interior area of 53,202m². It is situated in the center of the capital, on Sejongno, a main road that cuts through the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. The center took 4 years to...
.
All buildings and homes are encouraged to display the national flag Taegukki, and most public museums and places are open free of charge to the descendents of independence activists on the holiday.
The official "Gwangbokjeol song"(광복절 노래) is sung at official ceremonies. The song's lyrics were written by Jeong Inbo(정인보) and the melody by Yoon Yongha(윤용하). The lyrics speak of "to touch the earth again" and how "the sea dances", how "this day is the remaining trace of 40 years of passionate blood solidified" and to "guard this forever and ever".
The government traditionally issues special pardons on Gwangbokjeol.
Popular culture
The special pardons given out on Gwangbokjeol are the subject of a comedy movie, Jail BreakersJail Breakers
Jail Breakers is a 2002 South Korean film starring Sol Kyung-gu, Cha Seung-won and Song Yun-ah. It was a box office hit, selling more than 3 million tickets in South Korea alone.-Awards:The film won three awards....
(Korean title Gwangbokjeol Teuksa 광복절특사, literally "Gwangbokjeol special pardon"), where the two main characters break out of prison only to find out later that they were already on the special pardon list.
North Korea
In North KoreaNorth Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
, it is known as Chogukhaebangŭi nal. .
External links
- The Independence Hall of Korea Gwangbokjeol Song, video clip made in 1958 at the Ministry of Public Administration and Security's official blog Gwangbokjeol Song at the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs