Liberation Day marks both Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945 and the founding of the Republic of Korea in 1948. It was officially declared a holiday in 1949 and is celebrated each year as a day of remembrance, pride, and national unity.

When is Liberation Birthday?

Liberation Birthday in South Korea is celebrated on August 15.

The following is the list of Liberation Birthday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Liberation Birthday?

Korea was formally annexed by Japan in 1910, beginning 35 years of colonial occupation.

During this period, the Korean language and culture were suppressed, land and resources were exploited, many Koreans were forced into labor or military service, and independence movements (like the March 1st Movement of 1919) were brutally suppressed.

On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its surrender in World War II after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's entry into the war.

This surrender brought an end to Japanese colonial rule in Korea. The day was celebrated as Gwangbokjeol (광복절), literally "Restoration of Light Day", symbolizing the return of national sovereignty after decades of darkness.

Following liberation, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the North and the United States the South.

On August 15, 1948, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was officially established, with Syngman Rhee as its first president. On the same date, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) was proclaimed in September 1948.

Thus, August 15 is tied not only to liberation but also to the birth of the modern Korean state in the South.

Liberation Day was first celebrated in 1946, one year after independence. In 1949, it was officially designated as a national holiday in South Korea, and it remains one of the country's most important public holidays.