August 15th

August 15th is Liberation Day, a historic day when our nation broke free from the dark colonial rule of Japan in 1945, finally achieving liberation, and when the government of the Republic of Korea was fully established in 1948. 'Restoring the light' – the profound meaning of Gwangbok (Liberation) is a day of ultimate joy and emotion, having fully regained our lost sovereignty and freedom. The freedom, peace, and dazzling economic prosperity we enjoy today were made possible only through the noble sacrifices of the countless independence activists and patriotic martyrs who generously gave their precious lives for our country's independence. Every year around this time, we hoist the Taegeukgi (national flag) high across the nation, remembering the overwhelming emotions of that day and deeply reflecting on the noble dedication of our ancestors. Liberation Day is more than just a public holiday; it's a day to solemnly revisit the pain and lessons of history. Furthermore, it is the most valuable and meaningful national holiday, not just for remembering the past without forgetting, but also for resolving to further develop the precious Republic of Korea inherited from our ancestors and confidently advance towards a peaceful and hopeful future.