Wondering about Constitution Day 제헌절 in Korea? Then, here is a quick overview of this holiday celebrating the proclamation of the constitution for Korea. The following post doesn’t just explain the holiday meaning, it also provides insight into how the holiday may be celebrated and how you can incorporate the holiday into your life as an ex-pats living in South Korea.
About Constitution Day 제헌절
Constitution Day 제헌절 is a national holiday but it is NOT a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for a Korean public holiday. Since 2008, Constitution Day is no longer considered a “no work” holiday.
Constitution Day (제헌절 Jeheonjeol) is observed on July 17 annually to commemorate the first Korean constitution becoming law. Although the constitution was ratified into law on July 12, it was decided to celebrate the day on July 17. Therefore, the date was chosen to commemorate the event since July 17 was already a significant day to Koreans (the day when the Joseon dynasty was founded).
Constitution Day became a holiday in Korea on October 1, 1949. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the constitution and promotes patriotism and civic education.
History of Constitution Day
Korea had been under Japanese rule from 1910-1945. However, in August of 1945 when Korea was liberated from Japan, there was still a struggle between the United States and Russia (the Cold War). Therefore, Korea did not have an election for the National Assembly until 1948. Once the members were elected, they began working on creating a constitution for Korea.
The Constitution of South Korea established the framework for the government and democracy of the country. In addition, it stated the basic principles of the government, including how the powers would be separated and the rights and responsibilities of the citizens. Since that time, Korea has made significant progress in building a democratic society. Therefore, Constitution Day is a reminder of Korea’s values and the importance of protecting and upholding the constitution.
The following videos provide additional insight into Constitution Day in South Korea. Wat
Celebrating Constitution Day in Korea
Since Constitution Day is no longer a red day, it is not as widely celebrated as the other national public holidays. However, at the National Assembly Building in the Yeouido area of Seoul, a celebration is held on Constitution Day in the morning. Also, many schools and civic organizations offer educational programs on the Constitution to increase awareness of democratic values and principles. In addition, there may be public figures delivering speeches that day as well.
Overall, Constitution Day is a to celebrate and reflect on Korea’s democratic values and the principles on which the government is built. As an international resident in South Korea, Constitution Day may be a great time to learn more about the Korean constitution. You can read the Korean Constitution online in English.
Honestly, knowing the contents of the constitution of a country where you have resident status is important. South of Seoul volunteers deeply hopes you find the time to read through this important document. You can also use the Korean/ English translation of the Korean constitution to help study for your TOPIK exam.
You can also download the Korean Constitution in English here:
Potential Inconveniences on Constitution Day in Korea
Constitution Day does not generally impact daily life in noticeable ways. Since Constitution Day is NOT a red day (where salaried employees and school children have off) many of the regular issues such as increased traffic and crowds don’t generally exist. Additionally, general businesses do not change their hours. It’s an important day to know about within the context of Korean culture, however, you don’t often need to adjust your life for it.
How to Source Additional Information About Locations
If you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, using apps like Naver can help you navigate with expected traffic times.
The KimchiRednecks channel was created in September 2018 by Chuck Whittington and Melissa Edwards-Whittington. They moved to Korea in July 2017 with their three Shih Tzu daughters, Sookie, Minion, and Mayhem.
The YouTube channel started as a way to share their lives here with their friends and families back in the states. They both have a deep love for Korean culture, people, and food and love being able to share that with others.
Chuck Whittington graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelors in Information Systems Management. He has worked in Information Technology roles for over 20 years. Chuck has always had an interest in Korea and has traveled here many times in the past.
Melissa Edwards-Whittington graduated from Mid-Atlantic Christian University with a Bachelors in Bible and a Minor in Elementary Education. She has worked in various roles in customer service and marketing over the years.
The YouTube channel has many interests just like they do because it is an extension of their lives here in Korea. You will often find videos on their channel about daily life in Korea, cooking, foodie adventures, traveling and exploring, computer and tech pursuits, gaming, and working on the Subaru BRZ.
Over the years, many of their friends have joined them for their videos and adventures because they enjoy sharing their lives with those around them. In addition, they add new interests from time to time, like making moonshine in Korea.
Life is about growing and changing, and the longer the KimchiRednecks live in Korea, the more they learn to love this country and culture and all it has to offer.
