March 1st Independence Movement of South Korea
- Doyoung Lim
- Mar 3
- 1 min read
Mar 3, 2026
Doyoung Lim
The 107th 3.1 Independence Movement anniversary (Samiljeol) was commemorated on Sunday, honoring the nationwide protests that started on March 1, 1919, against Japanese colonial rule. The movement was begun by leaders who, after 10 years of Japanese rule, drew up a Korean “Proclamation of Independence” and then organized a mass demonstration in Seoul for March 1, 1919. The 33 leaders hoped to bring international pressure on Japan to end the colonial rule in Korea.
The official ceremony for this year was held at COEX in Seoul. Government officials, descendants of independence leaders, and regular people gathered to honor those who took part in the movement. Speeches, performances, and a moment of silence were held to publicly honor the historically significant day.
March 1 is a national holiday in South Korea. People raise the national flag outside homes and buildings. Since March 1 fell on a weekend this year, this Monday was designated as a substitute public holiday, giving many people a three-day weekend.
Meanwhile, some citizens suggest changing the name of the holiday to “Independence Declaration Day” to better spotlight the historical importance of the 1919 declaration. Supporters say that changing the name would make the spirit of the declaration clearer.
