About Korea Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol)
Korea Liberation Day, or Gwangbokjeol, is celebrated every August 15. The name means "Restoration of Light Day", and it marks the moment in 1945 when Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, as Japan announced its surrender at the end of World War II. The same date carries a second meaning: in 1948 it became the day the government of the Republic of Korea was formally established.
It is one of the few public holidays observed in both South and North Korea. In South Korea the day is marked by an official ceremony attended by the president, the singing of the patriotic Liberation Day song, and the flying of the Taegukgi flag from homes and public buildings. Many people visit historic sites, museums and Independence Hall, and descendants of independence activists are honoured. Special pardons and cultural events often accompany the day.
Liberation Day always falls on August 15. The word Gwangbok reflects the idea that Korea did not become a new country in 1945 but reclaimed an independence and identity stretching back thousands of years. Whether you want to mark the history or simply track the holiday, add Gwangbokjeol to your own countdown page and the clock above will show exactly how long remains.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Saturday, August 15, 2026next |
| 2027 | Sunday, August 15, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, August 15, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, August 15, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, August 15, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Korea Liberation Day?
Korea Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) is held every year on August 15. The counter above shows the days, hours and minutes until the next one.
Why is Korea Liberation Day important?
It marks August 15, 1945, when Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, and also the establishment of the Republic of Korea's government on the same date in 1948.
How is Korea Liberation Day celebrated?
With an official state ceremony, the singing of the Liberation Day song, the flying of the Taegukgi flag, visits to historic sites, and the honouring of independence activists and their descendants.
What does Gwangbokjeol mean?
Gwangbokjeol literally means "Restoration of Light Day" — reflecting the view that Korea reclaimed an independence and identity thousands of years old, rather than founding a new nation, in 1945.