Wondering about the Independence Movement Day 삼일절 (also known as the March 1st Movement Day) in Korea? Here is a quick overview of this holiday reminding Koreans of the public demonstrations to liberate Korea from Japan’s rule.
About Independence Movement Day 삼일절
Independence Movement Day (삼일절) is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for Independence Movement Day, a Korean public holiday celebrated on March 1. (When this day lands on the weekend, it is often celebrated on an alternate day.)
Independence Movement Day, or Samiljeol, is to remember and pay respect to those who lost their lives fighting and protesting for Korean independence. In addition, it is for celebrating Korea’s ultimate independence from Japanese rule. March 1 is the peak of the campaign that began in 1910 to liberate Korea from Japan.
Independence Movement Day (삼일절) became a national public holiday on March 1, 1949. The day is referred to as samiljeol because sam 삼 is 3 for the third month, il 일 is 1 for the first day and jeol 절 means festival.
History of March 1, 1919
On March 1, 1919, activists who formed this movement read the Korean Declaration of Independence aloud and the leaders signed the document. The leaders of this movement also informed the police of their actions so they would be arrested.
There were many peaceful demonstrations and protests for national independence on March 1. However, the Japanese local and military police struggled to contain the crowds and get things under control. As the protests continued to grow, the Japanese military forces were called upon to suppress the crowds. Unfortunately, this led to a great deal of violence and the massacre of many Koreans.
Although the movement did not succeed in gaining national independence at the time, it was critical in bringing about worldwide attention and helping to establish the Korean Provisional Government.
The following video provides more information on the Independence or March 1st Movement.
Celebrating Independence Movement Day in Korea
Independence Movement Day, celebrated on March 1, occurs in the spring. Therefore, the cold of winter fades and temperatures become less frigid and more temperate for being outdoors.
You may notice many Korean national flags (called 태극기 taegeukgi) in homes and businesses or on the streets to commemorate the day.
Visit Tapgol Park
Tapgol Park (formerly known as Pagoda Park) has a reading of the Korean Declaration of Independence of 1919 annually to commemorate this day as it was done on March 1, 1919.
Tapgol Park
Visit Museums
Independence Hall of Korea is a great place to get more familiar with the Korean struggle for independence. The location has many indoor and outdoor exhibits that will help you to see and understand the fight for Korean independence. There are some exhibits that are graphic (most of those have signs letting you know before you enter).
The Independence Hall of Korea
041-560-0114
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 천안시 동남구 목천읍 독립기념관로 1
The Independence Hall of Korea houses artifacts and documents from Koreas struggle for independence during the Japanese Colonial Period.
Seodaemun Prison History Hall is another place to visit to see the struggle of the Koreans during the Japanese colonization. There are actual torture chambers and tools as well as many graphic photographs for viewing. While this part of history may be painful to view, this location shows the unshakeable spirit of the nation in their fight for independence.
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
02-360-8590
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
서울 서대문구 통일로 251 서대문형무소역사관
This museum preserves and displays Seodaemun Prison showing the suffering and pain of Koreans during the modern period. Independence activists were jailed and martyred here.
The Start of the Korean School Year
The Korean school year starts the day after Independence Movement Day. The Korean school year runs from March 2nd or 3rd and runs through early February. Since school starts, many families travel or attend theme parks and other family-friendly locations across the country. Kids hang out together and everyone holds on to their last moments of freedom.
Potential Inconveniences on Independence Movement Day in Korea
Obviously, any of the following inconveniences may or may not occur depending on where you live in South Korea and the current social climate. However, the awareness that the following issues may occur may allow you to better plan ahead and avoid stress:
- If you don’t like kids consider spending time at home. Suddenly, kids appear in every part of your life at a time when they ‘should’ be in school. This would be a great time to stay home and catch up on your favorite TV shows or read a book.
- Expect bad traffic. Families travel all over the place for events and fun activities during this holiday. Don’t expect to get anywhere fast.
- Expect hectic parking. Holidays usually mean circling the parking lot or neighborhood a few times before you find a place. Give yourself extra time if you need to go somewhere.
- Expect booking travel to be harder. When Independence Movement Day falls near a weekend booking travel and traffic that weekend may be hectic. Families will be booking all the hotels, camp sites and doing all the activities.
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.
About Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks)
Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life.
Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel.
Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike.
Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts.
Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them.
Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures:
YouTube: @kimchirednecks
YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks
Instagram: @kimchirednecks
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United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com
