ContentsView article sectionsAbout Independence Movement Day 삼일절History of March 1, 1919Celebrating Independence Movement Day in KoreaVisit Tapgol ParkVisit MuseumsThe Start of the Korean School YearPotential Inconveniences on Independence Movement Day in KoreaHow to Source Additional Information About LocationsWondering 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. 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). 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. 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: 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. SOUTH OF SEOUL EDITORIAL INFORMATION Article Information & History Historical Record Originally written by KimchiRednecks Originally published January 5, 2023 Article History January 5, 2023 Article edited Less than 1% of the article changed January 5, 2023 Article edited About 7% of the article changed January 1, 2023 Article edited About 5% of the article changed January 1, 2023 Article edited About 3% of the article changed January 1, 2023 Article edited About 47% of the article changed January 5, 2023 Originally published Written by KimchiRednecks No formal audit has been recorded for this article under the current South of Seoul editorial process. Historical article: This article has not yet been formally audited under South of Seoul’s current editorial process. It remains available as part of our publishing history and may contain information that has changed since publication. Before You Act South of Seoul articles document information available at a particular point in time. 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