'Joy of Liberation with the People' 2023 Seodaemun Independence Festival Opens

'The Joy of Liberation Shared by the People' - 2023 Seodaemun Independence Festival Opens

Venue and duration expanded from previous years to allow more citizens to participate and enjoy

103-year-old philosopher and Yonsei University Professor Emeritus Kim Hyung-seok adds significance with opening remarks

Conductor Ham Shin-ik and orchestra 'Symphony Song' to present Liberation Day Eve Concert on the evening of the 14th

Various participation and viewing programs, special exhibitions, and experience booths run through Liberation Day on the 15th

On the evening of the 12th, a musical gala show was held at the outdoor special stage in Seodaemun Independence Park during the opening celebration of the '2023 Seodaemun Independence Festival'.

Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Seong-heon) hosted the ‘2023 Seodaemun Independence Festival’ to commemorate the 78th anniversary of Liberation Day, opening on the 12th with the catchphrase ‘The Joy of Liberation Shared by the People’ for a four-day schedule.

At the opening ceremony held that evening on the outdoor special stage at Seodaemun Independence Park, 103-year-old philosopher and Yonsei University Professor Emeritus Kim Hyung-seok, who studied alongside poet Yun Dong-ju during the Japanese colonial period and personally attended lectures by Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, delivered congratulatory remarks, adding deeper meaning to the event. Lee Jong-chan, President of the Liberation Association, also attended, enhancing the occasion.

In his greeting, Seodaemun-gu Mayor Lee Seong-heon said, “I hope many citizens will reflect on the meaning of liberation through the Seodaemun Independence Festival held at a site rich with the history of self-reliance, civil rights, and independence.”

The subsequent opening celebration featured performances by singer Insooni, traditional Korean music band Isang, and the Seodaemun-gu Women’s Choir, along with a media daebuk (large drum) performance and a musical gala show, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience.

Unlike previous years when the festival was held over two days at the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, this year the duration was extended to four days (August 12?15) and the venue expanded to include Independence Park, allowing more citizens to experience the history and joy of liberation.

Following the opening performance, attendees can enjoy the fashion show ‘Independence Gate Runway,’ the Liberation Day Eve Concert, various participation and viewing programs, a special exhibition commemorating Liberation Day, and experience booths.

Notably, the Liberation Day Eve Concert will take place on the 14th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring conductor Ham Shin-ik and the orchestra ‘Symphony Song’ performing under the theme ‘Songs of Hope and Joy.’ The program includes the national anthem, Liberation Day songs, the nostalgic Geumgangsan Mountain, Gyeonggibyeong Overture, Hungarian Dance, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Summer), and the William Tell Overture.

During the festival, a variety of citizen participation and viewing programs will be offered, including ▲Seodaemun Prison stories narrated by professional guides ▲Independence Army battle experiences ▲Secret society and prison experiences ▲Liberation Day quiz show ▲Participation game ‘I am an Independence Fighter’ ▲Independence pantomime ▲Taekwondo performances, among others.

At the 10th prison cell of the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a special exhibition titled ‘The Day of Liberation, Seodaemun Prison’ will be held to commemorate Liberation Day.

Throughout the festival, experience booths operated by over 30 organizations and groups, including the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea Memorial Hall, will be open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

At the opening ceremony of the '2023 Seodaemun Independence Festival' held on the evening of the 12th at the outdoor special stage in Seodaemun Independence Park, attendees including (front row from the right) Lee Seongheon, Mayor of Seodaemun District, Kim Hyeongseok, Honorary Professor at Yonsei University, and Lee Jongchan, President of the Liberation Association, are observing a moment of silence for the patriotic martyrs.

The closing performance on the 15th from 4 PM to 5 PM will feature Taekwondo performances, traditional Korean music, and a three cheers for independence performance, with the Seodaemun-gu Boys and Girls Choir also participating.

During the festival, admission to the Seodaemun Prison History Hall is free for all visitors, and opening hours are extended until 7:30 PM.

For more detailed information about the ‘2023 Seodaemun Independence Festival,’ please refer to the festival’s official website.