Every country has its moment of triumph — a day that echoes with the voices of freedom, hope, and pride. As the 태극기 (tae-geuk-gi) or Korean flag waves proudly in the summer breeze, it’s that time of year again. 광복절 (gwang-bok-jeol), South Korea’s National Liberation Day, celebrated on August 15, marks Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. What’s even more special? Korea shares this historic date with India, which also gained independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. This shared date adds a beautiful layer of connection between the two nations, both carrying stories of struggle, resilience, and national pride.
Since we already know about India’s Independence Day, let’s explore five Korean terms associated with 광복절 (gwang-bok-jeol) and what it represents for Korea’s Liberation Day.
1. 광복절 (gwang-bok-jeol) – “National Liberation Day”
This is the Korean term for National Liberation Day, observed every year on August 15. The word itself is full of meaning:
광 (gwang) means ‘light’
복 (bok) means ‘restoration’
절 (jeol) means ‘festival’ or ‘holiday’
Put together, it symbolizes ‘the day light was restored’ — a powerful reminder of Korea’s regained sovereignty.
2. 독립 (dong-nip) – “Independence”
A simple yet powerful word meaning independence. This word echoes throughout speeches, writings, and patriotic songs during the season. You’ll often hear it in phrases like 독립운동 (dong-nip-un-dong), referring to the independence movement. It’s not just about ‘freedom’ — it’s about a hard-won victory after years of resistance.
3. 태극기 (tae-geuk-gi) – “South Korean National Flag”
More than a flag — it’s a national symbol of harmony and identity. It’s the name of South Korea’s national flag, a proud symbol that you’ll see displayed on buildings, balconies, and even taxis on 광복절 (gwang-bok-jeol). The red-and-blue circle represents balance between opposing forces, while the four trigrams (black bars) express concepts like heaven, earth, water, and fire.
4. 애국 (ae-guk) – “Patriotism”
The word 애국 (ae-guk) means ‘love for one’s country’ where the word is formed by combining 애 (ae), love, and 국 (guk) meaning country, and it carries deep emotional weight around 광복절 (gwang-bok-jeol). You may find Korean news anchors often mention how the day is about 애국심을 기리는 날 (ae-guk-shim-eul gi-ri-neun nal) – ‘a day to honor patriotism’, truly keeping the patriotic spirit.
5. 애국가 (ae-guk-ga) / 국가 (guk-ga) – “South Korea’s National Anthem/ National Anthem”
애국가 (ae-guk-ga) is the title of the South Korean national anthem, and it literally means ‘The Song of Patriotism’. It plays a central role during 광복절 (gwang-bok-jeol) ceremonies, flag raisings, and national sports events. Its lyrics speak not of war or conquest, but of Korea’s natural beauty, strength, and hope — making it quite unique among national anthems. A must-know word if you’re diving into Korean national holidays.
So this August 15, whether you’re waving an Indian tricolor or a 태극기 (tae-geuk-gi), take a moment to appreciate the shared strength of two nations. These Korean terms are more than vocabulary — they’re windows into national emotion, resilience, and identity.
그럼 다음에 또 만나요! (keu-reom da-eum-ae tto man-na-yo!) – See you next time!
Written by Ariba
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