letslearnhangul:광복절 [Korean Independence Day]~ [Brief Historical Background]~ August 15th (8월 15일)

letslearnhangul: 광복절 [Korean Independence Day]~ [Brief Historical Background]~ August 15th (8월 15일) is one of the most significant dates in Korean history. On this day over 70 years ago, Japan surrendered to the Allied forces marking an end to World War II, and the end of 35 years of harsh Japanese imperial colonization and occupation over Korea. During the period of colonization, many Koreans faced vast limitations on their culture, language, and history imposed by Japanese provincial governments that destroyed/removed artifacts, banned Korean culture and customs, and imposed laws that rendered Koreans as second class citizens in their own nation. “Gwang Bok Jeol”, or “The Day the Light Returned” is a national Korean holiday that commemorates Korea’s emancipation from foreign rule, the reestablishment of cultural and linguistic independence, and the recovery of freedom. [Customs and Traditions]~ Today, August 15th is a holiday where families get together for a nice meal and an evening watching fireworks. Tae Guk Kis are flown from many homes and buildings, and there is a lot of festivity and fanfare. In effect, Korea’s August 15th is very much similar to July 4th celebrated in the United States. [Korea and Japan Today]~ Despite the passage of many decades since the end of World War II and Japanese occupation, political tension remains high between the two nations (as well as by other Asian nations affected by Imperial Japan). Political/Governmental fumbles revive old wounds and continue to create new ones, but there is hope that the two nations will one day be more at peace with one another and come to a settlement that satisfies both parties. [Korean Independence Day Vocabulary!]~ 독립 (dok rib) independence 자유 (ja yoo) freedom 해방 (hae bang) emancipation 유리 (yoo ri) liberation 태국기 (tae guk gi) South Korea’s flag 광복절 (gwang bok jeol) Korean Independence Day Hope this helps and happy studying! Stay safe everyone!~ “대한민국 만세!” -- source link

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