Independence Movement Day in South Korea
Observed each March 1, Independence Movement Day remembers the nationwide nonviolent protests of 1919 against Japanese imperial rule. The date honors the independence movement and the people who called for Korea to recover its sovereignty.[3][4]
A national day and a day off
South Korea’s Rules on Holidays of Public Agencies list March 1 Independence Movement Day as a statutory holiday for government offices. The rules provide a substitute holiday on the next non-holiday when March 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday.[1]
The Labor Standards Act and its enforcement decree make statutory public holidays and substitute holidays paid days off for employees at workplaces covered by those provisions. Government offices and banks close on official holidays, though opening hours at other businesses can vary.[2][6]
The March First Movement
On March 1, 1919, Koreans expressed their determination to end Japanese imperial rule through nonviolent “Mansae” protests held across the country. The movement helped spur the establishment of the Provisional Korean Government in Shanghai, which gave the independence movement greater organization and unity.[3]
In Seoul, Tapgol Park is associated with the public proclamation of the Korean Declaration of Independence and the spread of the movement. Independence Movement Day recalls this call for sovereignty; it is distinct from National Liberation Day, which marks liberation in 1945.[4][3]
Commemorations in South Korea
Government and civic commemorations honor the people who took part in the movement and preserve its history. Seoul’s city guide describes a bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion, where the bell is rung 33 times by participants that include descendants of independence fighters.[5]
The ceremony is one documented example in Seoul; there is no single nationwide custom or traditional holiday food. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs describes the date as an occasion to remember patriots’ service and renew public patriotism.[5][3]
What visitors can expect
Government offices and banks are generally closed for official Korean holidays. The Korea Tourism Organization says palaces, museums, department stores and amusement facilities are generally open, but individual venues may set their own hours; check ahead before travelling.[6]
The national holiday does not mean every shop or service closes. Seoul’s tourism guide says stores and businesses are typically open on most holidays, with major exceptions such as Seollal and Chuseok. Check public-transport schedules before you travel.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Independence Movement Day in South Korea?
Is Independence Movement Day a public holiday?
Is there a substitute holiday if March 1 falls on a weekend?
Under the current Rules on Holidays of Public Agencies, a Saturday or Sunday observance is followed by a substitute holiday on the next non-holiday.[1]
What is usually open for visitors?
Government offices and banks close on official holidays. Palaces, museums, department stores and amusement facilities are generally open, but check a specific venue’s hours before visiting.[6]
Sources and references
Sources used for Independence Movement Day in South Korea:
- 관공서의 공휴일에 관한 규정- National Law Information Center, Ministry of Government Legislation
- 근로기준법 시행령- National Law Information Center, Ministry of Government Legislation
- Korean Memorial Days- Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
- National Holidays- Seoul Tourism Organization
- Holidays and Annual Events for 2026 in Seoul- Seoul Metropolitan Government
- Public Holidays- VISITKOREA- Korea Tourism Organization