Korea’s Gwangbokjeol, A Historic Day of Liberation
- zone tp
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
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Do you know what Gwangbokjeol is — a national holiday and public day off in Korea?
On Gwangbokjeol, visit various places where you can experience the history of Korea’s independence firsthand.
These sites not only preserve the historical context of the time but are also closely tied to key figures, often drawing large crowds every Gwangbokjeol.
Begin a meaningful journey where you can experience this history firsthand.
Let's begin😎
Gwangbokjeol is a national holiday celebrated annually on August 15, commemorating Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. It also marks the establishment of the Korean government on the same date in 1948, making it one of Korea’s four major national holidays. The word Gwangbok literally means “restoration of light,” symbolizing the historic recovery of Korea’s lost sovereignty and freedom. For Koreans, this day holds deep significance as a time to remember the hope that emerged from a painful history. Across the country, the Taegeukgi (Korean national flag) is displayed, and official government ceremonies and memorial events are held. Many people visit museums, independence memorials, and historic sites related to the Korean independence movement. Some cultural institutions even offer free admission or special programs. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of those who fought to reclaim the nation and to reflect on the importance of freedom and independence.
Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a preserved historical site where Korean independence activists were imprisoned and tortured during the Japanese colonial period. Once a notorious prison, it has become a vivid reminder of Korea’s modern history, attracting many visitors who come to remember and honor the past. Located within Seodaemun Independence Park, the site includes underground prison cells, watchtowers, torture rooms, execution chambers, seven prison buildings, and a historical exhibition hall. The exhibition hall—once used as an office and torture room—now presents video materials that help visitors immerse themselves in the historical narrative step by step. In the reconstructed prison cells and solitary confinement rooms, visitors can experience what life was like behind bars. Original tools and spaces have been restored to vividly recreate the atmosphere of the time. On Gwangbokjeol, special events and programs are also held here.
Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Work: 9:30AM–6PM (Mon, Closed)
Open as usual when Monday is a public holiday
The Independence Hall of Korea, established on August 15, 1987, National Liberation Day, is the largest memorial dedicated to the independence movement in Korea. Through seven exhibition halls, a plaza, and outdoor sculptures, visitors can comprehensively explore the history of Japanese colonial rule, the independence movement, and Korea’s cultural identity. Inside the exhibition halls, various media such as models, videos, and sounds engage visitors with the hardships of the colonial period and the fight for independence. Beyond the indoor exhibits, there are meaningful outdoor attractions, including the majestic 56-meter Tower of the Nation, and the Exhibition Park of Remains of the Former Government-General Building, which preserves parts of the building’s spire and stones. Due to its vast size, it is difficult to see everything in one day, but a typical visit includes the Tower of the Nation, Baengnyeon Pond, Nation’s Yard, Nation’s House, the first to sixth exhibition halls, and watching a film at the circular theater.
Address: 1 Dongnipginyeomgwan-ro Mokcheon-eup, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Work: 9:30AM–6PM (Mon, Closed)
Open as usual when Monday is a public holiday
Woljeongsa Temple in Odaesan is a thousand-year-old temple founded about 1,300 years ago and served as one of the bases for the Korean independence movement against Japanese colonial rule. Monk Ji-am of Woljeongsa not only led the March 1st Independence Movement but also participated in the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai. After being arrested and released, he continued to support the independence movement from Woljeongsa. During this time, the temple became a base of operations for the secret independence organization, the Independence Daedongdan, to which he belonged. Additionally, the fir tree forest path stretching from Iljumun Gate to Geumganggyo Bridge at Woljeongsa is well known as a filming location for the drama Goblin. This is the place where Goblin and Ji Eun-tak walked through the snowy forest and developed their love. The fir trees, some over 500 years old, stretch toward the sky, making it a very attractive filming spot.
Address: 374-8 Odaesan-ro Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Imcheonggak is the largest traditional residence still standing in Korea, with a history spanning 500 years. Originally a house with 99 rooms, some parts were demolished when the Jungang Line railway was constructed, leaving about 70 rooms today. This story inspired a scene in the drama Mr. Sunshine, where the protagonist is forcibly evicted due to railroad construction. Imcheonggak was the birthplace of Seokju Lee Sang-ryong, a devoted independence activist and the first Prime Minister of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. He established the Shinheung Military Academy and led the independence movement. Over three generations, including his sons and grandsons, about 11 independence activists emerged from this family. Visitors can also experience staying in the traditional hanok by lodging in meaningful parts of this noble residence, such as the Gunja-jeong pavilion, the main house (Anchae), the guest room (Sarangbang), and the servant’s quarters (Haengnangchae).
Address: 63 Imcheonggak-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Work: Open 24 hours
The Guryongpo Modern History Museum is located in the Japanese residential district of Guryongpo and housed in a Japanese-style wooden building that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Guryongpo during that era. This two-story wooden Japanese house was built in the 1920s by Hashimoto Zengichi, a Japanese man from Kagawa Prefecture, as his residence. Even after about 100 years, traditional Japanese furniture such as the butsudan (altar) and kotatsu (heated table) inside the building remain well preserved. The Guryongpo Japanese residential district, where the museum is situated, was a place where Japanese people lived during the Japanese colonial period. It stands as a painful historical site due to the seizure of fishing rights, yet the 47 remaining Japanese-style wooden buildings have become a living educational space. Here, visitors can vividly experience both the history and daily life within these buildings. Nearby attractions include the filming location of the drama When the Camellia Blooms, the Gwamegi Culture Center, and the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, making it a rich area for exploration!
Address: 153-1 Guryongpo-gil Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Work: 10AM–5:30PM (Mon, Closed)
