We all learn that holiday in Korean language is "방학" or "휴가". In fact, that is vacation. With 방학 applied on students and teachers and 휴가 applied to several days off from work (휴일 = a day off).
Today is one of the very important Korean holidays. It's 광복절, The Liberation Day. You wouldn't hear a soul here referring to it as 휴가 or 방학. It can be called as 휴일 as most of the workers do gave a day off on holidays.
Instead, the holidays are referred to here as 빨간날. Literarily translated as "Red Day". For a reason! These days are marked in red color in Korean calendar.
Now, a little about Korean Liberation Day.
*National Liberation Day | 광복절 (gwangbokjeol)
In Korea, National Liberation Day is called 광복절 (gwangbokjeol), which means “Restoration of Light Day.” Its name is made up of three Korean characters:
광 (gwang) = meaning “light”
복 (bok) = meaning “restoration”
절 (jeol) = meaning “holiday”
The name 광복절 (gwangbokjeol) symbolizes the lifting of the shadow cast by Japanese rule over the Korean peninsula. (1910-1945)
When is National Liberation Day of Korea Celebrated?
National Liberation Day of Korea, sometimes known as Korean Independence day, is celebrated every year on the 15th of August.
Korean Independence Day
Despite the holiday being sometimes called Korean Independence day, the word “restoration” is used rather than the word for “independence”, which is 독립 (dongnip). This is to highlight how Korea has a long and proud history and how the Korean nation was “restored” in 1945, rather than “founded.” Many Koreans call this day “Korean Liberation Day” or “National Liberation Day of Korea” when they translate “Gwangbokjeol” into English.
Any thoughts on the intentional terminology? Liberation day vs. Independence day? Leave them in the comments ^.^
*credit: 90daykorean
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