Liberation Day in South Korea
View the global Liberation Day guide
Liberation Day, or Gwangbokjeol, is observed on 15 August. It commemorates liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945 and also marks the 1948 establishment of the Republic of Korea government.
Liberation Day
Holiday
South Korea
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Saturday
Day
Aug
15
August 15, 2026
Liberation Day Date in South Korea
Date
August 15, 2026
Day
Saturday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Liberation Day Dates in South Korea
Liberation Day 2026
- Confirmed
Liberation Day 2027
- Confirmed
Liberation Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of Liberation Day
Gwangbokjeol means restoration of light. The holiday joins remembrance of independence activists with reflection on sovereignty and the modern republic.
Importance of Liberation Day
Liberation Day in South Korea affects public services, workplace calendars, banking and travel planning. Confirm operational details with the relevant institution when timing is critical.
How Liberation Day Is Celebrated in South Korea
The national ceremony, flag displays, honours for independence patriots and public cultural programmes take place across the country.
Office Impact
Government offices close for Liberation Day, subject to duty arrangements for essential and continuous services.
Bank Impact
Bank branches generally close for the statutory holiday and follow their published settlement calendar.
School Impact
The holiday is included in academic calendars, though 15 August commonly lies within summer vacation.
Travel Information
Liberation Day ceremonies can bring closures near government and historic sites. Verify metropolitan transit and event arrangements for 15 August.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Liberation Day in South Korea?
It is fixed on 15 August.
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. It is covered by South Korea's current statutory holiday framework.
Are banks and offices closed?
Bank branches generally close, while online services continue. Transactions requiring branch or interbank processing may resume on the next banking day.