About this Holiday
Liberation Day commemorates August 15, 1945, when Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule following Japan's surrender in World War II. 'Gwangbokjeol' (光復節) means 'Day of Restoration of Light,' symbolizing the recovery of Korean sovereignty. The same date in 1948 marks the formal establishment of the Republic of Korea, giving this day a dual significance as both liberation and founding day.